Museum Archive: Vintage Johnson Silver Minnow Weedless, 3/5oz gold fishing spoon #23034

A gold finish gleams across the distinctive profile of this 3/5oz (17g) specimen, reflecting a lineage that dates back to Louis Johnson’s 1920 invention. Measuring 2 3/4" (7cm), this Johnson Silver Minnow Weedless, product code 23034, features the characteristic "PAT'D" stamping on the inner curve of the spoon. The body is constructed from a specialized copper/zinc alloy that is strategically thicker in the center to maintain an upright hook position during use. A single, integrated hook is protected by a fine wire weed guard, allowing the lure to navigate through dense vegetation where predatory fish often hide. While originally famous for silver plating, this gold-colored variation offers a warmer flash ideal for specific water clarities. The metal surfaces are clean and well-preserved, earning a condition rating of 5/5. This American-made lure is engineered to rock through a wide 270-degree angle, a movement dictated by the specific taper of the metal casting. The heavy-gauge single hook remains sharp and ready for service, whether fished clean or with a trailer.