Museum Archive: Vintage Fred Arbogast Hula Popper, 1/4oz Tiger fishing lure #5858

Measuring 1 1/2" (4 cm) in length, this Fred Arbogast classic showcases the iconic deep-cupped red mouth that defined surface-fishing for decades. The Tiger color scheme on this specimen, carrying product code 5858, consists of a dark olive-black upper body transitioning into tan flanks with bold, dark spots. A signature feature of the design is the rubber "Hula" skirt at the rear, a Fred Arbogast innovation first introduced in 1941 to mimic the movement of a frog's legs or a fluttering insect. The lettering "HULA POPPER" is cleanly stamped in white along the spine, a detail that remains crisp on this 5/5 rated lure. It is equipped with a sturdy double hook secured to the belly, typical of these smaller 1/4 oz (8 g) casting models intended for targeting bass in lily pads or near heavy structure. The large, painted yellow eyes with dark pupils provide a high-contrast focal point at the front of the lure, positioned just above the steel line tie.