Fishing has become an all-round favorite sport among many people around the world. What actually could feel better surrounded by water with a gentle breeze blowing across your face while you reel in a big catch!? However, fishing can be an expensive sport if you like to fish in style. From lures to rods, some prices can raise eyebrows!
To find out the most expensive fishing lures of all time, both antiques and modern-day fishing lures, stay tuned and brace yourself for some tell-tale amounts.
What is the most expensive fishing lure?
Question: Hi, Thomas. My name is Robert Gray from Michigan. The other day, a friend mentioned to me about a fishing lure that costs a million! Was I living under a rock? I must have been. For if there is a mere fishing lure that can cost a million, I can’t help but wonder what are the other most expensive fishing lures of all time. Please help out.
Answer: Dear Robert, if you are into the fishing business, you will know how fishing could turn into an expensive sport. From lures to rods to accessories, you got to have everything to keep you up and running to the water. Since your question is based on the most expensive fishing lures, that is exactly what I’ll be talking about.
The million-dollar fishing lure you have heard and mentioned is none other than MacDaddy’s Million millions fishing lure that was launched in 2006. And of course, it would come as a shock to anyone in their right minds. This fishing lure is by far the most expensive fishing lure in the world by MacDaddy. Why?
Because this 12-inch beauty is crafted with a hundred carats of rubies and diamonds and 3 pounds of platinum and gold. What a gem of a fishing lure! Coming in possession of this million-dollar dazzling lure is out of the question for most of us.
But the million-dollar question is, would you cast this baby into the unknown depths of the water to bait a fish? Well, I guess everyone’s got their own answers to this!
Most Expensive Antique Fishing Lures
Now that we’ve seen the world’s most expensive fishing lure which has caused headlines, let us dig into the most expensive antique fishing lures in the world. Keep your eyes open. If by chance, you own any one of them as hand-me-downs, you can already consider yourself a rich person!
Giant Haskell Minnow
The more ancient it is, the more valuable it becomes. When Riley Haskel produced this 10-inch copper fishing lure, he had no idea that it would go on to become the most expensive lure 150 decades later. The Giant Haskell Minnow is a product of 1853 and is reputed to be the most expensive fishing collectible that sold at $101,200 in an auction in 2003.
Reports have surfaced that there is more than one of this kind of lure. But to date, only one has emerged in the open. So, why don’t you rummage in your old collections of baits and tackles? Who knows, you could be a jackpot winner!
First Wooden Minnow
This particular wooden lure is the first of its kind and is considered as the most ancient and antique piece of all time. This one-of-a-kind lure is an 1890s product found in the tackle box of an Ohio fisherman. Although the origins could not be traced, it has a close resemblance to the early products of Trory. The First Wooden Minnow costs $42,560.
Chautauqua Minnow
Anything that gets rare gets priceless. The same happened with the Chautauqua Minnow. This lure was produced in 1908 in New York by Krantz & Smith. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a successful market item, so the production was cut off. Years later, it was deemed as one of the rarest and most special lures by collectors. Chautauqua Minnow is worth $37,400.
Shakespeare Muskellunge Minnow
Here is one lure from your very own home state. Since you are from Michigan, I am sure you know or have heard about the Shakespeare Muskellunge Minnow. Being the earliest of its kind, this Michigan lure is crafted by William Shakespeare Jr. It sold at $23,100.
Heddon Dowagiac Expert
Made by James Heddon, the Heddon Dowagiac Expert is also another product of Michigan. This blue and white antique lure comes in a white cardboard box. Imagine buying that empty box for $1,000! Yup, the demand of the lure is so high that it can even spike the price of the box. This particular fishing lure is auctioned at $17,600. Check your old lures and see if you have any of the above antiques. If you happen to have one in possession, you are a lucky man!
But enough of the antique lures, let us further explore the realms of the most expensive fishing lures that are in the market.
Gan Craft Jointed Claw Magnum 250 Swimbait
The first of its kind, the 12-inched Gan Craft Jointed Claw Magnum 250 Swimbait is a perfect swimmer. The manufacturer boasts that the lure is designed for swimming in an S-pattern like no other lures to imitate small fish. The price of this little beauty is $249. After all, it is one of a kind!
Hammerhead C Cup SUS Abalone Special Popper
Another special and rare fishing lure makes it to our list. The 6-inch Hammerhead Popper is a Japan-made product with a remarkable style and a polish finish. Due to the rarity of this multi-color lure in the market, this lure is sold at $190. Like I mentioned before, anything that gets rare gets priceless!
Deps Slide Swimmer 250 Swimbait
This 10-inch swimbait is another product from Japan. This realistic-looking little guy is reputed as being a silent killer and will bring you plenty of game. The silent feature it possesses is what makes the lure expensive at $180.
ABT Lures Custom Serious Suicide Glide 12 Gilding Swimbait
A perfect lure for Southern California’s big bass, the Suicide Glides are extremely life-like and will trick any fish into believing that it is a real fish! This shiny lure is coated with silver with a couple of side hooks. Fish like a pro with these lures that are worth $135. You will never want to go fishing without this treasure ever again!
Lucky Lures ESOX Adult Northern Hard Swimbait
A product of Holland, the Lucky Lure ESOX is a 14-inch fishing lure that is designed to make your fishing experience an awesome one. With perfect paint that is made with solid resin and MicroFiber fins, you don’t need to replace it. With quite a handful of positive reviews about its efficiency, the price of this lure is $134. That’s actually quite a small price to pay for a fish that looks and behaves like a real fish underwater.
However high the price is quoted, we all just want one thing in a lure – a lure that catches fish! Here are some moderately priced fishing lures that will turn you into a king of the catch.
Rapala X-Rap Magnum Fishing Lure
Fish in style with Rapala X-Rap Magnum Fishing lure to win a big game. Rapala lures are renowned for their hand-tuned quality that works excellent right out of the box. If you own a Rapala, you will not hesitate to buy one of these lures! Even if you don’t, there’s always a first time, and I am sure you will not be disappointed!
Strike King Square Bill Crankbait
Diving 3 feet underwater, Strike King Square Bill Crankbait will surely bring you game. Even with its distinctive action of constant wandering, this bad guy still holds an incredible balance. Get one today and see for yourself why this bait is such a hot topic!
Carpenter BC-γ90-200 Fishing Hard Lure
No matter in what water condition you are fishing in, if you are after yellowfin tuna, Yellowtail amberjack, Japanese amberjack, and Pacific bluefin tuna with an expensive lure, carpenter BC-γ90-200 fishing hard lure is your best choice!
Niels Thomas is a wildlife expert and fishing fanatic that works with major fishing brands like Deeper Sonar, Abu Garcia, Berkley, PENN, BassPro and Pure Fishing. Through sharing the best fishing tips, tricks, gear reviews, locations and much more he hopes to inspire fishing fanatics to start their own journey towards becoming the King of the Catch!