Museum Archive: Vintage Yakima Bait Worden’s Original Rooster Tail, 1/4oz Brass / Brown spinning lure #3659

Stamping on the brass willow leaf blade identifies this vintage 1/4 oz (8g) Worden’s Original Rooster Tail as a staple of mid-century American angling history. Produced by Yakima Bait under product code 3659, the lure showcases a brown torpedo-shaped body finished with a distinctive honeycomb texture. The signature hackle feather tail is tied in a matching brown shade, a design element originally popularized by Howard Worden in 1950s Wisconsin to provide a subtle profile in the water. Rated at a 4/5, the spinner displays a soft maturation on the brass finish while the wire frame and treble hook remain functionally sound. The willow leaf blade is engineered for a wide rotation, a technical characteristic that has made these in-line spinners a favorite for navigating small, clear trout streams where a stealthy presentation is required. Every component, from the brass clevis to the weighted body, reflects the utilitarian craftsmanship that turned these lures into a household name for collectors and trout enthusiasts alike.