Museum Archive: Vintage Johnson Silver Minnow Weedless, 1/3oz nickel fishing spoon #23945

Weighing exactly 1/3 oz (9g), this legendary spoon utilizes the patented teardrop shape perfected by Louis Johnson back in 1920 to navigate the thickest weed beds. The 2" (5 cm) body is cast from a copper and zinc alloy, engineered to be slightly thicker in the middle. This weighting ensures that as the lure moves, the hook remains oriented upwards, tucked behind the protective wire weed guard. Identified by product code 23945, this specimen features a bright nickel finish designed to produce a sharp flash that draws attention from beneath the surface. Unlike modern iterations produced overseas, this is a vintage American-made piece from a time when Johnson's manufacturing was still based in the USA. The integrated weed guard is springy and well-aligned with the hook tip, maintaining its functional integrity. Rated at a 5/5 condition, the metal surfaces are exceptionally clean and mirror-like, reflecting the quality of the original plating process. The line tie is a simple, sturdy wire loop, providing a direct connection for sensitivity when fishing through lilies or hydrilla.