Vintage Hay Tails, 1/3oz copper/red fishing spoon #24424

Red faceted plastic eyes are wired directly through the copper fish-shaped body of this Hay Tails spoon. Hailing from the Hay Manufacturing Company of Racine, Wisconsin, this 1/3oz (9g) lure represents the earliest product line from a maker known for mid-century innovation between the late 1940s and mid-1950s. The 2" (5cm) profile reflects a design steeped in Fox River Valley history, said to be a traditional pattern shared by Native Americans with local commercial fishermen. This specific specimen in a copper/red finish retains its original hardware, including the nose swivel and rear treble hook. Rated at 4/5, the metal surface shows a light, authentic character from its time in a tackle box. Known by the Product Code 24424, this "TAILS" model was unique among Hay products for being marketed on display cards rather than the plastic boxes used for their later Fin-Spin lures.