Old fishing lures can be found at the bottom of your tackle box or the old fishing boat that you just bought.
Those old fishing lures are still good for fishing, but the right old fishing lure could be worth lots of money.
In this article, we will cover
- Valuable OLD Fishing Lures Worth BIG Money
- Other Fishing Posts You May Like
- Which old fishing lures are worth money?
- The Kent Wooden Minnow Lure
- The Heddon Frog Antique Lures
- The Shakespeare New Albany Bait
- Heddon Underwater Expert Lure
- Moonlight Dreadnought Antique Lures
Read more about these topics below…
OLD Fishing Lures Worth BIG Money
Would you be surprised to know that your old fishing lures could be worth $100’s or even better yet $1000’s dollars? I sure was surprised to learn that some of those vintage lures are worth a lot more than I thought.
But when you think about it is not that surprising. People, in general, collect lots of things, so why not some antique fishing lures. Sometimes they may need a little TLC, or a new hook to replace that rusted one. But they should still work just as well for bass fishing.
Some of these lures may be one-of-a-kind fishing lures or limited editions, or just like minted coins, a small imperfection would make that fishing lure so unique that it became a collector’s item.
Back in the day fishing lures were not mass-produced. They were handmade items by craftsmen that specialize in making fishing lures all day or as a hobby.
So you might get lucky one of these days and spot one of these antique fishing lures at a yard sale or an estate sale, or just sitting snagged on top of the tree by the water.
You simply never know where that diamond in the rough vintage lures will show up. As a tip to help you, download this post to your phone. After sharing it of course. That way you will have it as a reference in case you come across one of these lures.
Which Antique fishing lures are worth money?
Well, you can’t just pick an old lure and expect it to be worth something, so we have listed a few that may help you to hopefully spot a good one that may be worth some money.
The Kent Wooden Minnow Lure
The Kent Wooden Minnow Lure is a small, natural-looking bait designed for freshwater fishing. Its wooden construction makes it lightweight and durable. It mimics small fish, tempting predatory fish like bass and pike. The lure has a simple, sleek shape that moves smoothly through the water. Its natural finish helps it stand out in clear water.
The sharp treble hooks catch fish quickly. Weight placement gives it a darting action that can trigger strikes. It’s easy to cast, even with lighter rods. Anglers use it for both casting and trolling. Its classic design remains popular for catching various fish species. The Kent Wooden Minnow is a reliable choice for experienced and novice fishers alike.
The Kent Wooden Minnow fishing lures were made around the early 1900s in Ohio because of this there are not many left these days. You can easily dismiss them as a newer lure because of the way it looks.
Now after almost 118 years this being 2018, if you happen to have the original packaging it would be worth around 10k, if you don’t have it the lure loses half its value.
The Heddon Frog Antique Lures
The Heddon Frog Valuable Vintage Lures’ current value is around $30,000 dollars.
This is one of the rarest antique lures on the market today. Which explains why it is such an expensive collectible lure. James Heddon of Dowagiac, Mich carved this lure and gave it away to his honey business customers as an incentive.
The Heddon Frog Antique Lures are prized by collectors. They were made in the early 1900s and are known for their unique design. These lures mimic frogs, making them attractive to fish. Many feature a realistic face and green paint that holds up over time. They’re often made of wood or metal and show signs of age.
Collectors look for ones with original paint and minimal rust. Prices can vary a lot, depending on the condition. These lures aren’t just for fishing—they’re also valued as vintage collectibles. Their classic look and history make them a popular choice for serious hobbyists.
The Shakespeare New Albany Bait
The Shakespeare New Albany Bait was last sold for $10,000. It originated in Michigan in 1913, it was only 5 1/2 inches long and came equipped with 5 treble hooks. It was usually painted on the front red and the back white.
