Museum Archive: Kmart Kresge #381, 1/2oz White / Black fishing lure #11780

A bold white and black dotted pattern defines the visual character of this Kresge #381, a piece that dates back to the era when Kmart sourced high-quality tackle directly from Japan. Measuring 3 1/4" (8 cm) in length and weighing in at 1/2 oz (14 g), the lure is designed for both casting and trolling applications. Its construction includes a prominent metal diving lip that allows the floating body to reach depths of up to 6.5 ft (2 m). This specific specimen is preserved in its original blister packaging and remains unused, categorized as condition 6. Along with the stark red-centered eyes, the hardware features a small silver-toned blade at the tail end to provide flash during the retrieve. The cataloged product code for this model is 11780. The card identifies it as a product for the Kresge Company of Troy, Michigan, highlighting its mid-century retail history. Dual treble hooks are secured to the underside, showing the original factory hardware configuration.