The first commerically available fishing lures were made of metal. They were made of either brass, nickel silver or nickel plated brass. In the early 1900's, wooden lures were available commerically and gaining in popularity. Probably the most desireable lure to collectors is the 1859 patented R. Haskell minnow. The Comstock Flying Helgramite is also an early cool bait. Below are some photos of cool baits that are considered by collectors to be very desireable and collectable.

Fred Nichols of Nichols Lure Co. in Corpus Christi, TX made some cool, glass-eyed baits.