The Shakespeare New Albany Bait antique fishing lure is a popular collector’s item. It has a classic design that reflects early 20th-century craftsmanship. The lure is made from durable materials that have aged well over time. Its bright paint and realistic shape made it effective for catching fish long ago.
Many collectors value it for its history and nostalgic feel. It’s a rare find for those into vintage fishing gear. The lure’s condition can affect its worth, with well-preserved pieces fetching higher prices. Overall, the Shakespeare New Albany Bait combines history, function, and nostalgia in one package.
Heddon Underwater Expert Lure
The Heddon Underwater Expert fishing lures were made in the year 1890 and it’s worth a mere $9,000. It is 4 ¼ inches long and it comes with five treble hooks, with a single propeller placed in the front.
There is a similar one (shown above) that is only worth around $7,000 which is still not bad, worth $7,000, was made in 1904. With its 2 1/2 inch body and bright white with simple gold trim, it sure was a good-looking lure on its time.
The Heddon Underwater Expert Lure is a popular antique fishing lure. It was made by the Heddon company long ago. The lure is known for its unique underwater swimming action. Many collectors seek it for its classic design and history. Its paint often shows signs of age, adding character.
The lure’s metal parts may have rust, but that doesn’t reduce its value. It’s considered a good piece to display or use for fishing. The Heddon Underwater Expert can fetch high prices at auctions. Its quality and rarity make it a favorite among antique lure collectors.
Moonlight Dreadnought Antique Fishing Lures
The Moonlight Dreadnought Fishing Lures are the funkiest looking lure out of this list of old fishing lures. It was made in 1918 by Moonlight Bait Company. It was only available for a couple of years and was discontinued after that.
This huge lure most have created a large ripple in the water as it was being reeled in. It was so named after a British battleship that was made around the 1900s. These old fishing lures are worth around $5,000.
Moonlight Dreadnought antique fishing lures stand out with their vintage charm and bold designs. These lures mimic real bait but are made with classic finishes. They catch the eye of fish and collectors alike. Many lures feature detailed paint work that glows under moonlight, making them perfect for night fishing.
Their solid construction means they last long, even with rough use. Collectors love their history and craftsmanship, while fishermen trust their reliable action. Each lure tells a story of fishing days gone by, blending nostalgia with performance. These lures remain popular for those looking to combine history with effective fishing gear. Did you know that you could make your own fly fishing lures?
We Hope You Liked Our Valuable Old Fishing Lures Post
Old fishing lures can be hidden in your tackle box, at the bottom. Sometimes, they’re in an old boat you just bought or in a cheap tackle box from a yard sale. These forgotten lures might be worth money or bring good luck on your next trip. Checking the old gear can reveal hidden treasures. Don’t toss out those old lures; some might be rare or worth more than you think. Look through everything—the bottom, the corners, inside broken gear. You could find a vintage lure that’s valuable or just a fun find. Sometimes, the old gear holds more than just fishing gear — it holds stories and forgotten value. Digging through it can turn old, overlooked items into something special.
Read some of our other posts
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- The best bass fishing lures to try today
- Amazing animal videos of catching big fish
- Top 10 must-have fishing tools and gadgets
- Advantages and disadvantages of owning a boat house
- Missing this detail can ruin your fishing trip
- Simple methods to make your own fishing lures
Happy fishing!
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It’s interesting to know that items made before mass production became widely accessible tend to be valuable to collectors. My uncle might be interested in learning more about how to sell his vintage tackle in order to earn money fast. I used to fish with him when I was a kid so I know that he has a huge collection of old lures.
Old fishing lures often sit unused at the bottom of your tackle box or in an old boat. Even worn or rusty, many of them still catch fish. Some lures, especially vintage ones, can be worth a lot of money. The real trick is finding the right lure that collectors want. Little things like brand, condition, or rarity can make a lure highly valuable. Keeping these in good shape or identifying a rare piece can turn a simple find into a big profit. Don’t throw away old lures too quickly. They might just be worth more than they seem.