4 Reasons You Might Get Hooked on Vintage Lure Collecting

For most of us, “lure collecting” is something we do while strolling the aisles of our local tackle shop with a hand-held shopping basket or cart. We might have a few old school lures in our tackle boxes, but for the most part, we’re always looking for the latest and greatest innovations to catch more or bigger fish… and we’re missing out because of it. Fishing lure collecting can offer a window into the history, craftsmanship, and personal passion associated with sport fishing.

To Experience a Glimpse into History

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fishing lure production took off when companies like Heddon, Creek Chub, and Pflueger started to mass-produce lures. These early fishing lures were often made from balsa or cedar wood and were hand-painted – making them highly sought after by collectors. Hand-painted, wooden collectible fishing lures tell the story of the era in which they were made, reflecting the craftsmanship and materials of the time.

To Have Keepsakes from Past Fishing Trips

Another reason to get into lure collecting is to reconnect with childhood memories of fishing trips with family or friends. For example, remember that white and red Arbogast Hula Popper you and your grandfather used every summer to catch largemouth bass around the lily pads. When you hold that special lure, you can almost hear your grandpa telling you to cast closer to the vegetation, hear the call of the loons on the lake, and visualize those bass busting on the surface of the water.

To Experience the Thrill of Treasured Finds

You might be one of those people who enjoys the quest associated with finding old fishing tackle or antique fishing lures at a flea market. Better yet, maybe you are a die-hard conservationist who wants to rescue old lures that have been left to rust in fences, trees, dock pilings, and around launch ramps. You never know, some of those lures could be worth something someday… at the very least, you’ve helped to clean up the environment.

To Appreciate the Art in the Details

The artistic appeal of lures can’t be overlooked either. Many early fishing lures were crafted with such attention to detail that they are like mini works of art. Even the packaging and advertising materials from past decades are part of a niche collecting trend, offering insight into the fishing culture of their time --just Google “vintage lure boxes” and look at some of the photos of vintage spoon and topwater plug packaging.

Displaying Your Collection

Some lure collectors use wooden shadow boxes to display lures by type, brand, or era. Others might want to create specialized collections of lures from a specific region or period. The key is to protect fragile antique or vintage lures from damage while still allowing them to be appreciated.

Fishing lure collecting is a rewarding hobby that blends history, art, and a love for the great outdoors. Whether you’re a beginner collector or have been collecting vintage lures for years, remember that one angler’s unwanted lure could be your next treasure.