Rainbow Trout Decorative Spearing Decoy | Fish decoys were first used by Native Americans in the Great Lakes area and the far north. Shells, antlers, bone, wood or other materials were carved into the shape of a fish to be used as a decoy while spear fishing in the winter. Huts were built out of branches and animal hides and placed over a hole in the ice. A line was tied through a hole at the top of the decoy and it was attached to a stick. The decoy which was made to look like prey was jigged under the ice to lure larger fish within range of a spear. By moving the stick in a circular motion the movements of the decoy resembled a bait fish moving in the water. As the larger fish followed the decoy close to the surface the fisherman would attempt to spear the fish. Spear fishing was very popular during the Depression era as a way to provide fresh fish for the family during the winter. Spear fishing is still legal in Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Early fishermen carved their own decoys. In the late 1800s companies started making fish decoys. They were made of wood and had metal fins and were weighted with lead. Contemporary carvers are able to create fish decoys that are difficult to distinguish from actual fish. My decoy carvings carry on the art and function of the traditional fish decoys. The decoys are weighted, balanced and waterproofed. Though legal to use in states that allow spear fishing, they are intended for decorative purposes.
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"The world is like a book - and those who do not travel read only one page!"
-- St. Augustine
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