Antique Fly LuresAntique tackle experts Doug Bucha and Ric Ladonski came across a rare find at their antique tackle display during the Niles Riverfest earlier this month.

Pictured here are some of the antique fly lures purchased by collectors at the Niles Riverfest.

The items were discovered in the tackle box of a deceased world fly fishing traveler and taken to the Riverfest by the angler’s friend for Bucha and Ladonski to identify and appraise.

The collectors bought some of the items for between $50 and $100 each.

“The flies and lures represent a lifetime of his world travels,” said Bucha. “They are of 1930s vintage and some were made locally.”

Among the items in the discovery were Atlantic salmon flies made by Hardy's of England and O. Mustad & Son of Oslo. Also shown in the photo are some American made fly lures, including two very rare Colorado Moths and two fly lures from Heddon and South Bend Tackle. They include a Heddon Fly Rod Mouse for bass fishing and a South Bend Tackle Hop-Oreno.

If you have some old lures you’d like appraised, contact Bucha at 269-683-0686.