27 Vintage Fishing Lures and Reels That Sell for Startling Amounts
Collectors of vintage fishing tackle treat old lures and reels the way others collect fine art. A hand-painted wooden lure from the 1920s or a carefully machined reel from the 1800s can fetch more money than a used automobile.
Condition, rarity, color, and manufacturer all determine value. Original boxes and intact hardware add thousands of dollars.
The lures and reels below have crossed the auction block for jaw-dropping prices, often exceeding what anyone would guess possible for fishing equipment that has been gathering dust in garages and tackle boxes for decades.
The Copper Haskell Minnow (Giant Version) — $101,200
Patented in 1853 by Riley Haskell, the Haskell Minnow is a seminal American lure representing the earliest era of recreational fishing. Only one known giant copper version exists in the world.
Its 1853 patent date, hand-crafted construction, and complete isolation as a one-of-a-kind specimen made it the most expensive fishing lure ever sold at auction, commanding a world-record price of $101,200. Condition was immaculate; the lure retained its original patina and integrity.
Charmer Minnow (Musky Version with Striped Tail) — $25,000
Made by the Charmer Minnow Company, the Musky-sized version is the rarest of the Charmer line. Only a few known examples exist, making this already exceptional lure more valuable.
This particular specimen was over five inches long and featured a unique striped tail pattern—a configuration known in only one example worldwide. The combination of extreme rarity and unique finish detail pushed the price to $25,000 at auction in 2018.
Heddon Frog Lure (Carved Hand Examples) — $20,000+
In 1897, James Heddon hand-carved a series of frog-shaped lures for fishing. Only eight of these early, handmade examples are known to exist anywhere.
The level of individual craftsmanship and the tiny production run make these among the most valuable lures ever made. Well-preserved specimens have sold for $20,000 or more, with final prices varying based on condition and specific finish details.
Heddon Mohawk Minnow (Rare Color) — $19,000
Heddon produced Mohawk Minnows in various color patterns, but certain combinations are exceptionally scarce. A specimen in fine condition sold for $19,000 at auction in 2006.
The Mohawk line was already collectible, but specific color variations significantly amplify value. Collectors of Heddon lures often focus on assembling sets showing all possible color combinations.
Moonlight Dreadnought (Red and White Finish) — $5,900
The Moonlight Dreadnought is a true classic of early American minnow design. This particular example featured a classic red and white finish with brass washer hardware and twin unmarked spinners.
Despite showing wear from use, its historical significance and rarity commanded $5,900 at a 2006 auction. The Moonlight brand achieved legendary status among collectors for its early production date and quality construction.
Immell Bait Company Floating Musky Chippewa Minnow — $5,100
Produced by the Immell Bait Company in Blair, Wisconsin, this wood-body lure featured a red painted center spinner marked with the November 1, 1910 patent date. The combination of maker rarity, original condition, and stunning finish made it a centerpiece for musky lure collectors.
In 2008, it sold for $5,100, establishing value standards for this specific manufacturer.
Heddon 150 Minnow (Rare Colors) — $20,000+
Heddon’s 150 Minnow exists in countless color variations, but certain patterns appear so rarely that collectors will pay extraordinary prices when they surface. Early production models from the 1920s in unusual two-tone patterns with period-correct hardware can fetch $5,000 to $20,000 or more depending on condition and finish specificity.
Color truly is the primary value determinant for this line.
Creek Chub Giant Pikie Minnow — $2,000+
Creek Chub produced several Pikie models in different sizes. The Giant version is particularly sought after for its size and early production characteristics.
Well-preserved specimens with original hardware and paint bring $200 to $2,000 depending on rarity of the specific finish and condition of the glass eyes.
Shakespeare Rhodes Minnow (Early Version) — $5,000+
Early Shakespeare Rhodes Minnows with hand-painted details and rotating tails command prices from $500 to $5,000 depending on condition and finish. Only a few are known in good condition, making any quality example desirable for serious collectors.
The Shakespeare brand established standards for mass-produced lures but maintained individual craftsmanship in early examples.
Heddon Night Radiant Series Lures — $5,000+
Heddon’s Night Radiant series, designed for night fishing, featured luminescent qualities and distinctive paint jobs. Rare examples in the series fetch $1,000 to $5,000.
The technology represented in these lures—glow-in-the-dark finishes achievable with period materials—added novelty value that keeps these lures highly desirable.
South Bend Bass Oreno (Glass Eyes) — $500+
The South Bend Bass Oreno with original glass eyes represents early quality lure production. Common versions in standard finishes might bring $25-$50, but rare color variations with pristine glass eyes can reach $500 or more.
The presence of original glass eyes versus later replacements significantly impacts value.
Pflueger Supreme Casting Reel (Early Model) — $1,200+
The Pflueger Supreme series represents the pinnacle of vintage casting reel engineering. Early models, particularly those featuring intricate mechanical construction and original finishes, sell for $500 to $1,200 or more.
These reels combine functional beauty with mechanical precision that appeals to both collectors and functional fishermen.
A.B.F. Meek and Sons No. 44 Fly Reel — $3,200
The Meek brothers established reel manufacturing excellence in Kentucky, predating all major commercial competitors. An A.B.F. Meek and Sons No. 44 fly fishing reel sold for $3,200 at a Soulis Auction in 2021.
