Museum Archive: Vintage Yakima Bait Worden’s Original Rooster Tail, 1/16oz Gold spinning lure #8974

A weight of just 1/16oz (1.77g) makes this particular vintage specimen a prime example of the ultra-light tackle favored for stream fishing. The Yakima Bait Worden’s Original Rooster Tail, cataloged under product code 8974, features the iconic hand-tied hackle tail in a deep reddish-brown. Measuring 2" (5cm) in length, its construction centers around a gold willow leaf blade that shows clear, crisp stamping—a hallmark of these early American-made lures. The orange body is accented with a distinct black pattern, adding a visual contrast that Howard Worden integrated into his designs back in the 1950s. Its treble hook remains sharp and is neatly shrouded by the feathered hackle. This lure carries a condition rating of 5/5, showing zero signs of use and maintaining all original components in their intended state. The brass wire forms a secure attachment for the blade and bead spacers, ensuring the traditional layout of this USA-born classic remains intact.