Museum Archive: Vintage Yakima Bait Worden’s Original Rooster Tail, 1/8oz spinning lure #12598

Stamped clearly into the brass willow leaf blade is the Rooster Tail name and the 1/8 oz (3.54 g) weight designation, marking this as an authentic Worden’s original. This specific specimen features a vibrant yellow body accented with black horizontal stripes, a color scheme often chosen to mimic terrestrial insects like bees. Measuring 2" (5 cm) in length, the lure is built with a feathered treble hook that uses a mix of brown and black hackle to create a natural profile. Produced by Yakima Bait under the product code 12598, this vintage spinner is in excellent 5/5 condition, showing a bright finish on the textured gold-tone blade. The design remains a staple for trout and panfish anglers due to its ability to produce significant vibrations during a steady retrieve. Originating from the USA, the assembly features a clevis-mounted blade and a sharp treble hook, maintaining the classic utility that has made this model famous since the 1950s. The scale-patterned texture on the blade provides additional visual complexity to the flash when fished in clear or stained water.