Museum Archive: Vintage Strike King Water Scout , 1/2oz Tiger fishing lure #8895

Weighing in at 1/2oz (14g), the hand-shaped wooden body of this Strike King Water Scout reflects the honest craftsmanship of early American lure making. Measuring 2 1/4" (5.5cm) in length, this specimen is finished in a bold Tiger pattern, featuring dark vertical bars over a yellow-green back and a bright orange belly. The hardware is anchored by traditional screw-eyes, securing two vintage-style treble hooks, while a sturdy metal diving bill with a built-in line tie sits at the nose. Identified by product code 8895, this lure is in 4/5 condition, showing light signs of its journey through time that only add to its character. The large, painted eyes provide that classic aesthetic that collectors look for in early wood models. These lures were typically used for casting or trolling, where the buoyancy of the timber worked in tandem with the broad metal lip.