Museum Archive: Vintage Heddon Tadpolly Clatter Tad, 3/16oz Frog fishing lure #3230

Stamped clearly on the yellow underside, the 'HEDDON CLATTER TAD' marking identifies this 3/16 oz (5.5 g) vintage find. The classic Frog finish features a vibrant green back transitioning into a bright yellow belly, accented by a bold black spine pattern and scattered spotting along the sides. Measuring 2" (5 cm) in length, this specimen, designated by product code 3230, represents a compact variation of the iconic Tadpolly line. It is engineered to dive to depths of 1.6 ft (0.5 m), making it a specialized choice for casting over shallow vegetation or rocky flats. Rated at 4/5, the lure's finish and hardware show very minimal signs of age, maintaining a clean and vibrant appearance. Heddon’s inclusion of an internal rattle—the 'clatter'—added a mechanical sound element to their traditional lure designs during this era. This USA-manufactured lure features an integrated plastic lip molded as part of the body, which houses the front line-tie and supports two original silver-tone treble hooks.