Museum Archive: Vintage Whopper Stopper Hellbender, 1/4oz fishing lure #19028

A 1/4oz (7g) weight gives this American-made Whopper Stopper Hellbender (Product Code 19028) plenty of substance for its compact 2 1/4" (5.5cm) frame. The finish is a striking combination of a dark reddish-brown top and a golden-yellow lower half, accented by a cross-hatched scale pattern along the flanks. A notable feature is the large, heart-shaped metal diving lip, which is painted yellow to blend with the belly and comes equipped with a metal line snap. On the underside, a subtle red strike point is positioned near the front treble hook. For added flash, a small silver spinner blade is attached to the tail assembly via a swivel. This specific specimen, rated at 4/5 for its well-preserved condition, is designed to reach depths of up to 6.5 ft (2 m) during casting or trolling. The oversized yellow eyes with deep black centers provide a classic 'bug-eyed' look synonymous with mid-century Whopper Stopper designs.