Post Vmc Rapala Original Minnow

[flipin4bass]

Sitting in the man cave this afternoon, counting the days until pre spawn, I picked up my Dremel tool and decided to settle a debate among some Rapala collectors. For many years, the Original Floating Minnow was known for it's thru-wire construction, a very labor intensive process when hand working balsa lures. It was rumored, especially among some collectors, that VMC stopped using thru-wire construction after they acquired the company from the Rapala family in 2001.  I selected a lure (Model F9)  manufactured in 2012 and compared its weight against two other F9 lures, one made in the 60s and another made in 1972. Result, all three weighed 5g. (3/16 oz)  How could VMC achieve this if they were not still using thru wire construction? After I turned the Dremel off and laid open the body sections near the hook hangers, the verdict was clear...we are still getting the same Original Floater. (See pics)

 

Note: I did not pay retail for this lure and the knowledge gained from its sacrifice is going to make some collectors I know happy. Is it spring yet??

[HoosierHawgs]

You sir just opened a can if worms for those who collect old original floaters.

[flipin4bass]

You sir just opened a can if worms for those who collect old original floaters.

I hope not. I've collected these for years and there are differences in paint, patterns, and boxing. Hopefully they will do their homework. On a good note...at least we know the fish isn't going to pull the hook hanger out of the wood.

[F14A-B]

Nice surgery! That's a interesting note...

[Senko lover]

Good stuff.

[fisherrw]

Good stuff.

yup!

[I.rar]

Before I got out of collecting SRs and floating rapalas, I remember reading some long discussions about this. Good to know they are still constructed the same way!

I wonder what kind of action that thing would have now? You may have created the new fad in hardbaits!