According to Bill Stuart's book series, "Florida Lure Makers & Their Lures", the Four Tees Bait Company began production in a small shop in Tampa, Florida, August 1935. The slogan read "The Topper That's Tops!"

   Using simple tools, William Bales slowly carved his niche in Florida's prospering tackle industry. Examples of his earliest work indicate they were carved by hand, then sanded and painted in simple color schemes. As demand increased, Bales' lures took on a more refined production quality.  

    The Dolphin is the most identifiable Four Tees lure. Available in limited size and color variations, the earliest models had no eyes. Another distinguishing feature of many Four Tees lures is the staple rig used to restrict forward movement of the treble hooks. The photograph below shows an early no-eye version along with a super rare scale finish paint pattern.