Museum Archive: Vintage Fred Arbogast Jitterbug Jointed, 1/3oz Frog fishing lure #17497

Heavy-duty silver hardware and a classic frog pattern define this vintage jointed crawler. Weighing in at 1/3 oz (10 g), the lure features a distinctive yellow-green base accented with irregular black spotting across its back and sides. This specimen, identified by product code 17497, showcases the iconic heart-shaped metal lip stamped with the Arbogast brand name, a hallmark of Fred Arbogast's original 1938 design. Measuring 2 1/4" (6 cm), the jointed construction provides a physical break in the body, allowing for movement between the two segments during a topwater retrieve. The underside reveals a solid yellow belly, and the lure presents in 5/5 condition, appearing well-maintained with two sharp, belly-mounted treble hooks. This USA-made classic is designed to create a rhythmic gurgling sound as it tracks across the surface, a characteristic that has made the Jitterbug a staple for night-time bass fishing for decades.