Handcrafted.
Battle-Tested.
Built to Fish.
Each lure built one at a time—blending vintage craft, Navy-grade standards, and a lifelong obsession with what's on the end of the line.
Born on the Water
From farm ponds in the Berkshires to brackish bays along the coast, fishing isn't a hobby — it's where I come from. I'm Brad, founder of Lost Art Lures, and I've been chasing fish my whole life: as a kid with my brother, grandfather, and uncle, and later across new waters while serving in the US Navy.
The Navy Standard
The Navy doesn't tolerate gear that almost works. Neither do I. That mindset came home with me — and it's baked into every lure I build. If it doesn't perform when it matters, it doesn't leave my hands.
Reviving a Lost Art
Most tackle shops sell the same mass-produced plastic from the same big brands — dull hooks, limited versatility, built to move product, not catch fish. Inspired by vintage designs like the classic Creek Chub pikie, I hand-build every lure from cedar with custom stainless steel lips, through-wire construction, precision weighting, and VMC Permasteel hooks. Tough enough for toothy fish, in any water.
"Battle scars are part of the story."
The Lineup
Each series is built one at a time, tested in real water, and refined until it's right. No shortcuts. No compromises.
"If I wouldn't fish with it, I won't sell it."
Frequently asked
Questions worth asking
Everything you'd want to know before you fish one.
What makes Lost Art Lures different from store-bought lures?
I handcraft every lure myself. A lot of time is spent on making sure every detail is just right. Each lure is made from wood and stainless steel. There are no short cuts.
Why cedar?
Cedar is a wood that is naturally water resistant. That helps the longevity of the lure in ways over other types of wood. Cedar is also very buoyant.
What's a through-wire build and why does it matter?
Through-wire construction means a single continuous piece of stainless steel wire runs through the body of the lure. The hooks are connected to a swivel, which the wire also runs through. If a big pike or striper destroys the body, the wire holds everything together and you still land the fish. It's how serious lures are built.
What species are these lures built for?
I build for where I fish, so they are build for freshwater predatory fish. Specifically, largemouth and smallmouth bass, pike, and pickerel.
However, the lures are overbuilt and have saltwater treble hooks on the belly. The swivels and split rings are rated far higher than most freshwater fish. This means that they can be used for stripers, blues, reds, and even tuna or mahi.
Can I use these lures in saltwater?
Yes. Each lure is built with saltwater with VMC Permasteel hooks, Spro swivels, and stainless through-wire to handle the corrosive environment.
I recommend rinsing them with fresh water after saltwater exposure and drying thoroughly before storing.
How do I take care of my lure so it lasts?
Rinse with fresh water after use, especially saltwater. Dry before storing, don't seal a wet lure in a tackle box for weeks. Keep lures out of direct sunlight for extended periods. Stored properly, a Lost Art Lure will outlast a dozen plastic ones.
The finish got chipped from a fish or a rock. Is it ruined?
Not even close!
I like to say that battle scars are part of the story. A small chip in the finish won't affect the action and the through-wire construction means the lure stays fishable even if the body takes a beating.
If you want to touch it up, a drop of clear epoxy over the chip will seal it up.
Built for anglers. By an angler.
Whether you're working a bass flat, chasing stripers on the rocks, or hunting saltwater giants — Lost Art Lures gives you gear built with the same standards you fish with.