What's In Your Tacklebox?
That old tackle box in your grandpa’s garage might be a goldmine. Vintage fishing gear—especially rods, reels, and lures from the 1900s through the '70s—is in high demand with collectors. Some pieces are selling for hundreds or even thousands, depending on rarity, condition, and brand.
Heddon River Runt Lure (1940s)
Estimated value: $50–$100
This iconic lure with its chubby body and painted eyes was a staple in mid-century tackle boxes. Original paint jobs and early models with box can double in value.
Heddon River Runt Spook Bass Fishing, superstrike
South Bend Bass-Oreno Lure (1950s)
Estimated value: $75–$125
With its red-and-white pattern and wooden body, the Bass-Oreno remains a favorite among vintage lure collectors. Intact hardware and boxes raise its worth.
Building an ANTIQUE BASS LURE Replica | Odyssey Projects, Ozark Odyssey
Shakespeare Wonderod Rod (1950s)
Estimated value: $100–$150
Made with fiberglass and known for its spiral wrap design, this rod was ahead of its time. Models with cork handles and matching tubes are most valuable.
Fishing with my Grandma's Vintage Shakespeare Wonder Rod/Garcia Mitchell 300-A, Jessies Farm Art
Pflueger Supreme Reel (1960s)
Estimated value: $125–$200
This beautifully machined baitcaster was known for smooth casting. Chrome versions in mint condition with the original leather case are collector favorites.
Vintage Restoration of a Pflueger Supreme 2542 Fishing Reel (Steps & Reveal!), Reel Doc
Creek Chub Pikie Minnow (1930s)
Estimated value: $150–$225
Made from wood and often with glass eyes, the Pikie Minnow was a big fish magnet. Rarer color patterns like perch scale raise its price.
Creek Chub Pikie Minnow. by Neemaru20Factory
Mitchell 300 Spinning Reel (1960s)
Estimated value: $175–$250
French-made and ultra-durable, the Mitchell 300 is still loved by anglers. Early models with serial numbers and boxes bring top dollar.
Garcia Mitchell 300 Spinning Reel Complete Service, BACK ON THE BENCH REELS
Heddon Zara Spook Lure (1950s)
Estimated value: $200–$300
The Zara Spook’s walk-the-dog action made it a bass-killing legend. Original versions with screw hardware and rare colors are top finds.
Heddon Zara Spook Lure Review, GPT Adventure Channel
Bamboo Fly Rod by Montague (1940s)
Estimated value: $250–$350
Montague was a major bamboo rod maker. While not top tier, their higher-end rods with labeled tubes and soft bags are rising in value.
Montague Bamboo Fly Rod, Teran & Hayley Kowal
Langley Streamlite Reel (1950s)
Estimated value: $300–$400
Made in San Diego, the Streamlite was ultra-lightweight and sleek. Chrome versions with red handles and original box bring premium prices.
YoungMartin’sReels - Langley Streamlite Model 310 Reel Clean and Service, YoungMartin'sReels
Creek Chub Injured Minnow (1930s)
Estimated value: $350–$500
Designed to mimic a wounded fish, this lure has multiple props and a lifelike finish. Rare colors and glass eyes make it especially collectible.
Shakespeare Criterion Reel (1920s)
Estimated value: $400–$600
This old-school knucklebuster reel features detailed engravings and solid brass components. Rare versions with patent stamps can go for hundreds.
Fishing With A 1920 Shakespeare Reel, Lure Life
Heddon Dowagiac Lure (1910s)
Estimated value: $500–$700
One of Heddon’s earliest wooden lures, these are hand-painted and highly detailed. Even beat-up examples with boxes are valuable today.
Making Memories - 4 Antique Heddon Lures, freshwatercustomrods
Bronson Fleetwing Reel (1930s)
Estimated value: $600–$800
Art Deco meets fishing. This reel has elegant chrome finishes and knurled knobs. Rare advertising versions and low production years spike the value.
Restoring a 1930's fishing reel, Fixing up old things
Pflueger Templar Big Game Reel (1940s)
Estimated value: $700–$1,000
A heavy-duty reel used for saltwater and tarpon fishing. These beasts are prized by big game collectors, especially with original tools and case.
Abbey & Imbrie Bamboo Fly Rod (1920s)
Estimated value: $900–$1,200
This elite rod maker supplied top-tier gear to serious anglers. Multi-piece bamboo rods with agate guides are among the most sought-after.
Vintage Bamboo Fly Rod and Reel During the Trico Hatch | Central, NY, Dead Drift Outdoors
South Bend Anti-Backlash Reel (1900s)
Estimated value: $1,000–$1,400
An innovative reel from the early 20th century. Early patent dates and engraved side plates mark it as a serious collector’s item.
[Direct reel] South Bend Style 1131A Anti-Back-Lash reel - circa 1916 [Direct Reel], unechan_b
Heddon Black Sucker Lure (1915)
Estimated value: $1,200–$1,600
This massive surface lure was meant for pike and muskie. Early examples with glass eyes and hand-painted detail bring major money.
Hardy Perfect Fly Reel (1930s)
Estimated value: $1,500–$2,000
British-made and beautifully crafted, the Hardy Perfect is still fished today. But mint-condition reels from the '30s can land serious cash.
First Look With MidCurrent: Hardy Wide Spool Perfect Classic Fly Reel, MIDCURRENT
Orvis Impregnated Bamboo Fly Rod (1950s)
Estimated value: $1,800–$2,200
These rods were moisture-resistant and cutting edge in their day. Orvis collectors pay a premium for early serial-numbered rods in matching tubes.
Introducing the Orvis HG Bamboo Fly Rod!, The Orvis Company
J.A. Coxe Model 25 Reel (1930s)
Estimated value: $2,000–$2,500
Coxe reels were engineered like Swiss watches. Made in Michigan, this model with its intricate parts and low production is collector gold.
J A Coxe Model 25-3 -- Service and Lubrication -- Young Martin's Reels, YoungMartin'sReels
Edward Vom Hofe Salmon Reel (1920s)
Estimated value: $2,500–$3,000
Vom Hofe reels are royalty in vintage fishing. Rare early models used German silver and ebonite handles, making them both elegant and pricey.
Vom Hofe 1900s fishing reel a look inside and why this reel is hard to turn, 2nd Chance Tackle
H.L. Leonard Bamboo Rod (1910s)
Estimated value: $3,000–$4,000
Leonard is the holy grail of bamboo rods. Early models with original guides and signed handles are now luxury collectibles.
【Vintage Bamboo Fly Rod】H.L. Leonard Bamboo Fly Rod. #37 6'6
Billinghurst Anti-Reverse Reel (1859)
Estimated value: $4,000–$5,000
One of the earliest reels ever made in America. Antique collectors jump at any chance to own one—even heavily used models.
What is an anti-reverse fly reel?, Boat Review
Kentucky Reel by Meek & Milam (1800s)
Estimated value: $6,000–$8,000
Handmade and rare, these reels are museum-worthy. Early models stamped with maker marks and serial numbers are extremely valuable.
History of Fishing Reels in Kentucky, Kentucky Afield
Preston Jennings Bamboo Rod (1920s)
Estimated value: $10,000+
Jennings rods were custom-crafted in tiny numbers. Almost impossible to find today, these rods are the ultimate catch for high-end collectors.
Restoring and fishing a vintage bamboo rod., HUGO BAITS
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