Museum Archive: Vintage Weedless Johnson Silver Minnow (1970s), 1/4oz Silver (Silver Plated) fishing spoon #14204

Silver-plated for a distinctively bright flash that outperforms standard chrome, this vintage 1/4 oz (7 g) specimen remains secured in its original 1970s blister pack. Measuring 2 1/4" (5.5 cm) in length, the spoon is crafted from a specialized copper-zinc alloy designed to be thicker in the center. This specific geometry facilitates a stable rocking motion that covers a 270-degree angle, directing light reflections downward and to the sides where predatory fish typically strike. Given its unused status and rating of 6, the silver plating retains its original luster, while the orange-and-white backing card displays some honest storage wear. The integrated weed guard is a hallmark of Louis Johnson’s classic design, intended for casting directly into heavy lily pads or brush. Labeled with product code 14204, the packaging provides original rigging instructions, suggesting the addition of a pork frog or skirt to the single hook. This American-made lure dates back to a period when Johnson production was still based domestically in the USA.