Collecting old fishing tackle has been my passion since 1957. These many years have provided experiences that I am happy to pass on to others who might share an interest in this area.

                                   HOW TO FIND IT

There are many ways to find old fishing items. Your family may be a good source. Many have started like me when they inherited their Grandfathers old tackle. One of my greatest finds resulted from a flyer posted on my work place employees bulletinn board. Neighbors, friends etc. can be excellent resources too. But even though an occasional find can still be made at garage and estate sales, usually only the first one there makes a great find and you can't be the first one at all of these events.

eBay has been a great source for finding these items. With the use of search tools you can let the system do the work for you. Some of the greatest treasures are listed by sellers that may mispell their listings. A careful search of all listings can find great treasures at undermarket winning bids.

In addition if you find better examples of items, eBay is a great way to sell your extras. You don't have to know their values, just list the item correctly and the market will determine the price.

There are much better tools to fish with today but the craftsmanship and look of old lures, reels, rods, bobbers, catalogs etc. make neat collections and displays. Buying is such fun!

               FIRST  DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT TO COLLECT

Some make the mistake of gathering everything ending up with a conglomeration of unrelated items. Some collect by companies. Starting with the big 5 makers, Heddon, Shakespeare, South Bend, Pflueger and Creek Chub, great collections are being put together for these great makers. But competition is keen for many of these items.

Minor companies and Miscelaneous Manufacturers are an arena with less competition for many lures, reels and items and offer areas for research and specialization. Some collect items from one maker items made in a particular state or country.

Another area of collecting may be items from a certain era, for example pre 1900 lures, reels or paper. We know of one collector who specializes in items from the 1950s.

                      WHAT CONDITION DO YOU COLLECT

There are many collectors who demand mint or near mint lures, reels, rods etc. They feel that the rarity and desireability of items in this condition will result in the best growth in values. Others like the teeth marks and charachter of items with a few flaws and are able to put together larger collection for a lot less money. TIP - Most non collectors will appreciate displays of these items more thinking that mint items are recent and new.