Meek reels represent American manufacturing history and engineering achievement, making them highly prized by serious collectors.
Hardy Bros. Vintage Fly Reel (Early Model) — $1,000+
Hardy Bros., the legendary British manufacturer, produced fly reels recognized for both function and aesthetic design. Early vintage Hardy fly reels bring $1,000 and up depending on model, condition, and rarity.
Hardy reels appeal to collectors as both functional instruments and works of engineering art.
Heddon 150 Minnow (Complete Set with Box) — $18,000
A complete Heddon 150 Minnow collection with original box sold for over $18,000 at auction in 2019. The original box is crucial—it can multiply a lure’s value by ten times or more.
Collectors specifically seek boxed examples, and a complete set showing multiple color variations commands premium prices reflecting the difficulty in assembling such collections.
Ocean City Reel (Vintage Model) — $400-800
Ocean City manufactured quality casting and fly reels throughout the early 20th century. Vintage examples in good working condition bring $400 to $800.
These reels remain popular with fishermen who appreciate their durability and simplicity, adding functional demand to collector interest.
Pflueger Akron Reel (Patent Model) — $800+
Pflueger’s Akron series represented significant innovation in reel design. Patent models and early production runs fetch $800 and up.
The Akron line’s position in manufacturing history appeals to collectors documenting the evolution of American fishing technology.
Creek Chub Pikie Minnow (Painted Eyes) — $400-800
Creek Chub lures with original painted eyes and intact hardware from the 1930s and 1940s bring $400 to $800 each. The brand represents quality mass production that maintained craftsmanship standards.
Collectors view Creek Chub pieces as affordable entry points into serious collecting while retaining solid value.
Shimano Vintage Baitcasting Reel (1970s) — $300-600
Early Shimano baitcasting reels from the 1970s represent the Japanese quality revolution in American fishing markets. These reels remain functional and are sought by fishermen, not just collectors.
Good condition examples bring $300 to $600, establishing them as investment-grade collectibles.
Heddon Dowagiac Lure (Original Box) — $1,200+
Heddon lures with original boxes showing period-correct graphics and construction fetch substantial premiums. Dowagiac examples in boxes sell for $1,200 and up.
The box is not merely packaging—it is documentary evidence of authenticity, manufacturing era, and represents 40 percent or more of total value.
Charmer Company Lures (Complete Set) — $3,000+
A complete collection of different Charmer lures representing the company’s full production run is exceptionally rare. Complete sets documenting different sizes, finishes, and hardware variations fetch $3,000 or more.
Assembling a complete Charmer collection requires years of searching and thousands of dollars.
Moonlight Minnow (Various Sizes) — $500-3,000
The Moonlight line by Moonlight Bait Company spans sizes from tiny to giant. Complete sets or sizes representing early production runs command $500 to $3,000.
The Moonlight brand’s influence on lure design and longevity in production makes it a foundational collection focus.
Penn Conventional Reel (Vintage Model) — $200-600
Penn’s conventional reels, particularly saltwater models from the 1950s-1970s, bring $200 to $600 each. Collectors of Penn reels often focus on specific models documenting the company’s evolution.
Functional examples remain popular with active saltwater fishermen, adding practical demand to collector interest.
Iver Johnson Lure (Handmade Version) — $400-1,500
Handmade lures by individual craftsmen like Iver Johnson represent folk art and fishing history intertwined. Authenticated handmade Johnson lures sell for $400 to $1,500 depending on size and finish.
These pieces are valued as much for artistic merit as for fishing application.
Vom Hofe Fly Reel (Vintage Model) — $1,500+
Vom Hofe represented the premium end of American reel manufacturing. These precision-engineered fly reels command $1,500 and up.
Collectors view Vom Hofe reels as museum-quality pieces combining functional excellence with investment potential.
Jitterbug Lure (Wooden Version, Original Box) — $400-700
The Jitterbug’s distinctive curved lip and loud action made it famous for night fishing. Wooden versions from the 1950s-1960s in original packaging bring $400 to $700.
Early Jitterbugs remain popular both as functional fishing lures and collectible pieces.
Arbogast Lures (Complete Collection) — $2,000+
Arbogast lures from the 1940s-1950s represent quality American manufacture. A complete collection showing different sizes and color variants fetches $2,000 or more.
Arbogast products maintain steady collector demand and functional fishing popularity, supporting consistent value appreciation.
Rarity, Condition, and Investment Potential
Vintage fishing tackle collecting has become a serious investment pursuit. Condition dramatically affects price—the same lure in excellent condition might bring ten times more than a worn example.
Original boxes and components increase value exponentially. Market demand concentrates on early production runs and manufacturer rarity, with Heddon, Charmer, Creek Chub, and Shakespeare commanding highest prices.
For collectors with patience and market knowledge, fishing tackle represents an alternative investment that maintains aesthetic appeal and occasional practical usability while accumulating value over decades.
More from Go2Tutors!
- The Romanov Crown Jewels and Their Tragic Fate
- 13 Historical Mysteries That Science Still Can’t Solve
- Famous Hoaxes That Fooled the World for Years
- 15 Child Stars with Tragic Adult Lives
- 16 Famous Jewelry Pieces in History
Like Go2Tutors’s content? Follow us on MSN.
