Museum Archive: Vintage Fred Arbogast Bug Eye, 2/5oz fishing lure #18003

Oversized yellow eyes with deep black pupils dominate the front of this 1 1/2" (4cm) specimen, providing the clear visual signature for which the Arbogast Bug Eye is known. Produced in the USA under product code 18003, this compact 2/5oz (11g) lure features a vibrant green back with dark, mottled patterning that mimics a frog or small bass. The sides transition into a crisp silver scale pattern over a cream-colored belly, all protected by a clear finish. A wide, transparent plastic lip is integrated into the nose to manage its floating behavior. The rear of the body is equipped with a dual-color skirt, combining long yellow and pale silver rubber strands for added profile. Two sharp treble hooks are mounted via sturdy screw-eyes to the belly and tail sections. In 4/5 condition, the lure maintains its structural integrity and the paint remains quite bright, showing only minor signs of its long history in a tackle box.