I found this auction awhile ago on ebay. I bet this was made before the were even called swimbaits! Pretty neat huh.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3657337427&category=794#ebayphotohosting
Matt

Crazy, that hook set-up is out of control!!

Thanks Matt.

This bait was made in the late 60's trough the 70's and was primarily used on the West Coast as a bait for Sand Bass although it did work well for Barracuda and Calico's. I never realized they were made in France though. They were made out of rubber, not plastic, and had a pretty long lifetime even if the Barries were eating them. Kinda cool to see one after so long.

Terry

Hey Terry,

Man, your old! Did you use that bait in the 60's??? Har Har!
Good to see ya around here old man!

-Cris

This French lure was called a Vivvif (lively ?). I have reported before on this board that the one time I tried it (in a red/white color) I caught a nice bluefish trolling near the surf in New Jersey. I saw the Vivvif name again in a 2004 catalog. The brand has been taken over by a major lure maker (maybe Panther Martin?). If I recall correctly the modern Vivvif has a changed design (for obvious reasons).

Bob

Nice pics.

If you showed that lure to the old timers from Pierpoint or San Diego they would reminisce. That was a staple surface bait before the Starman (candybar), Baldy or Schnable surface iron came about. The first colors were all white, all yellow, and all sky blue. Later the Vivif company added larger and deeper scales along with multiple colors. Some copies were also made HOOCHIE TOAD. A great calico bass, seabass, yellow lure. When bait was tough guys would chuck the rubber. I,ve personally used em and caught a lot of all 3 species I mentioned on em. Unlike the plastics of today these were durable. I have no doubt that a Largemouth would eat one.