Commercial Fish Decoys,
Identification & Value Guide

By Frank R. Baron

Knowing next to nothing about fish decoys, I am hardly the proper person to review the information presented in this book. However, I do believe that I know a nice book when I see one. I have collected, authored, published, and sold books for almost 50 years, and have always loved a good book. This is one that should be in your library if you have any interest in fishing collectibles, folk art, or just good books.

Commercial Fish Decoys is published by Collector Books of Paducah, KY. It is a 240-page book, full of nice color photos of decoys, ice fishing tools, and the people who used them. There are some wonderful historical photos of early fishing scenes and fishermen. The layout of the book is excellent, making it pleasing to read. The content starts with an introduction to, and history of, spear fishing and the tools of the trade. It continues with the main section of the book, an alphabetical listing of commercial decoy makers, and their products; including US, Canadian, and unknown manufacturers. There are also chapters about products that were modified for spear fishing, trapping decoys, and one of my favorite chapters, potpourri. This later chapter is a gallery of old photos which give the feel and environment of what it must be like to have been in a shanty during the heyday of spear fishing.

The book concludes with a short price guide. These pages give a price range for the decoys shown in the main section of the book. This book is not really a price guide, which you would use whenever a decoy is found in a yard sale. It is a history book to be read and enjoyed, and should find a spot in any tackle collectors library.

Frank Baron has years of experience collecting and studying fish decoys, and he has put together a book that will help to preserve the history of spearing decoys and their manufacturers. I really liked this book.

Commercial Fish Decoys retails for $29.95 in the US, and $47.95 in Canada. It should be available from the major book chains, from Collector Books directly at www.collectorbooks.com, or best of all, for a signed copy for your library from the author - Frank Baron at www.icedecoys.com

Review by Phil White