Museum Archive: Vintage Fred Arbogast Jitterbug , 1/2oz Tiger fishing lure #1186

Yellow block lettering spelling out 'JITTERBUG' marks the spine of this 1/2oz (14g) vintage surface plug. The Tiger pattern on this Fred Arbogast classic is exceptionally well-preserved, featuring a dark brown back that gives way to a golden-yellow honeycomb scale motif along the flanks. Measuring 2 3/4" (7cm), the lure’s underside reveals a vibrant orange belly, a color choice often favored by night anglers for the high-contrast silhouette it provides against the water's surface. This specimen, identified by product code 1186, carries two original treble hooks mounted with traditional metal hardware. The centerpiece of the design is the signature heart-shaped aluminum lip, which remains bright and securely fastened by its original screws. Arbogast first introduced this lip configuration in the late 1930s to produce a specific rhythmic gurgling sound that has made the Jitterbug a staple for bass fishing. In its current 5/5 condition, the paint remains crisp across the body, and the painted yellow eyes with black pupils show no signs of wear. The belly hangers and hook points are clean and free of corrosion, maintaining the high quality expected from mid-century Arbogast production.