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

Hay Tails. The Hay Manufacturing Company, located at 1231 Milwaukee Avenue, Racine, Wisconsin, manufactured several unique metal lures between the late 1940s and the mid-1950s. One of these notable lures was the "FIN-SPIN," which measured 4-1/8 inches and featured a brilliant chrome finish. This specific information highlights the company's commitment to developing and producing innovative fishing tackle for its time. The Earliest Product — The "TAILS" Spoon: The company's very first product was a metal spoon simply named "TAILS." This fish-shaped lure featured red faceted plastic eyes and was sold on a display card, unlike the company’s three other lures, which were sold in plastic boxes. Historical Narrative: The display card carried a fascinating piece of lore, stating: "This lure design was handed down by the Indians to old time commercial fishermen along the Fox River Valley. Today, these lures are considered rare artifacts of the mid-century American tackle industry, representing a blend of commercial fishing tradition and modern manufacturing.