Fishing Lure Value & Price Guide

Collecting vintage fishing lures is a rewarding hobby that combines outdoor heritage with folk art appreciation. These intricate tools, ranging from early 20th-century wooden carvings to mid-century plastics, represent the evolution of angling technology and design.

Price Range: $25 - $35 based on recent sales

History of Fishing Lure

The commercial fishing lure industry took root in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, transitioning from handmade wooden plugs to mass-produced icons. Pioneers like James Heddon, who reportedly carved his first lure from a piece of scrap wood, paved the way for legendary brands like Arbogast and Creek Chub. These early makers focused on mimicking natural prey through innovative shapes and mechanical actions, such as the surface-disturbing 'pop' of the Hula Popper or the erratic 'walk-the-dog' movement of the Zara Spook. As materials evolved from cedar and pine to celluloid and eventually modern plastics, the lures became more durable and accessible. Today, these items are viewed not just as tackle, but as historical artifacts that document the growth of American leisure and industrial design during the 20th century.

Value Factors for Fishing Lure

The typical price range for Fishing Lure is $25 - $35 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Rarity of the color pattern, with 'unlisted' or special-order finishes commanding significant premiums.
• The material composition, where early wooden lures generally hold higher value than later plastic iterations.
• Overall condition of the paint, including the presence of crazing, chips, or original varnish luster.
• Manufacturer prestige, with early Heddon, Shakespeare, and Pflueger models being highly sought after by serious collectors.

Tips for Buying Fishing Lure

• Examine the eyes of the lure, as glass eyes typically indicate an older and more valuable specimen than painted or plastic versions.
• Prioritize lures with original paint and minimal 'hook drag' marks to ensure the highest possible resale value.
• Verify the hardware, such as the style of the hook hangers and propellers, to ensure they are period-correct for the specific manufacturer.
• Look for lures still in their original boxes, as packaging can often double or triple the value of the item.

Items in This Collection

• Rapala Deep Diver 90
• Heddon Tiny Torpedo Fishing Lure
• Rapala Risto Rap
• Oberlin Bait Canteen
• Luhr-Jensen Crippled Herring
• Copper Fishing Bell
• Bay De Noc Swedish Pimple
• Rebel Wee Crawfish Fishing Lure
• Heddon Super Sonic Fishing Lure
• Vintage Fishing Lure Collection
• Whopper Stopper Bayou Boogie
• Clark Water Scout Fishing Lure
• Eppinger Red Eye Wiggler
• Shakespeare Revolution Fishing Lure
• Heddon Meadow Mouse Fishing Lure
• Heddon Dowagiac Minnow Fishing Lure
• Arbogast Jitterbug Fishing Lure
• Bomber Fishing Lure
• Heddon Zara Spook
• Vintage Frog Fishing Lure