Museum Archive: Vintage Johnson Silver Minnow, 2/5oz Yellow fishing spoon #17382

Featuring a vibrant yellow enamel finish accented by a single bold red diagonal stripe, this vintage specimen showcases the distinctive color patterns used on mid-century weedless spoons. This Johnson Silver Minnow, cataloged under product code 17382, represents the classic American craftsmanship of the original USA-based production. Measuring 2 1/4" (6 cm) and weighing 2/5 oz (12 g), the body is forged from a specialized alloy that is thicker in the center to maintain its orientation during use. The integrated wire weed guard, a signature element of Louis Johnson’s 1920 design, remains intact and functional for navigating heavy vegetation. The surface shows gentle signs of its history with some visible paint loss on the edges and hook, which I would rate at a solid 4/5 condition. This honest wear reveals the metal beneath while the hardware remains robust and ready for the tackle box. Its construction focuses on a rocking motion that presents the hook upward, effectively minimizing snags in lily pads or timber.