Do you think you have some of these? If so, you could be in for a payday.
Vintage fishing lures worth money
If you’re a fishing enthusiast, it’s likely that you have a tackle box filled with obsolete fishing lures in your garage.
Numerous wooden lures produced in the past on a large scale are now worth very little. However, if you’re lucky, you might come across a few valuable ones.
The thrill of the hunt for vintage fishing lures is that you never know when you might stumble upon a treasure. After looking at the nine lures featured below, it might be worthwhile to search your garage for any overlooked fishing gear.

Giant Copper Haskell Giant Minnow
You just won the lottery if you keep this lure in your tackle box. One of these is thought to be the only one that actually exists. If you happen to have another, the one in the picture recently sold at an auction for over $100,000.
Heddon Frog
Many times, they claim that Heddon didn’t produce many of these frogs back in the late 1800s. According to many old expert estimates, there are only a few of these frogs left in the world.
Shakespeare New Albany Bait
The Shakespeare New Albany is one bait that resembles every other ancient bait you discover yet is completely different. If you do possess something comparable, first confirm that it is a work by Shakespeare, then contact an auctioneer. The most recent one fetched about $10,000.
Heddon Dowagiac Minnow
There are several variations of this lure, and each one is valuable. Prepare for a payday if yours is in brand-new condition and comes with the box. Depending on the circumstance, they can cost anywhere between $50 and $10,000.
Moonlight 1913
Many lures were produced in the past by Moonlight Bait Company. It’s hardly surprising that this company produces the majority of the antique fishing lures you encounter. However, the few produced in 1913 frequently have the highest value. There are two sizes of this zig-zag lure. You just discovered some gold in your tackle box if you have the box that goes with it. Each of the two sizes has been known to sell for up to $10,000 at auction.
Heddon Jenny Mohawk
One of the known baits that may or may not exist is this one. They are extremely uncommon and the most recent one to hit the market cost $20,000 each. Given that the lure almost sold for $5.00, the tale behind it is difficult to accept.
Comstock Flying Hellgrammite
The flying hellgrammite appears to be something a young person would construct in shop class, yet it is actually rather valuable. This lure is worth going outside to the shed and checking out a tackle box or two, given that recent auction prices have been close to $10,000.
3. The Antique Fishing Lure Most Likely to be Seen in an Art Gallery
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Pull out your finest Cabernet, turn down the lights, and turn on the Mozart CD. You’re now prepared to examine the Klipon lure’s craftsmanship, which was created in the 1930s by the Brooklyn, New York-based Green-Wyle Co. The glass eyes and strange and distinctive designs of the wooden fishing lures. I think this is the most gorgeous example of a natural perch finish.
The Most Complicated Antique Fishing Lures
- Greenpeace Is Most Likely to Annoy
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The Neon Fire Fly had a clear nose filled with 1.5 ounces of liquid mercury to make the lure “glow,” and it was produced in the 1930s by St. Croix Bait Co. in Stillwater, Minnesota. We hope that not too many of these old fishing lures were produced because not many of them have survived.
7. Best Mechanical Antique Fishing Lure
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The object-driven The Action Frog Corp.’s Live-Action Frog, produced in Long Beach, California, in the late 1940s, is a favorite among mechanical lure collectors. This frog has a four-bladed stainless steel prop that is shielded at the mouth by something that resembles a dental retainer from our youth. The legs kick open and shut as the prop turns a driveshaft to retrieve the bait. An added bonus is its tall, handsome picture box.