Harp Baits: A Journey from Passion to Purpose

Founded by Koen Harp

Harp Baits was born from a simple frustration and a determined spirit. Founder Koen Harp began his journey at the young age of 13, tired of dealing with soft plastic fishing baits that would break or fail to catch fish. Determined to change this, he decided to create his own soft plastic baits that were both durable and effective at catching bass. For his 14th birthday, Koen asked for the essentials: a single stick bait mold, plastic, colors, and an injector. His very first pack of baits consisted of four green pumpkin stick baits, which he proudly displayed in a ziplock bag to anyone who would look. From that moment on, Koen was set on starting his own company, one that would deliver quality baits for fellow anglers.

But success didn’t come overnight. Koen worked tirelessly to perfect his baits, focusing on achieving the right action, durability, and color combinations. He explored different materials to ensure strength and flexibility, crafting unique color patterns while preserving classics like PB&J and Green Pumpkin. Each bait was a product of careful experimentation, where even a single drop of color or glitter could change the bait's appearance and effectiveness.

Harp Baits quickly gained traction. Orders began flooding in, leading to long nights for Koen and his father, Dave Harp, who would stay up until 3 a.m. helping fulfill orders on a fold-out table in their driveway. After school, Koen often found his dad still working on orders from the night before. Dave's unwavering support included donating molds to make production more efficient.

Balancing his budding business with his responsibilities as a Scout was challenging. At one point, Koen took a break from Harp Baits. But his passion never faded. A few months later, he revived the company, ramping up his social media presence and donating baits to anglers. This renewed effort sparked fresh momentum, and Harp Baits grew into the thriving business it is today.

None of this would have been possible without the steadfast support of his parents, Dave and Jamie Harp. Their belief in Koen's vision helped turn his dream into reality. Today, Koen is an Eagle Scout, and Harp Baits continues to serve freshwater anglers with durable, reliable, and thoughtfully crafted soft plastic baits. Each product reflects Koen's dedication to quality, innovation, and the joy of fishing.