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The Nautilus
Frog, Original by S. Robbins
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Fish decoys have been used as lures to spear fish through a
hole in the ice for hundreds of years. Dangled from fishing line, they lured larger fish within spearing range. In the past,
the decoys were made from many different materials, most commonly, wood or metal. Most were painted, but the Native American
fish, many times, were not. Some had additions of feathers, yarn, or glitter for flash. The decoys were weighted and balanced
so they would dance,dart and swim attractively beneath the ice. Many of these folkart survivors bear the scars of a misplaced
fish spear. Fish decoys are still being made today. Some are made for use, and others are strictly decorative. Steve Robbins,
artist, and owner of The Fish Decoy Co. is helping keep this tradition alive.
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