Any student of history will tell you that a way to stay in touch with the past is to collect its “relics”. These relics can be defined in several ways, such as classics, nostalgia and memorabilia. When an item stands the test of time, it can become valuable, both as a remembrance and as an investment.
Recently, antique fishing gear has become the “relic” of choice for collectors. The obvious pieces: rod, reel and tackle, are eagerly sought, but other pieces of fishing-related gear are considered valuable, too. Many collectors look at these items as bits of history. Some pieces of equipment are personal, like the old bamboo rod your grandfather used to teach you to fish. Other bits of gear are commercial, like the restored split bamboo rod that sold for $500.00. Both types of collectibles are surging in popularity.
The Lure of Collecting
All things fishing can be collected. Vintage fishing licenses from the early 1900s and earlier are sought by some. Others seek vintage tackle. One of the hottest commodities in antique fishing equipment is vintage fishing lures.
Yes, I said lures, those brightly colored things with hooks that help anglers snag fish. Unlike the fishing licenses, the lures don’t have to be 100 years old to be considered collectible. Any fishing lure made prior to 1970 is valuable. The lures made from this era are considered better crafted and more attractive than lures made today. Many were so well made that they were near mirror images of the fish they imitated. This is what makes them valuable to collectors.
The Reel Thing
Modern fishing reels are made from metal alloys, are strong and rarely have flaws That’s great for accuracy and timing, but it’s not what collectors want. Antique reels were made from brass, steel, iron and a variety of other materials. There were many more models of reels, and many more distinctive designs than the reels of today. Many of these reels were handcrafted and bore elegant and intricate designs.
From a practicality point of view, these vintage reels were often difficult to use. They had flaws that modern technology has cured. To use one of these antique reels today would probably result in disaster. Collectors, however, are not interested in practicality and usefulness, but in the individuality and beauty of the vintage reels. It is these characteristics that make antique fishing reels a hot commodity today.
Pop the Cork
Ever open a bother of wine and then toss the cork? Well, cork is now considered valuable in antique fishing gear. They’re popular, because prior to the invention of Styrofoam fishing rod bobbers were made from cork. Yes, that material used to close wine bottles was once that bit of fishing gear that alerted the angler when a fish nibbled on the bait or lure. Antique cork bobbers aren’t as popular as antique reels, but they do have value.
So, why not consider staying in touch with the past? All you need is a passion for fishing, for history or for collecting, and you’re on your way.
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