IT’S EASY TO guess the most-asked question about antique fishing gear: “What’s it worth?”
The answer isn’t always simple, but there are common themes that bridge the broad gap between fishable baits and rare classics that bring what collectors reverently call “the wow money.”
Condition, color and completeness (a lure with the correctly stamped box and paperwork) wield plenty of influence. A rare bait in mint condition can bring many times what a comparable lure in well-worn or heavily-used condition is worth. Add a box and paperwork (again, condition matters), and its value ascends even higher.
Today’s tackle makers offer many color choices on lures, following the lead of early companies that emerged more than a century ago. Finishes that are rare, special orders or just desirable due to their appeal and beauty often have much higher values.
Following are a few of the better collectible lures to be found, along with explanations of values. Anyone interested in lure collecting can.