Many anglers and fishing enthusiasts have taken up collecting these antique fishing lures, going to fishing and sporting fairs and trade shows so that they can display their items. Like other antiques, they are also selling them through collectors websites online or through other selling channels.
Collectors will look at companies or manufacturers when looking for fishing equipment to display or for their historical interest, focussing on a few. The antique fishing lures that are more usually sought after include the Creek Chubb, Heddon, Jamison, Moonlight, Pflueger, Shakespeare and South Bend. Enthusiasts also look at smaller manufacturers as they are still extremely collectable. Across North America they go to meetings at conferences and some shows, with some even going internationally.
If the lures come in their original boxes it makes them worth more in value. Today most lures just come in plastic packaging, but the originally were full of beautiful designs which were printed. They also gave the production date, history of the lure, plus some extra fishing tips and strategies printed individually on the boxes which were made of either cardboard or metal. Even the lures come without their original containers, they are still quite valuable.
If you want to collect antique fishing lures you should consider these points:
. When you start this hobby it is a good idea to read up on books, study which lures are the real genuine article, learn how they are appraised and valued through collectors groups.
. Join an organisation such as the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club so that you can obtain background information that is useful for learning how best to trade and value the antique lures that you get hold of for your collection.
. Check out estate and garage sales where you’re to find a treasure of a rare lure or an old tackle box that hasn’t been used for years. You will probably get a bargain price for the whole lot rather than just buying an individual lure.
. If you plan to use these antique lures for actual fishing, make sure you know their real worth before you take them out for your next catch.
With antique it is important not to restore, repaint, repair or tamper with the antique fishing lure as you are sure to decrease its value, so leave them in the condition you received them in, instead of trying to make them look better if they are going to be sold and traded.