Museum Archive: Vintage Popper Creek Chub Plunker, 3/16oz fishing lure #7431

A vibrant red cupped mouth and gold-scaled body define this plastic iteration of the Plunker, which followed the original wood design first introduced by the Indiana-based company in 1927. Measuring 2 1/4" (6 cm), this specimen belongs to the era between 1952 and 1970 and carries the product code 7431. The finish features a deep black head that contrasts against the yellow-gold scales, while the side of the lure is clearly stamped with the Creek Chub Plunker name. At 3/16 oz (5.5 g), this ultralight topwater lure is built for surface casting, targeting species like pike and perch in shallow waters. The hardware remains in excellent shape, rated at 5/5, with two sharp treble hooks secured by classic belly-rigging. A distinct red splash on the belly adds a subtle visual trigger beneath the surface when the lure is worked over heavy cover.