Old fishing lures have three stamps – patent numbers, brand, and size. And each of them will help you age and price your lure. Look for softwood, hardwood, brass, bronze, or copper baits for the best value.

Generally speaking, the older and more rare the lure is, the more it’s worth. Vintage Heddon and Creek Chub lures are highly sought-after by collectors and can fetch top dollar at auction. Other desirable brands include Pflueger, Shakespeare, and South Bend.