For as long as anglers have pursued fish, they‘ve relied on lures to help fool their quarry. And over the past century, the unassuming fishing lure has evolved from a purely practical tool into a prized collectible, with the rarest and most sought-after examples commanding six-figure prices at auction. Whether you‘re a passionate collector or just curious why certain chunks of old wood and metal can be worth more than a new boat, read on for our in-depth look at the most valuable antique fishing lures of all time.
The Birth of the Modern Fishing Lure
While crude artificial lures like bone hooks and bronze spoons have been around for thousands of years, most experts trace the birth of the modern fishing lure to one man: James Heddon. In 1902, the Michigan beekeeper whittled a piece of wood into the shape of a minnow and used it to catch a bass, proving the effectiveness of lures carved to mimic baitfish. Heddon began selling his hand-made creations out of his shop and established the first major commercial lure company.
Lure pioneers like Heddon, W.D. Chapman of Phantom Lures, and the Pfleuger family quickly transformed sport fishing in the early 1900s with their innovative designs. Lures made from wood, metal, and early plastics allowed anglers to cover more water and consistently catch bigger fish than with live bait. The public‘s imagination was captured by these "miracle lures" and fishing‘s popularity exploded in the 1910s-20s, giving rise to a new industry.
| Era | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1902 | James Heddon carves first wooden minnow plug |
| 1908 | Pflueger introduces "luminous" paint on lures |
| 1910 | Shakespeare releases revolutionary Revolution Bait |
| 1912 | Heddon produces first plastic lure, the Woodpecker |
| 1916 | Pflueger patents Neverfail Spinner attachment hook |
| 1920 | Creek Chub Bait Co. incorporates rotating metal lips |
By the 1930s, every serious angler had a tackebox full of meticulously crafted lures. And those who didn‘t began building their own, spurring a flood of "homebrew" lure makers. While many of the original lure brands eventually folded or were acquired over the decades, the ingenuity and craftsmanship behind their early hand-made products is celebrated today by a growing community of collectors.
From Fish Hook to Mantlepiece: The Rise of Antique Lure Collecting
The first collectors started pulling antique lures off the bottom of lakes and out of dusty barn corners in the 1960s. But as author and collector Karl White explains in his book Fishing Lures of the Past, the vintage tackle market didn‘t really emerge until the 1980s:
"Prior to that, 99% of old lures out there were being bought to use for actual fishing – not to put in a display case or sell for profit. A few astute anglers recognized lures from the early 1900s had value as historical artifacts and art pieces, not just as fish catchers. They began networking with other like-minded hobbyists and paying premium prices for nice examples, which made non-collectors take notice of grandpa‘s rusty old tackle in a whole new light. Suddenly, ‘the race was on‘ to find and sell off the best surviving lures."
Today, the antique lure market is thriving like never before thanks to the internet and specialty auction houses bringing more buyers and sellers together. What was once an obscure hobby now supports several national collector clubs, annual conventions, and dedicated publications. Online marketplaces and social media have opened up the sport to younger demographics. And as the pool of collectors has broadened, so too have lure values.
A prime example of this growth is the famed Haskell Minnow – the only known lure made by Kentucky watchmaker Riley Haskell in the mid-1800s and considered by many to be the first "true" artificial bait. Long regarded as the holy grail for advanced collectors, a Haskell Minnow held the record price for an antique lure throughout the early 2000s after selling for an impressive $33,000.
Fast forward to 2022 and the last Haskell to cross the auction block, an 1859 Giant Copper model, sold for a staggering $101,200 – more than tripling the previous high mark. While an extreme example, it illustrates the rapid value appreciation at the top end of the market and the intense competition for the rarest, most historic lures.
Most Valuable Antique Fishing Lures by Type
So what separates a five-figure lure from a five-dollar lure? Naturally, older pre-1930 lures in excellent condition with their original box by desirable makers like Heddon, Pfleuger, Shakespeare, and Creek Chub tend to bring the highest prices. But beyond those basics, antique lures come in a dizzying array of sizes, styles, and materials – each with its own unique appeal to collectors.
To help make sense of the market, we‘ve compiled a list of the most valuable lure models based on recent auction results across four major categories. Note that these prices represent the upper echelon of each style, with more common lures of the same type selling for considerably less.
