Key Takeaways
- Vintage fishing lures can be worth significant amounts of money, so it’s worth checking if you have any lying around.
- The most valuable vintage fishing lures include the 1905 Wiggletail Smith Minnow and the Hardy Interchangeable Casting Minnow Box.
- Some factors that can increase the value of a vintage fishing lure include rarity, condition, and the maker.
- It’s important to know how to spot a genuine vintage fishing lure, as many replicas exist.
- Antique fishing lures are serious collectibles that are highly valued by enthusiasts and collectors.
25 Most Valuable Antique Fishing Lures: Complete Value Guide
The ancient tackle box that contains your grandfather’s vintage fishing lure might be worth looking for. These vintage lures are serious collectibles that are currently worth significant money, so they shouldn’t be left to rot in the attic.
We’ll show you some of the most priceless vintage fishing lures in this article. We’ll also show you how to spot priceless old fishing lures and how to recognize them. Here are the top 25 fishing lures in terms of value.
1. 1905 Wiggletail Smith Minnow
Year: 1905
Charles Smith of LaGrange, Indiana, created this American icon. It is a genuine antique because it was patented on February 7, 1905.
The wooden fishing lure is 3 14 inches long. It has hand-painted green-yellow side stripes, a green back, yellow glass eyes, and a white belly. This timeless bait is distinctive because it has a complex tail mechanism and a top fin, unlike most lures, which have hooks for fins and tails.
Most importantly, it is in excellent shape. The only thing keeping it from receiving an “Ex-” grade is paint loss on the belly weight.
2. Hardy Interchangeable Casting Minnow Box
Year: 1904
One of the most uncommon and expensive fishing lures you’ll find is this one from the Monticello, Indiana-based Artificial Bait Co. Not one, but two minnows, the original box, and the instruction sheet are all included in the delivery.
Given that William Hardy patented it on July 19, 1904, this fishing lure is among the early auxiliary baits.
There are two remarkable minnows included. The first is made of wood and has a white belly, a back that is dark red, and sides that are yellow. The second is made of aluminum and has a white belly, a back that is dark green, and sides that are yellow.
Both contain two internal weights, hand-painted red gills, and yellow glass eyes. They are 2 5/8 inches long. Both minnows are rated in the “VG+” to “Ex-” range.
Although the box has severe deterioration, “minnow plus boxes” are uncommon. The instruction paper is the next item, and it is in almost perfect condition.
3. Hardy’s Silvered Minnow Box
Year: 1920s
This lure for fishing is ancient. One of the first to adopt a coarse finish with silver glitter, it was created in the 1920s. Large brass hangers and yellow glass eyeballs can be seen on it.
It is in exceptional shape (Ex- to Ex+). Amazingly, the original box is also included (which features Jonathan A. Hardy on its body). Additionally, the original instruction sheet is included. The combination of “minnow + box + paper” is extremely uncommon, despite the box’s roughness and the paper’s staining.
4. Silver Creek Floating Pikaroon
Year: 1926
With a yellow finish, black stripes, black eye shadow, and a touch of crimson on the nose, this unusual Pikaroon is a stunning object. It has 5 treble hooks lined up, 2 on each side and 1 on the back spinner.
The even more exclusive packaging comes with an uncommon lure. The 6-inch box is inscribed with the words “Pat Pending” and has the date MAR 31, 1926. The yellow box’s top is practically brand new while the sides and bottom show some signs of wear, which suggests that an over label has been removed.
However, the combo is extremely uncommon and expensive because the minnow is in Ex- condition and the box is likely in VG+ to Ex- condition.
5. Moonlight Deadnought
Year: –
Rarely is this renowned red and white moonlight lure made available for purchase. This lure steers clear of the fish motif. Brass spinners and washer hardware are present on both ends of the 4-inch-long body. The extremely rare lure is rated VG+ and has some pointers and age lines.
6. Welch and Graves Changeable Fish Bait
Year: 1894
This unique object is dated 1894 and comes from Natural Bridge, New York.
It has a removable celluloid centerpiece and a flat fish-shaped frame. The spinner, which makes the lure rotate, is fastened to the front of the lure. Additionally, each hook still has the original factory-wrapped wire that serves as weed control. The condition of the lure is “VG+ to Ex-.”
