Vintage Rapala Original Floater F11 (Finland), 3/16oz G (Gold) fishing lure #23838

Glistening in the classic Gold (G) finish, this 4 1/4" (11 cm) balsa wood lure is a prime example of the craftsmanship that came out of Finland under the Rapala name. Weighing in at 3/16 oz (6 g), the specimen identified by product code 23838 retains its original luster and features the iconic narrow lip design. This specific model is built to operate at depths between 3 - 5 ft (0.9 – 1.5 m), making it a versatile choice for both casting and trolling techniques. Looking closely at the hardware, the three treble hooks show minimal signs of age, and the balsa body is clean and exceptionally well-preserved. Lauri Rapala’s 1930s design is evident here, particularly in the subtle red accent at the throat and the classic foil-scale pattern. For a collector, finding an Original Floater F11 in this condition—rated a 5/5—is a treat, as the hand-tuned balance remains intact for uniform retrieves or stop-and-go presentations. The eye detail is a simple painted yellow with a black pupil, highlighting the functional realism typical of these vintage Finnish exports.