Museum Archive: Kmart Kresge #318, 3/32oz Yellow / Red fishing lure #11828

Bright yellow and red paint gives this small lure high visibility, designed specifically for a slow retrieve. Manufactured in Japan for the S. S. Kresge Company (now Kmart), this #318 model reflects the mid-century era of department store private-label fishing gear. Weighing in at 3/32 oz (2.5 g) and measuring 1 1/2" (3.5 cm), it is a petite option suited for targeting trout, ide, chub, pike, and zander in lakes or small streams. The lure is presented in its original blister pack, with the graphics featuring a fisherman silhouette and the EK logo of the S. S. Kresge Company out of Troy, Michigan. It comes equipped with a single treble hook and a small eyelet for line attachment on the upper body. Because it remains in its original packaging, this specimen is unused. The card back specifies that this model, designated by product code 11828 and number 318, was intended for trolling techniques.