Museum Archive: Vintage Rapala Original Floater F5, 3/32oz FT Fire Tiger fishing lure #7812

Sporting a vibrant FT Fire Tiger finish, this 2" (5cm) minnow displays the classic craftsmanship of a balsa wood Rapala. Originating from Finland, the Rapala Original Floater F5, cataloged as product code 7812, features a hand-tuned design intended to operate at depths between 2ft-6ft (0.6 - 1.8 m). The body reflects a meticulous gradient of orange on the belly transitioning into a speckled green back accented by dark vertical bars, a color scheme that remains a staple for targeting freshwater predators. At a featherweight 3/32oz (2.3g), the balsa construction provides the buoyancy necessary for varied presentations, whether casting or trolling. The clear, sturdy diving lip is paired with two sharp, bronze-finished treble hooks mounted on original split rings. This specimen is in excellent condition, earning a 5/5 rating for its clean finish and well-preserved painted eyes. Every detail, from the signature balsa texture to the precise hardware placement, points back to the legacy started by Lauri Rapala.