Museum Archive: Vintage Rapala Original Floater F9, 1/8oz Chartreuse fishing lure #11383

Measuring 3 1/2 inches (9 cm) in length, this Chartreuse-patterned Rapala Original Floater F9 represents the enduring legacy of Lauri Rapala’s balsa wood design. At a light 1/8 oz (4 g), the lure is built for versatility in casting and trolling, effectively reaching depths between 3 and 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m). The color scheme on this specific specimen, cataloged under product code 11383, features a bright yellow back over silver-white scaled sides, finished with a notable red-orange throat marking. Manufactured in Ireland, it retains its 5/5 condition, showcasing a clean finish and bright yellow eyes with black pupils. The clear diving lip is firmly set below the line-tie, and the balsa body is rigged with two sharp treble hooks. It is a tool designed for simulating a wounded minnow presentation, whether twitched on the surface or cranked through the upper water column.