Museum Archive: Vintage Fred Arbogast Jitterbug, 1/3oz Black fishing lure #17748

Measuring a compact 2 1/4" (6 cm), this specimen features the classic solid black finish favored by night anglers for its distinct silhouette against the moonlit surface. The large yellow-painted eyes with bold black pupils provide a striking visual contrast, a detail consistent with the mid-century Fred Arbogast aesthetic. Securely attached to the front is the signature heart-shaped metal lip, designed to create a rhythmic gurgling sound and a lingering bubble trail when retrieved steadily. This particular lure, bearing product code 17748, scales in at 1/3 oz (10 g) and exhibits a clean, well-preserved body. Rated at 4/5, the condition is very good, showing only light evidence of its history while the original-style treble hooks remain sturdy. This USA-made classic is a testament to the durable construction that has defined the brand since 1938, specifically engineered for targeting large bass in vegetation-free water.