What is a Fish Decoy?
A fish decoy is a piece of folk art that traces it’s history to early North American native Indians who used them for spear fishing in the winter. The fish decoy was used to attract predatory fish such as pike, musky and sturgeon to holes cut in the ice. The decoy was attached to a line and made to ‘swim.’ This method is still used today for sport fishing and many of the decoys carved now are intended for use. Some are carved mainly for ornamental purposes. Most decoys depict fish however some are made to look like various animals and birds. The colors can be very realistic or very abstract.