Reel Repair by Alan Tani

General Maintenance Tips => Fishing Antiques and Collectables => Topic started by: ClintB on September 27, 2021, 04:06:53 PM

Title: Fish Decoy?
Post by: ClintB on September 27, 2021, 04:06:53 PM
I found this in a tackle box I bought. I've never had or used a fish decoy but I believe that is what this is . Seems to be made of aluminum of some type with a bit of lead at the head area.
Title: Re: Fish Decoy?
Post by: philaroman on September 27, 2021, 04:40:01 PM
downrigger [not]ball
Title: Re: Fish Decoy?
Post by: akfish on September 28, 2021, 01:50:47 AM
People fishing for sturgeon under the ice in Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin, use decoys like that to attract sturgeon so they can spear them. It's called "Winnebago TV" by locals because you sit in a shelter over a large square hole in the ice. The fishing is typically slow so a few beers are occasi0jally consumed while watching that TV...
Title: Re: Fish Decoy?
Post by: philaroman on September 28, 2021, 02:10:24 AM

now, that's cool!

so, you'd probably know how the "ice pike hooks" are used...
what's the advantage of that shape?  chunk/dead-whole positioning?
mushy, dead chubs stay on better?   ...thanks

Title: Re: Fish Decoy?
Post by: Gfish on September 28, 2021, 02:59:40 AM
How big is that thing? Guy's trolling for pelagic's use some kinda flying fish decoy.
Title: Re: Fish Decoy?
Post by: ClintB on September 28, 2021, 03:43:45 AM
Quote from: Gfish on September 28, 2021, 02:59:40 AM
How big is that thing?

It's 10 in. Long and 1 1/2 in. tall at the head.
Title: Re: Fish Decoy?
Post by: Jimmer on October 18, 2021, 07:10:16 PM
That's a smelt hook, used for ice fishing pike on a tip up with a dead smelt. I don't think they are still legal in Wisconsin.  -  Jimmer