Tracing the roots of fishing is pretty difficult. Human ancestors probably ate fish some 500,000 years ago, so fishing is a more-than-ancient activity.
But what about fishing lures? When do those show up? While experts don’t know exactly how human ancestors fished, they likely caught their meals by hand or by using very basic tools. If we want to find more advanced fishing tools, we’ll have to jump to the 17th century. In those years, fishermen created some of the oldest artificial lures known to man.
Today, fishing lures have a huge price range. To learn more about the high end of that range, check out this list of the top 10 most expensive fishing lures you can buy.
- Original MS Slammer
- ABT Lures Suicide Glide
- Mattlures Hardgill Swimbait
- Riser Jack DRT Custom Swimbait
- The Snack Size Bluegill
- Slide Swimmer 250 Glide Bait
- Hog Father Gizzard Shad Foiled OG
- Roman Made South Premium
- Roman Made Mother Swimbait
- Manifold Deniro Yugo Frame 550 Glide Bait
Lure Size: 7 inches
Brand or Maker: M.S. Slammer
Lure Use: Trolling and casting
photo source: ebait.com
First up is the Original MS Slammer. This classic lure was invented back in 1993 and has remained a popular option ever since. Perfect for trolling and casting, the design is made to catch a wide range of species — including bass, trout, pike, and other fish that eat large prey.
At 7 inches long, the Slammer is a pretty big lure with a pretty big price tag. One unit will cost you a steep $71.49, but that’s just for the small size. Upgrade to a 9 incher and you’re looking at a hundred-dollar price tag.
Did you know?
The Slammer should be used with a minimum line strength of 20 pounds.
Lure Size: 7 inches
Brand or Maker: ABT (Allen Borden)
Lure Use: Largemouth fishing
photo source: tacklewarehouse.com
This lure by ABT’s Allen Borden is known for its unique ability to “swim” side to side, a motion that tends to attract hefty Largemouth and other big fish. The lure is handmade using custom materials before it’s fine-tuned and tank-tested. The result is an ultra-high-quality design that’s backed up by ABT’s precise handiwork and Borden’s knowledge of effective lure-making. Buyers have to pay a steep price for all that quality though — a single Suicide Glide costs a whopping $78.99.
Did you know?
This lure is popular among trophy bass fishermen since it’s so good at catching large fish.
Lure Size: 5 ¾ inches
Brand or Maker: Mattlures
Lure Use: Intense bass fishing
photo source: mattlures.com
Catching any fish can be a challenge if your lure isn’t convincing — but it can be especially hard to capture big bass with bait that doesn’t look real enough.
That’s why Mattlures’ Hardgill Swimbait is so popular. The extremely realistic lure is known to fool bass with its carefully hand-rendered design. These lures also feature a convincing swim motion that attracts predators throughout the water, so people say they’re perfect for catching “even the most seasoned bass.” Plus, the lure is made from a durable resin that can withstand big fish and tough conditions.
In the end, each Hardgill Swimbait will cost you $85.
Did you know?
Mattlures offers several different baits under its Hardgill series, including the Coppernose, Pumpkinseed, and more.
Lure Size: 9 inches
Brand or Maker: Fish Arrow
Lure Use: Wakebait and crankbait
photo source: tackleexpress.com
Coming in at number seven is a lure by Fish Arrow. The 9-inch bait was made in celebration of the brand’s anniversary in collaboration with Division Rebel Tackle. Suppliers say this lure was designed to be either a wakebait or a crankbait while the realistic swimming motion is perfect for attracting bass. Users also have the option of removing the bill and using the swimbait as a topwater lure.
Did you know?
Division Rebel Tackle (DRT) is a fishing tackle company originating from Japan. DRT describes itself as “one of the up and coming brands in the Japanese bass fishing” market.
Lure Size: Unreported
Brand or Maker: JSJ Bait Co.
Lure Use: Catching large fish
photo source: jsjbaits.bigcartel.com
This $150 lure sold by JSJ Bait Co. has caught 13-pound fish in the California Delta. The bait is modeled after the prey of many large fish. JSJ calls it “snack size,” although they don’t specify the bait’s specific measurements.
