Museum Archive: Vintage Rapala Fred Arbogast Jitterbug, 1/3oz Black fishing lure #11136

The Jitterbug: A Classic Topwater Lure That Still Dominates Today

For over 80 years, the Jitterbug has been one of the most popular topwater lures in the angling world. Created in 1938 by the legendary Fred Arbogast, the Jitterbug was designed to mimic the frantic movements of a large bug that had fallen into the water. With its unique design and sound, this lure quickly became the go-to nighttime lure for large bass, and it remains a top producer today.

One of the key features of the Jitterbug is its wide, heart-shaped metal lip on its face. During a steady retrieve, this lip causes the lure to wobble from side to side, creating a deep, rhythmic gurgling sound that draws the attention of bass and pike from long distances. The lip also creates a thick bubble trail that lingers behind the lure, giving fish something to follow to the target.

The Jitterbug is known for its unique tone, which fish home in on. This sound, combined with the lure's enticing action, makes it a top choice for anglers looking to catch large fish. The Jitterbug works great in daylight as well as at night, and it's particularly effective in wide-open water that's free of vegetation and debris, where its dual treble hooks won't get caught up.

While the Jitterbug is typically fished with a steady retrieve, anglers can also give it a more erratic action by whipping the rod a few times and then pausing. This causes the lure to zip violently and stutter, which can trigger bites from even the most reluctant fish.

The Jitterbug is easy to fish and has been a staple in tackle boxes for generations. It's one of the most unique topwater lures ever developed and remains a favorite among anglers of all ages. Whether you're targeting largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pike, or other species, the Jitterbug is a proven performer that's sure to put fish in the boat.