Cool Ripple Frog

The Cool Ripple Frog is a rather interesting lure in that unlike many other imitation frog lures which were made of solid or hollow rubber, it had a woven rayon body core. The body was then covered with a thin coating of rubber. The combination was quite pliable and according to advertising, "feels like a frog."

An early 1947 ad lists the manufacturer as Cool Ripples Lure, Inc., of Chicago, Illinois although later ads show the Associated Bait Co., also of Chicago.

The lure comes in two versions, both in leopard frog color but one with a tail and one without. The tailless version (top one in the picture) has a single hook coming out of the body at the rear. A weedless rig was attached to the front line tie. Out of each leg are nylon tassels as well as two which are attached to the right and left side of the belly.

The second version has a tail and is narrower in the body than the tailless lure. A single treble hook is attached at the tail and nylon tassel covers the hook. As with the tailless version, nylon tassels extend from the two legs and a weed-guard is also attached to the line tie.

Cool Ripple Lures and Boxes

These mint-in-box examples show that Cool Ripple Bait Company also called the same lure the "Little Beast Casting Frog".

Collector value for this lure is $50 to $75 in excellent condition without box; $75-$125 in the box. (Additional note:  these price estimates are from the original 1998 article.)

• The first Cool Ripple Frog was introduced in late 1946 and was called the Little Beast Casting Frog.
• The first version featured flat legs legs with shredded nylon tuffs for legs with single hook between them (downturned).
• By late 1948 the Cool Ripple Frog featured a treble hook between the legs and now the legs were rounded.
• From around 1948-1950 "human genital organs of both sexes" were equipped between the legs of the frogs.  This was later discontinued.
• Around 1950 the the company also introduced the Ripper-Popper, a fly-rod size lure.
• Below is another photo of a Cool Ripple Frog with Box (thanks to Lang's Auction for permission of photo use):

 Cool Ripple Frog 1st Version in Box

• Here is a very unique item and the only one we have ever seen.  A Cool Ripple Mouse in box.  (Thanks again to Lang's Auction for use of photo):

Cool Ripple Casting Mouse in Box

If anybody has additional information or paperwork such as early advertisements they would share it would be greatly appreciated.

Unknown Lure

Of the 'injured minnow' variety, this lure is unmarked, is 3-3/4" in length, front and rear spinners, and a single treble hook on one side. It is the single treble hook that leads the owner to believe this may be a Paw Paw lure.

If you have any further information on any of the items displayed on this page which you'd like to share, please send your comments to me and I'll update the page accordingly. Contributions of interesting items and/or unknowns are encouraged.

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