Fishing lure collecting is, in my opinion, the greatest collecting hobby in the world. Bold statement, I know — but once you step into it, it’s hard to come away feeling any differently. The depth of the history, the sheer variety of designs, the thrill of the hunt, and the endless opportunities for learning all come together to make a hobby that’s rewarding for beginners and lifelong collectors alike.

Commercial production of fishing lures dates back to at least the 1850s. The first U.S. lure patent was issued in 1852 to Julio T. Buel, and his Buel Spoon was being sold across the country by the 1860s. Antique Buel lures can still be found on eBay today, though true early examples are scarce. And then there’s the legendary 10-inch Haskell Minnow from around 1859 — the most valuable antique fishing lure ever sold. One sold at auction for over $100,000, setting a benchmark that still gets talked about in collecting circles. What that tells us is simple: we aren’t dealing with trinkets here. We’re dealing with 160+ years of history, innovation, and craftsmanship.

That means thousands of lure models and likely hundreds of thousands of color patterns. From tiny fly-rod baits to oversized muskie plugs, from factory-standard finishes to one-off hand-painted patterns, there is an almost endless variety of lures to discover, research, and display.

Easy to Start, Easy to Love

One of the reasons lure collecting is such a fantastic hobby is that anyone can get started. You don’t need a huge budget. You don’t need rare antiques. In fact, some of the most enjoyable pieces you’ll ever acquire will be the $5–$20 lures you find in a garage sale tackle box or a dusty bin at an antique shop. Every single collector, regardless of experience, remembers their first “good find.”

And that’s part of the charm — there is treasure everywhere.

You can start with a handful of lures you already have around the house. You can start with a single brand. You can start with something from your childhood. The point is simply to start. From there, the hobby grows naturally.

Why It Pays to Niche Down

A lot of collectors begin broadly and slowly narrow their focus. Others niche down right from the start. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, but finding a niche within the hobby can be incredibly rewarding.

For example, I pretty much exclusively collect Arbogast Jitterbugs. The brand, the shape, the history — something about the Jitterbug grabbed me early on, and it’s held my interest ever since. Once you narrow your focus, you start noticing details: lip variations, hardware changes, early-body shapes, cataloged vs. uncataloged colors, special runs, box differences, and even factory errors. It becomes a deep dive, and that depth is half the fun.

Other collectors niche down too — Heddon collectors, Creek Chub collectors, Rapala collectors, muskie lure collectors, saltwater plug collectors, wooden-only collectors, paint-pattern collectors, and more. When you narrow your collecting path, you can track your progress, build specialized knowledge, and create a collection that feels cohesive and intentional.

Wood vs. Plastic: A Changing Hobby

Among antique collectors, wooden lures have always held a special place. Early Heddon baits, Creek Chub Pikies, Paw Paw minnows — the craftsmanship is incredible. The age, the paint, the tooling, and even the imperfections give these baits character that plastic can’t quite replicate.

But the hobby is shifting, and plastic lures are gaining enormous popularity. Collectors are increasingly seeking out mid-century plastics like Heddon River Runts, Arbogast Jitterbugs, and Hula Poppers. These lures represent the golden age of American mass production: bright colors, durable finishes, and designs that became icons.

The shift toward plastics is good for the hobby because it opens the door to collectors who want history, variety, and affordability all at once. Plastic lures were produced in higher numbers, which means they’re easier to find — but in the right color or condition, they still command real respect.

Yes, You Can Collect Rapalas Too

A perfect example of a “modern collectible” brand is Rapala. Some collectors overlook them because they’re mass-produced, but that’s a mistake. There are countless discontinued colors, regional releases, special editions, anniversary boxes, and limited-run patterns that have legitimate collector demand.

There is a huge group of Rapala collectors out there — and for good reason. Rapala has been consistent longer than almost any brand in the world, and their patterns are loved across the globe. You don’t need rarity to enjoy collecting them. You just need interest.

The Learning Never Ends

One of the most enjoyable parts of fishing lure collecting is realizing how deep the rabbit hole goes. You can study:

• Early vs. late hardware
• Lip variations
• Hook types
  
• Factory paint styles
• Transition-era lure bodies
• Hand-painted vs. stencil finishes
  
• Cataloged vs. uncatalogued colors
  
• Original packaging
• Regional differences
  
  

If you’re curious, the hobby will reward you.

There are also countless books, guides, and blogs — plus auction records, online communities, Facebook groups, and collector websites — that make learning fun. And if you want to take your involvement a step further, joining a collectors club is one of the best things you can do.

Collector Clubs Worth Joining

For Canadian collectors, CAFTA — the Canadian Antique Fishing Tackle Association — is a fantastic starting point. They host shows, publish newsletters, and offer a solid community of collectors who genuinely want to help newcomers. (https://www.cafta.ca)

There’s also the NFLCC — the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club — which is international and offers access to shows, swap meets, publications, and a massive network of knowledgeable collectors. (https://www.nflcc.org)

And then there’s ORCA — the Old Reel Collectors Association — which focuses on the history, preservation, and collecting of vintage fishing reels. Many lure collectors also collect reels, and it’s a great way to broaden the hobby. (https://www.orcaonline.org)

These organizations are some of the best ways to expand your knowledge, meet others in the hobby, and get access to resources you won’t find anywhere else.

Displaying Your Collection

Fishing lures are naturally beautiful. Their colors, shapes, finishes, and designs lend themselves to great displays. You can turn a wall into a gallery without spending a fortune.

Some popular display methods include:

Shadow boxes
Shallow wall-mounted cases
Glass-front cabinets
Custom-built lure racks
Pegboard displays
Old tackle boxes arranged as “vintage shelves”
Rotating seasonal displays

Personally, I’d rather look at a wall full of vintage lures than a painting — and I say that without apology. Lures are functional art, and displaying them brings your collection to life.

I’ll be writing future posts specifically on how to display lures, including DIY setups, lighting, wall cases, and how to prevent paint fade or hook rash while displaying.

A Hobby That Keeps Giving

Fishing lure collecting offers history, variety, and the thrill of the hunt. It’s easy to enter, endlessly educational, and full of genuinely great people. You can spend a little or a lot. You can go broad or niche down. You can chase wooden antiques or mid-century plastics. You can build a museum-quality collection or just focus on the lures that make you smile.

Your next great find might be sitting in a $25 tackle box at a garage sale. My best find so far was a 1910 Heddon Swimming Minnow hiding at the bottom of an old box — I didn’t even see it the first time I looked. That sense of discovery is what makes this hobby so special.

Collecting lures is my main passion, but I also spend a lot of time making and painting my own lures. Those hobbies tie in beautifully with collecting, and I’ll be sharing posts about lure-making, painting techniques, and custom designs in the future. Whether you’re collecting, creating, or both, there’s a whole world of fishing lure history and artistry waiting to explore.

Fishing lure collecting isn’t just a hobby — it’s a lifelong adventure. And if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re already on the path.