Division XIII – Fish Decoy Contest – Not an IWCA Contest

Fish Decoys are fishing lures, usually without hooks, that are designed to be jigged through a hole in the ice to lure fish within range of a spear.

All fish decoys must be made of wood. No castings, kits, or machine duplicated carvings in whole or part will be allowed. Fins must be made of wood, metal or leather. Line-ties, eyes, barbells, and ballast may be made of any material.

There will be NO penalty for the misplacement of pectoral or pelvic fins.

All fish decoys must have been made during 2007 or 2008.

Fish decoys will be judged in the water and must respond positively to the jig stick. Line-ties are required.

Fish decoys must be of sturdy construction and have durable paint or finish. Those that split, check, lose paint or show other faults in construction while judging will be disqualified.

Maximum size for all fish decoys is 24 inches.

All visible marks that would identify the carver must be covered with masking tape.

This fish decoy competition will be conducted at the Open Level only.

                      ~~~~There will be three fish decoy categories, each with three classes as follows:~~~~

Category A – Working Fish Decoys – Only the basic mouth shape, single gill coverings, and delineations for the beginning of the tail fin may be carved or burned into the fish. No texturing allowed, and no painted scales. Judging criteria: swimming ability – 60%; likeness to species 30%; craftsmanship 10%

Category B – Decorative Fish Decoys – Maximum details allowed. Judging criteria: swimming ability 50%; likeness to species 40%; craftsmanship 10%.

Categories A & B will have the following Classes:

Warm water Fish: All Bass, Pike, Musky, Walleye, Bluegill and other Sunfish, Crappie and Yellow Perch.
Coldwater Fish: Brown, Rainbow, Cutthroat, Golden and Brook trout, Artic Char, Dolly Varden and Grayling.
Additional Fish: Catfish, Sturgeon, Suckers, Minnows, Gar, and Whitefish.

Category C – Folk-Art Fish Decoys - Fish and critters must be generic in both form and paint Judging criteria: swimming ability 60%; design 30%; craftsmanship 10%.

Category C will have the following Classes:

Folk-Art & Critters
Two Color Folk-Art Fish & Critters (eye colors do not count)
Natural finish Folk-Art Fish & Critters (no paint allowed except the eyes)


NOTE****The Show Chairman will reclassify any entry that is considered to be entered in the wrong category or class.
All Decoys must remain on display until 3:00PM Sunday