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Fishing - General

Some say that fishing gear from the days of old has a sort of romance to it—perhaps a reminder of simpler times or a memory of a childhood excursion. With that emotion, and a bit of nostalgic thinking, a collector will find an entire world of fishing gear available.

The earliest evidence of fishing gear dates back China in 4th century B.C. During that time, anglers fished with bamboo rods, silk line, and needle hooks.

The first modern fishing gear appeared during the 1700s and 1800s when rods, reels, lures, baits, creels, bobbers, and tackle boxes became available commercially. It was from this time period to the '40s that fishing equipment experienced its golden age. Equipment made during this time period continues to increase in value.


Quick Facts

  • Early fishing creels were made of leather as well as wicker and willow. Bonham’s auctioned a rare 19th century example for nearly $13,000 in 2008, a record-setting amount
  • The Phantom Minnow is considered the earliest version of the false minnow. It was produced in the late 1800s and was one of the first baits to have both a barbed and treble hook together
  • A fishing decoy made in the '30s by Ray Albert Thompson of Park Falls, Minnesota sold for a record $15,000 at a 2008 Guyette and Schmidt, Inc. auction

Recommended Items at Auction

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Large Group of Assorted Fishing Line, Bobbers, Hooks and Swivels
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
Large Group of Assorted Fishing Line, Bobbers, Hooks and Swivels
by Nye & Company
Est: $20- $50
$407 Bids
Large Group of Assorted Fishing Tools
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
Large Group of Assorted Fishing Tools
by Nye & Company
Est: $20- $50
$104 Bids
Six Fish Hooks
Feb 24, 6:00 PM AEDT
Six Fish Hooks
by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
Est: AUD200- AUD400
AUD2204 Bids
Large Group of Assorted Fishing Hooks and Rigs
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
Large Group of Assorted Fishing Hooks and Rigs
by Nye & Company
Est: $50- $500
$252 Bids
Large Group of Assorted Fishing Baits
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
Large Group of Assorted Fishing Baits
by Nye & Company
Est: $20- $50
$102 Bids
Group of Assorted Fishing Sinkers and Weights
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
Group of Assorted Fishing Sinkers and Weights
by Nye & Company
Est: $20- $50
$102 Bids
Group of Assorted Fishing Pins
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
Group of Assorted Fishing Pins
by Nye & Company
Est: $20- $50
$101 Bid
Large Group of Assorted Fishing Jigs, Spoons and Weights
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
Large Group of Assorted Fishing Jigs, Spoons and Weights
by Nye & Company
Est: $50- $500
$251 Bid
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Fly Fishing Tackle
Feb 18, 10:00 AM EST
Fly Fishing Tackle
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$51 Bid
TEETER TOTTER - MAN FISHING - NO SHIPPING
Feb 26, 4:00 PM EST
TEETER TOTTER - MAN FISHING - NO SHIPPING
by Legacies Old & New, Inc.
Est: $0- $0
$101 Bid
TEETER TOTTER - MAN FISHING #2 - PICKUP ONLY
Feb 26, 4:00 PM EST
TEETER TOTTER - MAN FISHING #2 - PICKUP ONLY
by Legacies Old & New, Inc.
Est: $0- $0
$151 Bid
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**Orvis Hard Case with a Royal Wulff Fly- O Pole
Feb 18, 10:00 AM EST
**Orvis Hard Case with a Royal Wulff Fly- O Pole
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$51 Bid
Frame of 5 Scioto Co. Ohio Fish Hooks
Mar 22, 10:00 AM EDT
Frame of 5 Scioto Co. Ohio Fish Hooks
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$201 Bid
2 fish spears, South Seas, End 19th c., ForgedIron, 1x
Feb 22, 11:00 AM CET
2 fish spears, South Seas, End 19th c., ForgedIron, 1x
by Henry's Auktionshaus
Est: €120- €250
€1200 Bids
3 Part 19th c Folding Fish Net
Feb 21, 9:30 AM EST
3 Part 19th c Folding Fish Net
by Merrill's Auctioneers & Appraisers
Est: $100- $200
$500 Bids
PAIR, SWIMMING FINS IN ORIGINAL BOX
Feb 26, 4:00 PM EST
PAIR, SWIMMING FINS IN ORIGINAL BOX
by Legacies Old & New, Inc.
Est: $0- $0
$100 Bids
VINTAGE LIVE BAIT PAILS
Feb 26, 4:00 PM EST
VINTAGE LIVE BAIT PAILS
by Legacies Old & New, Inc.
Est: $0- $0
$100 Bids
VINTAGE FISHING CREEL
Feb 26, 4:00 PM EST
VINTAGE FISHING CREEL
by Legacies Old & New, Inc.
Est: $0- $0
$100 Bids
TWO FISHING CREELS
Feb 26, 4:00 PM EST
TWO FISHING CREELS
by Legacies Old & New, Inc.
Est: $0- $0
$100 Bids
LOT, 3 VINTAGE FISHING CREELS
Feb 26, 4:00 PM EST
LOT, 3 VINTAGE FISHING CREELS
by Legacies Old & New, Inc.
Est: $0- $0
$150 Bids
Group of Assorted Fishing and Hunting Memorabilia
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
Group of Assorted Fishing and Hunting Memorabilia
by Nye & Company
Est: $20- $50
$100 Bids
Group of Assorted Fishing Related Articles
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
Group of Assorted Fishing Related Articles
by Nye & Company
Est: $50- $500
$250 Bids
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**Boat Net Handle is approximately 40”
Feb 18, 10:00 AM EST
**Boat Net Handle is approximately 40”
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$50 Bids
Vintage Carved Wooden and Iron Decorative Harpoon
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
Vintage Carved Wooden and Iron Decorative Harpoon
by Nye & Company
Est: $20- $50
$100 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Fishing - General


Nye & Company

Nye & Company

Legacies Old & New, Inc.

Legacies Old & New, Inc.

Apple Tree Auction Center

Apple Tree Auction Center

Nadeau's Auction Gallery

Nadeau's Auction Gallery