Museum Archive: Vintage Johnson Beetle Spin, 1/8oz Nickel / Black spinning lure #0981

Weighing in at a nimble 1/8 oz (3.5 g), this vintage spinnerbait features a distinctive black soft-plastic body paired with a bright nickel-plated blade. The silver-colored blade on this 0981 model is clearly stamped with "BEETLE SPIN" and "JOHNSON," identifying its USA manufacturing roots. The wire frame uses a traditional safety-pin style snap, which allows the 2 1/4" (6 cm) lure to be disassembled or modified easily. A gold-finish hook extends from the black glitter-infused body, which remains supple and well-preserved. Reflecting its careful storage over the years, the hardware and finish are in excellent shape, meriting a 4/5 condition rating. This specific design was pioneered by Virgil Ward and later integrated into the Johnson lineup, becoming a foundational tool for targeting panfish in clear water. The snap-link attachment point is robust, ensuring the jig head remains securely fastened to the overhead wire.