Museum Archive: Fred Arbogast Hula Popper, 1/2oz Fire Tiger fishing lure #12918

Weighing exactly 1/2 oz (14 g), this vintage specimen showcases the vibrant Fire Tiger finish, a color scheme defined by its bold orange-to-yellow gradient and dark green striping. This specific Fred Arbogast Hula Popper, carrying product code 12918, measures 2 1/4 inches (6 cm) and retains the iconic deep-cupped red mouth designed to displace water. The belly is equipped with silver-finished treble hooks mounted via two-screw hardware, reflecting the robust American manufacturing standards of the mid-20th century. At the tail, a multi-strand rubber skirt in black and green is attached; this feature was a groundbreaking Fred Arbogast addition in 1941 to provide visual texture while the lure sits on the surface. The paintwork remains crisp and the hardware shows no signs of wear, marking this item in unused condition. Stamped with its heritage, the body profile is shaped to mimic a variety of aquatic prey from frogs to large insects.