Museum Archive: Vintage South Bend Fly-Oreno, 1/16oz Red / White fishing lure #9227

Measuring a mere 1 1/4" (3 cm), the classic red head and white body of this vintage specimen immediately catches the eye of any fly rod enthusiast. This South Bend Fly-Oreno, carrying the product code 9227, is a miniaturized version of the well-known Oreno family design, specifically weighted at 1/16 oz (1.6 g) for delicate presentation. Its wooden construction features a deep cupped face designed to disturb the surface when worked on a fly line. The hardware consists of a sturdy double hook attached via a belly screw-eye, ensuring it remains balanced. Notice the painted eye detail, with a crisp black pupil set against a gold ring, typical of the craftsmanship from South Bend's production era. Given its age, the finish remains remarkably vibrant, earning a condition rating of 5/5 for its well-preserved luster and clean surfaces. The line tie is positioned atop the head, characteristic of the Oreno family's topwater profile.