Museum Archive: Vintage Helin Tackle Helin FlatFish, 1/3oz fishing lure #7127

Measuring exactly 3 1/2" (9 cm), the curved wooden profile of this Helin FlatFish showcases the classic craftsmanship of early Detroit-based production. A black base coat decorated with distributed orange-yellow spots provides high contrast, a pattern long favored for various freshwater conditions. This 1/3 oz (10 g) model, identified by product code 7127, features the traditional Helin spreader-bar hardware system designed to maximize hook-up ratios while maintaining the lure's intended balance during a slow troll. The surface finish is rated 4/5, showing fine lines and signs of history across the wooden surface that reflect its journey through tackle boxes. Every screw-eye and hook remains intact, highlighting the robust build quality Helin Tackle was known for before the transition to plastic materials. Anglers originally utilized these for trout and pike, relying on the slow-speed performance dictated by the unique flat-faced head design.