Museum Archive: Vintage Fred Arbogast Hula Popper, 3/32oz Fire Tiger fishing lure #5867

Weighing in at a delicate 3/32 oz (3 g), this compact topwater specimen represents the miniature end of the famous Fred Arbogast lineup. It measures precisely 1 1/4" (3 cm) in length, making it a specialized tool for light tackle situations or targeting panfish and smallmouth. The color pattern, identified as Fire Tiger, features a vibrant yellow underbelly transitioning into a teal-blue back adorned with bold, vertical black bars. A distinctive red hue circles the interior of the deeply cupped mouth, accented by large yellow eyes with centered black pupils. The skirt is a two-tone rubber construction, alternating between yellow and white strands, secured just behind the bulbous body. This specific lure, cataloged under Product Code 5867, comes equipped with a clean double hook belly hanger, a hardware choice often utilized to reduce snags in weedy shallows. Rated at 5/5, the finish is well-preserved, showcasing the rich gloss typical of vintage Arbogast craftsmanship. The rubber skirt was a revolutionary addition to topwater fishing when Fred Arbogast first introduced the Hula concept in 1941, designed to provide subtle movement even when the body remains stationary on the surface.