Museum Archive: Vintage Mud Bug Fred Arbogast, 1/3oz Green / Yellow / Gray fishing lure #0209

A distinctive metal diving lip dominates the front profile of this classic American-made deep diver. Featuring a subtle Green, Yellow, and Gray scale pattern across its back, this Mud Bug by Fred Arbogast (Product Code 0209) remains a favorite for collectors of mid-century crankbaits. The lure measures 2" (5 cm) in length and weighs 1/3 oz (10 g), a density suited for reaching depths of 8–15 ft (2.4–4.5 m) during a retrieve. Flipping the bait over reveals the bold "FRED ARBOGAST CO MUD BUG" stamping on the bright yellow belly, a mark of authenticity from the Akron, Ohio, factory. The hardware is comprised of two stout treble hooks secured with screw-eye hangers, which are characteristic of this model's durable build. Rated at 4/5, the specimen shows light signs of use that highlight its history without compromising the integrity of the paint or components. The red-accented mouth area provides a sharp visual contrast to the muted tones of the body's cross-hatched scaling.