Fred Arbogast Hawaiian Wiggler
Among the many classic fishing lures that have left a mark on angling history, the Fred Arbogast Hawaiian Wiggler holds a special place. First introduced in the mid-20th century, this unique lure brought innovation and effectiveness together, creating a tool that helped countless anglers land more fish. Its design was ahead of its time, and even today, it remains a favorite for those who understand the subtle art of lure presentation. With a sleek body, integrated weed guard, and fluttering tail, the Hawaiian Wiggler is known for its ability to attract fish in a wide range of environments, especially in heavy cover and weedy conditions.
History and Origins of the Hawaiian Wiggler
Fred Arbogast: A Pioneer in Lure Design
Fred Arbogast was an avid angler and inventive lure maker who contributed significantly to the fishing tackle industry. He founded the Fred Arbogast Company in Akron, Ohio, and created several well-known lures, including the Jitterbug, Hula Popper, and of course, the Hawaiian Wiggler. The idea behind the Hawaiian Wiggler was to produce a weedless lure that could still provide action and vibration in thick vegetation where other lures would snag or tangle.
Introduction of the Wiggler
The Hawaiian Wiggler was launched in the 1940s, featuring a sleek spoon-like body and a free-moving hook dressed in a rubber skirt. Its key innovation was the built-in weed guard, allowing anglers to cast into lily pads, submerged grass, or around timber with less risk of snags. This made it especially valuable for bass fishing and targeting species that tend to hide in dense underwater structures.
Design and Functionality
Unique Body Shape
The Hawaiian Wiggler has a flattened, spoon-shaped metal body designed to wiggle and vibrate as it moves through the water. This action mimics a wounded baitfish, a presentation that triggers predatory instincts in game fish like largemouth bass, pike, and even muskie.
Weed Guard and Hook System
What makes the Fred Arbogast Hawaiian Wiggler truly innovative is the integrated wire weed guard that sits over the hook. This feature lets the lure slide through heavy cover without snagging, opening up opportunities in areas where traditional lures fail. The trailing hook is typically adorned with a rubber or vinyl skirt, adding to its lifelike motion and visual appeal.
Rubber Skirt for Added Attraction
The signature rubber skirt was one of the first of its kind and set a trend that’s still common in modern lure designs. This skirt flutters in the water, simulating the movement of a fish’s tail or swimming legs, making the lure appear alive and vulnerable to predators.
Best Ways to Use the Hawaiian Wiggler
Ideal Fishing Environments
The Hawaiian Wiggler performs exceptionally well in areas with dense aquatic vegetation. It is perfect for:
- Lily pad beds
- Submerged grass fields
- Shallow weed-filled coves
- Timbered lakes or rivers with submerged stumps and branches
Retrieve Techniques
To maximize its effectiveness, anglers often use a steady, medium-paced retrieve. This allows the lure to maintain its signature wiggling action. Some also like to vary the speed or add a few jerks or pauses to mimic a wounded fish, which can provoke reaction strikes from nearby predators.
Tackle Recommendations
Pairing the Hawaiian Wiggler with a medium-heavy rod and a reel spooled with braided or heavy monofilament line is ideal. The rod should have enough backbone to pull fish from heavy cover but still provide sensitivity for detecting subtle strikes.
Target Fish Species
Largemouth Bass
Perhaps the most common target for the Hawaiian Wiggler, largemouth bass are often found hiding in thick vegetation. This lure allows anglers to get into those zones without constantly getting hung up, increasing strike opportunities significantly.
Northern Pike and Muskie
The flash and vibration of the spoon-like body combined with the pulsating skirt make this lure attractive to larger, aggressive predators like pike and muskie. They are known to ambush from cover, making the Wiggler a practical choice.
Peacock Bass and Other Exotic Species
In warmer climates and exotic fishing trips, the Hawaiian Wiggler has proven itself on species like peacock bass and snakehead, especially in weedy lakes and backwater channels.
Modern Relevance and Collectibility
Still Effective Today
Although decades have passed since its introduction, the Fred Arbogast Hawaiian Wiggler still holds its own against modern lure designs. Many seasoned anglers keep one or two in their tackle box for when the conditions are right. Its effectiveness in cover-rich environments hasn’t diminished, and in fact, its simplicity can outperform more complex lures when fish are pressured.
Collector’s Item
Vintage models of the Hawaiian Wiggler, especially those with original packaging or in unique colors, have become collectible items. Anglers and fishing history enthusiasts often seek these out for display or to complete their collection of classic American lures.
Advantages of the Hawaiian Wiggler
- Excellent weedless performance in dense vegetation
- Durable metal body for long-lasting use
- Natural and attractive action mimicking baitfish
- Classic design that still catches fish today
- Useful in both freshwater and brackish environments
Tips for Success with the Wiggler
Maintain the Skirt
Check the rubber skirt regularly. Over time, it can dry out or tear. Replacing the skirt when needed helps maintain the lure’s effectiveness and movement in the water.
Experiment with Colors
The Hawaiian Wiggler comes in various colors. While silver and gold are reliable standards, brighter colors can be effective in murky water or overcast conditions. Match the color to water clarity and forage species for best results.
Use in Low-Light Conditions
This lure is particularly effective during early morning and late evening when fish are more active in shallow, weedy areas. The added flash and vibration make it easy for fish to detect.
The Fred Arbogast Hawaiian Wiggler is more than just a lure it’s a piece of fishing history that remains relevant and effective today. Its thoughtful design, focused on fishing in heavy cover, set the stage for many modern weedless lures. Whether you’re casting for bass in lily pads or seeking a reliable classic to round out your tackle selection, the Hawaiian Wiggler delivers both nostalgia and results. Anglers who appreciate proven tools with a legacy of success will find this lure to be a valuable addition to their gear.