Museum Archive: Vintage Rapala Original Floater, 3/16oz Orange fishing lure #3835

Orange hues across the back define this 4" (10 cm) balsa wood specimen, a piece that captures the heritage of Lauri Rapala’s early designs. Weighing in at 3/16 oz (5 g), this Original Floater features three treble hooks and a clear plastic lip prominently stamped with "ORIGINAL RAPALA FINLAND." The color palette transitions from that vibrant orange down into textured gold scales, eventually meeting a clean white belly. This specific lure, bearing product code 3835, is designed for both casting and trolling applications, reaching depths of 3 ft to 5 ft (0.9 m - 1.5 m). The hardware remains sturdy and functional, matching the overall 5/5 condition of the lure. Because of its light balsa construction, it is most effectively used near the surface or pulled deeper through a steady retrieve. Each detail, from the classic black-and-gold eye to the precise foil wrap, points back to the meticulous craftsmanship expected from Finnish production.