Museum Archive: Vintage Weedless Johnson Silver Minnow UV, 1oz Fire Tiger fishing spoon #12517

Heavy enough for long distance casting into thick vegetation, this 1 oz (28 g) spoon features a bold Fire Tiger pattern on its copper and zinc alloy body. Measuring 3 1/2" (9 cm), this Weedless Johnson Silver Minnow UV, cataloged as Product Code 12517, showcases a vibrant orange-to-yellow gradient transition accented by deep green serrated markings. Unlike the traditional silver-plated models, this specific iteration incorporates a high-visibility UV glow feature that becomes strikingly apparent in low-light environments. The single hook is protected by a sturdy wire weed guard, a design staple since Louis Johnson first engineered the lure in 1920 to traverse lilies and weeds without snagging. The spoon’s unique thickness in the center maintains a stable orientation, ensuring the hook point stays upright during the retrieve. This particular specimen is from the original USA-made production stock, predating the brand's shift to overseas manufacturing. It remains in excellent condition, rated 5/5, with a clean, unmarred finish and crisp "Silver Minnow" stamping on the side.