Antique Fly Fishing Lures

Lures classed as being antique are generally those manufactured in the early 1900's. For collectors it is not only the lure that makes them appealing but the boxes that they were sold in. These boxes feature classic artwork and when partnered with a lure that is also in good condition they are highly desirable by collectors. Fly fishing lures were not produced in as great a numbers as conventional lures making them harder to find, this adds to the fun of searching out antique lures.

Where to buy antique lures

eBay: The easiest place to start your collection is eBay. Shopping online can take some of the fun out of searching for antique lures but is a great place to start. You have to be a bit cautious when shopping on eBay as some sellers may not be completely upfront as to the exact condition of the lure you are looking at purchasing. Postage and handling fees can sometimes drive the price up a bit more than you are looking to pay but for the right lure this is generally not a problem.

Gun & hunting collector shows: While gun and hunting shows may not seem like the obvious place to buy lures many people attending these shows also collect fishing equipment. At the very least they are a great place to network with other like minded people who may be able to introduce you to dealers and collectors of fly fishing equipment.

Deceased estates: Keep an eye put in your local paper for people auctioning of deceased estates. Many people who have passed on have collections of fishing equipment from when they where younger that has been stored away for years in boxes. You can also contact sellers of deceased estates and let them know that you are interested in buying antique fishing equipment and get them to contact you if they come across anything that they think may interest you.

Goodwill/thrift stores: Don't be afraid to have a poke around your local goodwill store as they can be be great places to uncover a gem. Lures found at goodwill stores will generally be at a great price, if you do find a valuable lure be sure to pay them more than they are asking as the money does go to charity and they have saved you a great deal of money.

Local advertising: You can place advertisements in your local paper or fliers in shops around your neighborhood. People may have lures sitting around their home and not know that people collect and are interested in buying such items. This is a great method as people will come to you rather than you having to go out and search.

Storing antique lures

Lures can be affected by large fluctuations in temperature and humidity and therefore should be stored indoors in a controlled climate. Before storing your lures away be sure that they are free from and water or foreign objects and these can damage the lure and box without you even knowing.

Cleaning rusted hooks

Before cleaning up any rusty hooks be sure that they are not rusted through as this may cause them to break and it this instance it is better to leave the rust in place. There are commercial rust removers available but these generally yield poor results and due to there caustic nature can do more harm than good. The best way to remove rust is to use a very fine sandpaper and taking your time slowly sand the rust away. Some people use electric tools like a Dremel with a small polishing bit but these can be a little to powerful you are better of taking your time and sanding by hand.

Cleaning fur and feathers

The best way to clean the fur and feathers of a lure is using some mild soapy water and a small soft bristled artists paint brush. Be sure to only run the brush along the natural grain of the feathers to avoid damage. Once you have cleaned the fur and feathers they should be allowed to air dry completely before storing them away again.