Museum Archive: Vintage Weedless Johnson Silver Minnow, 1/2oz Black / Red fishing spoon #3054

Weighing in at 1/2 oz (14 g), this classic spoon features the unmistakable weedless design that Louis Johnson pioneered back in 1920. This specific specimen, cataloged as Product Code 3054, comes in a distinctive Black / Red finish. The top surface of the 2 1/4" (6 cm) body shows a deep, glossy black enamel with a textured, speckled appearance, transitioning into a dark red tip near the line tie. Turning the lure over reveals the characteristic copper/zinc alloy base, which in this model is designed thicker in the midsection to ensure it maintains a hook-up orientation during retrieval. Unlike modern versions now produced overseas, this item is a genuine Made in USA piece, representing the traditional craftsmanship of the Johnson brand. The single-wire weed guard is firmly seated and aligns with the integrated heavy-duty hook to allow for fishing through heavy vegetation. The condition is a solid 5/5, showing a well-preserved finish that retains its original depth. A sturdy split ring is already attached at the eyelet, ready for terminal tackle. This particular Black / Red colorway offers a high-contrast alternative to the standard silver plating often found in vintage tackle collections.