Museum Archive: Vintage Rapala Original Floater F9, 1/8oz FT fishing lure #19068

Chartreuse and yellow hues define the high-contrast Firetiger (FT) pattern on this balsa wood body, a classic finish for the Rapala Original Floater F9. At 3 1/2" (9 cm) in length, this specimen carries the heritage of Lauri Rapala’s original 1930s design into a modern, Irish-made production. This lure, designated by product code 19068, is unused and maintains its factory-fresh appearance with no hook marks or paint loss. The light 1/8 oz (4 g) weight makes it a staple for light-tackle casting or trolling near the surface. A clear, angled lip is designed to take the balsa minnow to depths of 3-5 ft (0.9-1.5 m). The color scheme transitions from a deep orange belly through bright yellow sides to a lime green back accented by dark, vertical stripes. Each of the two sharp treble hooks is secured by sturdy split rings, ready for the water or a display case. The simple yellow-and-black painted eyes remain clear and centered on the head.