Museum Archive: Vintage Weedless Johnson Silver Minnow, 3/64oz Gold fishing spoon #11115

Plated in a brilliant gold finish, this diminutive 3/64 oz (1.5 g) spoon represents a classic piece of American angling history from Louis Johnson's legacy. Measuring 1 1/4" (3 cm) in length, the Weedless Johnson Silver Minnow, cataloged under product code 11115, utilizes a specific copper and zinc alloy construction that is thicker in the center than at the edges. This specific geometry facilitates a consistent rocking motion through a 270-degree angle, keeping the hook upright to navigate through structure. A defining characteristic of this specimen is the integrated wire weed guard, which shields the single hook and allows for effective presentation in dense vegetation. Unlike modern iterations, this particular lure was manufactured in the USA, maintaining the standards of the original 1920 design. The gold plating provides a distinct flash that contrasts well in various water clarities compared to the standard silver models. With a condition rating of 5/5, the finish is bright and the weed guard retains its proper tension. This model is frequently tipped with a small trailer to mimic the visual of a distressed baitfish while maintaining its signature stability.