Museum Archive: Vintage Heddon Tadpolly, 1/3oz fishing lure #9985

Measuring 3 1/4" (8 cm) in length, this vintage Heddon Tadpolly features a classic teardrop profile that has long been a staple for trout and salmon anglers. A blue-to-silver gradient on the back transitions into a soft pink belly, creating a high-contrast profile. The integrated metal lip, specific to the 9985 product code, is engineered to maintain stability while reaching depths of up to 13 ft (4 m). At 1/3 oz (10 g), this sinking lure is weighted to stay down during fast-paced retrieves or in heavy river flow. The hardware includes original treble hooks attached with standard split rings, typical of Heddon's USA-based production. This lure sits at a 5/5 condition rating, showing a well-preserved finish across the metallic surfaces. The stamped metal diving plane and the tapered tail section are defining features of this particular model's construction.