Museum Archive: Vintage Marathon (with sonic blades), 2/5oz fishing spoon #8645

Vibrant red metallic plating covers the surface of this 2 1/4" (6 cm) spoon, featuring a deeply textured scale pattern designed to catch and refract light. Weighing in at 2/5 oz (12 g), the lure is distinct for its dual silver-toned sonic blades attached to the rear split rings, which provide visual flash and mimic the movement of a baitfish tail. This specimen, identified by product code 8645, was produced by the Marathon Bait Company of Wisconsin, a manufacturer that operated between 1929 and 1979. The hardware, including the sharp treble hook and the nose split ring, shows no signs of aging, justifying a condition rating of 5/5. These miniature willow-style blades also serve to partially obscure the hook from wary fish. The teardrop shape of the main body is slightly concave to assist with water displacement during a steady retrieve.