Museum Archive: Vintage Weedless Johnson Silver Minnow, 3/4oz Gold fishing spoon #9046

Weighing in at 3/4oz (21g), this gold-finished spoon remains a quintessential choice for fishing through dense lily pads and submerged vegetation. Measuring 2 3/4" (7cm), the lure features a striking holographic diamond pattern on its convex face, a departure from the traditional smooth plating that first made the Johnson brand famous in 1920. This specific specimen carries the product code 9046 and represents the older production era when these were still manufactured in the USA. On the concave side, the clear "JOHNSON SILVER MINNOW" stamping is preserved alongside the weight designation. The integrated weed guard wire is firm and aligned with the single hook, maintaining the weedless integrity required for heavy cover. In a solid 5/5 condition, the metal surfaces are bright and the textured finish reflects light with high intensity. The design uses a specialized copper and zinc alloy, cast thicker in the middle to ensure the hook always tracks in an upright position. The attachment eyelet is clear of debris and the overall construction remains robust.