Museum Archive: Vintage Fred Arbogast Jitterbug Early Bug Eye, 1/2oz fishing lure #18002

A distinct frog-patterned finish with bold black spotting covers the body of this 2 3/4" (7cm) surface lure, cataloged under product code 18002. Weighing in at 1/2oz (14g), the early "Bug Eye" design is a significant piece of American tackle history from Fred Arbogast, originally introduced in 1938. The characteristic metal lip is designed to create a rhythmic "flop-flop" sound across the water's surface, a technical feature that remains as effective today as it was decades ago. Looking at the hardware, you will find two stout treble hooks secured with vintage-style mounting plates, all preserved in excellent 5/5 condition. The yellow-to-green gradient on the sides provides a high-contrast profile typical of these USA-made classics. This specific specimen appears unused, with the original paint and metal surfaces remaining clean. The prominent, deeply set eyes are a hallmark of these earlier production models, distinguishing them from later versions with simplified painted features.