Museum Archive: Vintage Yakima Bait Worden’s Original Rooster Tail 5, 2/5oz spinning lure #21571

Stamped clearly on the scale-patterned willow blade is the 'ROOSTER TAIL 5' mark, identifying this 3 1/4" (8.25 cm) variant of the classic Howard Worden design. Weighing in at 2/5 oz (11.34 g), this specimen features a teal-green and silver painted body paired with a vibrant chartreuse and forest green hackle tail. The gold-toned blade is a hallmark of the Yakima Bait lineage, a brand with roots stretching back to the 1950s when these lures were first popularized for stream-dwelling trout. On this particular specimen, carrying product code 21571, the paint on the weighted body shows some gentle wear and thinning, providing a nice bit of character while remaining in 4/5 condition. The original treble hook is well-camouflaged within the thick feathered tail, which was designed to provide a soft landing and a lifelike profile in the water. The wire form remains straight and secure, terminating in a clean attachment loop.