Museum Archive: Vintage Yakima Bait Worden’s Original Rooster Tail, 1/4oz Nickel spinning lure #4142

Weighing 1/4oz (7g), the yellow and black striped body of this specimen mimics the high-contrast patterns that have been a staple for trout and panfish anglers since the mid-20th century. This Yakima Bait creation, specifically Worden’s Original Rooster Tail under product code 4142, measures 2 3/4" (7cm) and remains in top-tier condition, rated 5/5. The gold-finished willow leaf blade is stamped with a scale texture to catch light, a design choice by Howard Worden that helps the lure maintain visibility even in slightly stained water. Secured at the rear is a sharp treble hook masked by a dense collar of yellow and black hackle feathers, which adds bulk to the presentation without increasing weight. Anglers often reach for this specific weight class when casting into deeper pools or working against a moderate current where a bit more mass is required for stability. The wire construction and the way the blade is clevis-mounted allow for a very low-tension startup when the retrieve begins. Each component, from the painted lead body to the feathered tail, shows virtually no wear, reflecting its well-preserved status.