Museum Archive: Vintage Whopper Stopper Hellbender, 1/3oz fishing lure #8589

A striking black back with a mottled pattern gives this specimen a classic terrestrial look that vintage collectors immediately recognize. Featuring the iconic oversized metal diving lip, this lure is designed to reach depths of up to 6.5 ft (2 m) during trolling or casting sessions. Showing a clean 4/5 condition rating, the body retains its vibrant yellow eyes and a notable orange-to-red accent along the throat area. Cataloged under product code 8589, the 2 1/4" (6 cm) body weighs in at a balanced 1/3oz (9 g). Whopper Stopper was renowned for their durable USA-made plastics, evidenced here by the secure attachment of the belly and rear treble hooks. The metal lip includes a pre-attached swivel line-tie, a common feature for maintaining stability when working deeper water columns.