Antique Wooden Plugs
The earliest lures were carved from wood (typically cedar) to mimic minnows and other baitfish. Due to their scarcity and hand-made artistry, top-end wooden plugs are the most consistently valuable lures.
| Lure | Maker | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Copper Minnow | Riley Haskell | 1859 | $101,200 |
| Dowagiac Expert | Heddon | 1908 | $25,000 |
| Dingbat | Moonlight Bait Co. | 1912 | $16,000 |
| Chautauqua Minnow | Krantz & Smith | 1908 | $37,000 |
Metal Spoons and Spinners
Metal lures originated in the late 1800s, stamped from silver, copper, brass, and eventually steel. The flashy, fish-attracting action of spoons makes them perennial collector favorites.
| Lure | Maker | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hosmer Mechanical Minnow | Henry Hosmer | 1859 | $10,000 |
| Pfleuger Mohawk | Enterprise Mfg. Co. | 1898 | $8,500 |
| Wilcox Trout Spinner | W.D. Chapman | 1915 | $6,000 |
Frogs and Critter Lures
Many of the most iconic early lures were designed to mimic prey beyond just baitfish – everything from frogs and mice to crawfish and insects. These intricately detailed imitations are consistently popular with collectors.
| Lure | Maker | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coaxer Frog | James Heddon | 1920 | $4,000 |
| Flying Hellgrammite | L.B. Comstock | 1883 | $31,000 |
| Meadow Mouse | Edgar Sealey | 1910 | $8,000 |
Plastic Plugs and Swimbaits
Lure makers began experimenting with plastics as early as the 1910s, but their use didn‘t become widespread until after World War II. While generally less valuable than wooden lures, early plastic examples are becoming increasingly collectible.
| Lure | Maker | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodpecker | Heddon | 1912 | $26,000 |
| Chugger Spook | Creek Chub | 1941 | $3,500 |
| Crazy Crawler | Fred Arbogast | 1940 | $2,000 |
Tips for Identifying and Valuing Antique Fishing Lures
Whether you inherited a tacklebox of old lures or just enjoy fishing history, collecting antique tackle can be a rewarding hobby – and a potentially profitable one with some knowledge and a keen eye. Use these expert tips to help evaluate any vintage lures in your collection:
-
Check for maker‘s marks – Most lure companies stamped their logo or name on their products, typically on the belly or near the hook hangers. Heddon, Creek Chub, Paw Paw, Pfleuger are among the most valuable.
-
Know your hook hangers – The style of hook attachments varied by maker and time period. Cupped rigging was common pre-1920 while twisted wire hangers suggest a later production date.
-
Look at the eyes – Hand-painted glass eyes scream pre-WWII while plastic or tack eyes point to a more recent vintage.
-
Condition is key – Collectors grade lures on a 1-10 scale based on factors like paint loss, rust, broken/replaced parts. Aim for high-grade examples when possible, as they‘ll appreciate the most over time.
-
Boxes and papers boost value – A lure with its original box and instruction sheet can fetch multiples of a comparable loose example. Even a period-correct box is better than no box.
-
Patina vs. damage – Some honest wear is expected on a century-old lure and light crazing, tarnish, or paint fading lends a desirable patina. Avoid lures with major chips, cracks, or replaced hooks.
-
Consult the experts – Online resources like the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club offer free lure identification and appraisal services to members. Specialty auction houses like Lang‘s maintain extensive archives of past sales.
Of course, the most important rule for aspiring collectors is simply to buy what you like! Focus on lures that speak to you aesthetically and fit your budget vs. chasing trends. Value is always in the eye of the beholder when it comes to antiques and collectibles.
Starting Your Own Antique Fishing Lure Collection
The market for vintage fishing tackle shows no signs of slowing, with record prices being set each year and collector ranks swelling. Whether you‘re looking for a lucrative new investment niche or just a fun way to own a piece of angling history, now is a great time to start your own antique lure collection.
Connecting with other collectors is the best way to learn the ropes and find prized pieces to add to your display. Take time to study classic lure styles, manufacturers, and materials – referring to collector guidebooks and online forums. Nothing beats hands-on experience, so scour local estate sales and flea markets for bargains, but don‘t be afraid to pay up for rare mint lures with boxes that will only increase in value over time.
Perhaps most importantly, collect what excites you! The lure market may fluctuate over the years, but the joy of preserving fishing heritage is forever. A single vintage Heddon Minnow or Creek Chub Wiggler on your desk is a daily reminder of the generations of anglers who relied on these ingenious little objects to catch the fish of their dreams. With some patience and persistence, you might just land the next record-setting antique lure yourself.
