Museum Archive: Vintage Johnson Silver Minnow Weedless, 2/5oz nickel fishing spoon #23641

Weighing in at 2/5 oz (12 g), this classic spoon is a refined example of the weedless design pioneered by Louis Johnson over a century ago. The 2 1/4" (6 cm) body is stamped from a copper and zinc alloy, intentionally engineered with a thicker center to ensure the guarded hook remains upright during the retrieve. This particular specimen, identified by Product Code 23641, features a bright nickel finish that creates a persistent flash throughout its signature 270-degree rocking motion. As an older production piece from the USA, it represents a period of domestic manufacturing before operations were moved. The single hook and wire weed guard are clean and functional, contributing to a condition rating of 5/5. Anglers often find success using this hardware in heavy cover, sometimes adding a trailer to enhance the visual profile without disrupting the spoon's balance.