Can anyone tell me anything about this lure? Is it vintage? I can't find any pics of it searching Google. I suspect it's just handmade. I picked it up from an elderly gentlemen at the beach for $5. He wanted to sell me his entire tackle bag. but I only bought this and a standard size Spook in bass pattern.

 

Looks like a Hubs Chub (Rattalur), or a close knockoff. Billy Westmoreland promoted for them way back when. I've got half a dozen or so...

 

I remember seeing ads with Billy Westmoreland promoting this lure. One I always wanted but never found...

UPDATE: After a little searching, it turns out you probably have a similar Florida version called the "Johnny Rattler" made by Rhoden Enterprises that was located in Lake Wales, FL. The only real difference is the chin notch that the original Hubs Chub didn't have. Hubs Chub were started in the 1950s in Indiana as a wooden bait, at first, and then later plastic. The Florida version by Rhoden came about later, in the 1970s & 1980s.

 

@Team9nine  Thanks.

2 minutes ago, Team9nine said:

Probably added the extra notch to avoid patent infringement.

4 minutes ago, the reel ess said:

Probably added the extra notch to avoid patent infringement.

 

Likely - Hubs Chubs were at first, hand carved wood baits started in the early 1950s. They began mass production in plastic in the late 1950s. I don't think the Rhoden baits came out until the 1970s or a little later. Warren Hubbard, the original designer, is also know more so for his most famous creation, the Sparkletail

 

3 minutes ago, Team9nine said:

 

Likely - Hubs Chubs were at first, hand carved wood baits started in the early 1950s. They began mass production in plastic in the late 1950s. I don't think the Rhoden baits came out until the 1970s or a little later. Warren Hubbard, the original designer, is also know more so for his most famous creation, the Sparkletail

 

This one appears to be balsa wood. It floats pretty high. For that reason it's not good for a steady retrieve. It likes jerks and twitches. I used it at my sister's place this weekend. I missed one bite.

5 minutes ago, the reel ess said:

This one appears to be balsa wood. It floats pretty high. For that reason it's not good for a steady retrieve. It likes jerks and twitches. I used it at my sister's place this weekend. I missed one bite.

 

Interesting - the real old original hand carved Hubs Chubs were white pine. No idea if the Rhoden or Edger baits were ever made of wood. At least we've got it pinned down to just a couple possible ID options - lol. 

 

I can assure you that is a Johnny Rattler. I've been using them for many years and it is one of my favorite topwaters along with the Hub's Chub Rattalur which is similar.

 

I would recommend removing the snap swivel and tie directly to the line-tie. You will get batter action.

34 minutes ago, riverat said:

 

I can assure you that is a Johnny Rattler. I've been using them for many years and it is one of my favorite topwaters along with the Hub's Chub Rattalur which is similar.

 

I would recommend removing the snap swivel and tie directly to the line-tie. You will get batter action.

I did remove it. That was just on it when I bought it. I actually prefer Tactical Anglers clips for hard baits because I kayak fish and it's just easier to switch most of them with a clip. I noticed this bait walks a little. It has a cool action for sure.