This lure is available in a floating or sinking version, which JSJ calls a “moderate sink” rate. JSJ says this lure is “One of the first hard jointed bluegill baits to hit the market over ten years ago.” That alone boosts the price, but the lure’s limited-edition color makes it even pricier.
Did you know?
JSJ baits are made in California by Josh St. John.
Lure Size: 10 inches
Brand or Maker: Deps
Lure Use: Silent swimming
photo source: tacklewarehouse.com
In our number five spot is the Slide Swimmer 250 Glide Bait by Deps. The pricey lure is as big as it is expensive, at 10 inches and nearly $170.
Deps says this lure offers maximum realism with “life-like scale patterns and gills.” The design also features realistic eyes and a believable swim pattern that looks like the real thing. Altogether, Deps says this lure has “all of the features you need to catch that bass of a lifetime.”
Did you know?
The Deps brand was established in the 1990s by Kazumasa Okumura, a pro fisher. Today, Deps operates out of its headquarters in Japan. The company earned fame in the U.S. by introducing glide baits to the general market.
Lure Size: 8 ½ inches
Brand or Maker: Tater Hog Custom Lures
Lure Use: Slow sinking
photo source:shop.taterhogcustomlures.com
This $275 lure from Tater Hog Custom Lures measures 8 ½ inches long and stands out with its lightly shimmering design. Like all Tater Hog lures, this piece is handmade in the U.S. by Matthew McBee, the owner and operator of Tater Hog. Mathew says he has over 12 years of lure design experience: “Fishing is not my job, it’s my passion.”
$275 might be expensive, but Tater Hog lures might just be worth it. The brand’s baits have been highly rated by a variety of fishing institutions, including on the Top Lures list at Bass Live Elites Series Event Lake Fork 2021.
Did you know?
Mathew McBee says he’s passionate about sharing his skilled lure-making with the world.
Lure Size: 4.5 inches
Brand or Maker: Roman Made
Lure Use: Topwater fishing
photo source:coyotebait.com
Roman Made was founded in 2006. The company produces high-end, hand-painted lures in Japan. This example of the brand’s expert craftsmanship costs nearly $280 — making it the third-most expensive fishing lure you can buy.
Suppliers say this lure is ideal for topwater fishing. The bait sits at the surface and moves by the force of waves, line tension, and other factors. Sound plays a role in the allure of this bait, with bass jumping above the surface to catch their noisy “snack.”
Did you know?
The Roman Made company was founded by Toshinori Takeyama. All Roman Made lures are handmade by experts.
Lure Size: 12 inches
Brand or Maker: Roman Made
Lure Use: Catching large fish
photo source: tacklewarehouse.com
At a foot long, this large lure is truly a beast in the water. As you’d expect, the large bait is ideal for catching big fish — but you’ll have to drop some serious cash before you get started. The handmade lure costs just under $500!
This lure was specifically designed to target huge bass in Lake Biwa. The lake can be found in Japan and is famous for being the largest freshwater lake in the entire nation. Historically, Lake Biwa has been one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions as well as a common subject of poetry.
Did you know?
This lure weighs 10.5 ounces.
Lure Size: 21.65 inches
Brand or Maker: Manifold Detail Works
Lure Use: Professional fishing
photo source: tacklewarehouse.com
Manifold Deniro Yugo Frame 550 Glide Bait is the most expensive fishing lure you can buy.
This beast of a lure was created by Manifold Detail Works, a master leather and fishing tackle company in Japan. The huge design features a leather wrap that absorbs water, allowing the swimmer to move effectively underwater. With incredible levels of precision and expertise on display, this lure is more a work of art than fishing bait. Still, the 550 is a completely functional lure — you just need a rod and line strong enough to handle it and whatever sea creatures it attracts.
Did you know?
Manifold Detail Works was established in 1999. Originally, the company was just a leather goods manufacturer, but the owner loves bass fishing, so he expanded the business in 2011 and started making fishing lures.
