Museum Archive: Rapala Original Floater F11, 3/16oz S (Silver) fishing lure #17553

Silver (S) scale detailing wraps around the balsa wood body of this Finnish classic, catching light like natural forage. Measuring 4 1/4" (11 cm) and weighing in at 3/16 oz (6 g), the Rapala Original Floater F11 is a versatile tool for casting or trolling. This specific specimen, identified by product code 17553, is in unused condition, showcasing the handmade and individually tested quality the Finland workshop is known for. The vintage storage box lid shows its history with some paint marks, while the lure itself is a 5/5 example of the original design. Engineered to dive between 3.9 - 5.9 ft (1.2 - 1.8 m), the construction relies on the natural buoyancy of balsa wood and a sturdy diving lip. Its design has changed very little since Lauri Rapala’s 1930s prototype, maintaining the legacy of the original Finnish minnow.