Museum Archive: Vintage Matzuo Phantom Minnow, 1/2oz Fire Tiger fishing lure #9017

Weighing in at 1/2oz (14g), this Matzuo Phantom Minnow features a classic Fire Tiger pattern with bold black stripes over a vibrant green and orange gradient. This 4 1/4" (11cm) suspending lure is engineered with an internal rattle chamber to provide an audible signature during casting. The clear diving lip is designed to target depths between 2ft (0.6 m) and 6ft (1.8 m). Under UV or low light, the finish reveals a distinct luminescent glow, making it a versatile choice for varying water clarities. Identified by product code 9017, the specimen is equipped with two sharp treble hooks and remains unused with a condition rating of 5/5. This US-designed lure stands as a clean example of Matzuo’s manufacturing approach to multi-depth minnows.