We can only add what "we think we know to be true" based upon Nianguas and boxes that we have or have seen. It is important to note that "corrupt" packages (lures, paperwork, lids being changed) are almost inevitable. Many boxes were unmarked and once the lures were taken out for display the likelihood of those being placed back into the original box with the original paperwork and the original lid is quite low. We are not "experts", so errors are may be present. Should you see any misinformation, please contact us. We will correct it ASAP! This information pertains to Niangua boxes. Some of this information does apply to other Little Sac lures, but inconsistencies do exist between the changes in the lures/boxes and the different lure models. We have 5 different Niangua boxes; therefore, we base our information on what we "know" from them. We have also seen 1 other box. Variations among the boxes do exist as well. We will be adding more about those later.

The first box that we believe to have been used was a yellow cardboard box marked - "THE LITTLE SAC" WOODEN MINNOW. We will refer to it as the Yellow Box from here forward. Although the box is not marked as a Niangua box, it contains what is widely accepted as the beginning of the Niangua line - a 3-hooker. Unfortunately, our box does not have a date marked on it. However, we have seen other Yellow Boxes with dates. The Yellow Boxes we have seen have had dates from 1996 and 1997. We have seen "TOPWATER MINNOW" (early Gasconades) Yellow Boxes dated as late as 1998. From what we have found in our paperwork in the boxes, the "true" Niangua made it's debut in March 1998. With that information, we feel fairly confident stating that the Yellow Boxes were issued from 1996 - early 1998. Below is a picture of the Yellow Box.

The Nianguas (Wooden Minnows) found in these boxes should be from 1996 - early 1998. They should have brass props and cups.

We, unfortunately, do not have an example of the second box that we believe to have been issued for the Nianguas (Wooden Minnows). So, our information on these is VERY limited. We have seen this box, so it's existence is in little doubt. We should also add that these do seem to be much rarer than the Yellow Boxes. It is a wood box with essentially the same graphics as the Yellow Box. It also has the same graphics as the first 5-hooker (early Pomme de Terre) that Lanier produced. The pic below is of our box for the first 5-hooker, but it is essentially the same box.

The Nianguas (Wooden Minnows) found in these boxes should be from 1996 - early 1998. They should have brass props and cups.

The next box that we believe was issued for the Nianguas was a wood box stamped - "THE NIANGUA MINNOW". We refer to this box as the Worded Wood Box. We have only seen the year 1999 marked on these boxes. Again, we have seen "TOPWATER MINNOW" and "GASCONADE" boxes marked 1998 and via the paperwork it would make sense that this box started with the "true" Nianguas in early 1998. It was in the summer of 2000 that we purchased our first Niangua from Lanier. That Niangua came in the next series of boxes - the Wood Picture Box (if we remember correctly!). Combining the information we have; we've concluded that the Worded Wood Box was available in the 1998 - 2000 time period. Below is a picture of the Worded Wood Box.

The Nianguas found in these boxes should be from 1998 - 2000. They should have nickel props and cups.

The next box issued was either the White Cardboard Box or the Wood Picture Box. Our knowledge is very limited on the White Cardboard Box. When we decided to start collecting the Nianguas, we chose to collect wood boxes. Unfortunately we did not note when the White Cardboard Box came into existence. We know that it was available concurrently with the Wood Picture Box, but do not know if it preceded it. It and/or the Wood Picture Box had the longest run of the Niangua Boxes. It was replaced in January of 2005 by the Cardboard Picture Box. Below is a picture of our lone White Cardboard Box.

The Nianguas found in these boxes should be from 2000? - 2004. They should have nickel props and cups.

The next box available with the Nianguas was what we refer to as the Wood Picture Box, because it contains a picture of the Niangua stamped on the lid. It is the much more common than Worded Wood Box. As we previously stated, we started collecting the Nianguas in the summer of 2000 and our first lure came in this box. This box was used until it was discontinued in 2005. It was a sad day for us, as we had always opted to add the wood box versions rather than the cardboard. It was an unavoidable change, because Mr. Ollie Miller was departing the area. Ollie had produced the wood boxes for Little Sac Bait Company. We had the pleasure of meeting Ollie on a couple of occasions. He is as pleasant and good-hearted as Lanier. No wonder they made such a good team. They are both simply "GOOD" people. Below is a picture of the Wood Picture Box.

The Nianguas found in these boxes should be from 2000 - 2005. They should have nickel props and cups.

The last box issued for the Nianguas is the Picture Cardboard Box. It was introduced in January of 2005. It has a beautiful sunset on the top and pictures of the different steps in the making of the Nianguas on the sides. It has become the standard box for all recent Little Sac Bait Company Lures. Below is a picture of the Picture Cardboard Box.

The Nianguas found in these boxes should be from 2005 - present. They should have nickel props and cups.

We will eventually add a link to another page with information regarding some of the variations that we have noticed in the Worded Wood Box and the Wood Picture Box here. For those you may be interested.

Hope you enjoyed your visit!!! Feel free to contact us with questions, comments or LEADS!!!
Thank You!!!
Tim & Colleen