New Fishing Decoy Trade Forum has begun on Facebook

Some of my fellow fish decoy carvers and collectors suggested that a page begin where collectors could trade decoys. The idea was started by John Werlich...

Here's what he had to say: "I have this idea... I am an idea guy, someone else is going to have to do it if people think its a good idea. My good buddy Rick Relander words to me last night were bye John, I love you. Ok this is 61 year old decoy collector saying this to a 50 year old collector. I was really moved and was thinking about him. He needs help selling high end decoys. We all have them and you know what I am talking about. If you but them on ebay a guy like me will swoop them up for pennies on the dollar. Because of this these types don't make it to ebay. So this is my idea... If someone could form a facebook group of decoy collectors/carver who want to trade. Showing decoys you have in your collection that you would like to trade. Put a value on the decoy (current 2013 value not the price you paid 7 years ago) And let others see what you have to trade and make an offer with another decoy. Maybe let others know the carvers you are looking for/have in your trading collection. If anyone can understand this idea and put it together this would be great."

So I thought... this is a good idea and a necessary project. Thus, it began (smile) Here's how it works, and this (click here) is how you get there. Tell your friends and post all you want. It is GREAT reason to be on FACEBOOK even if some of you don't like that idea. You can copy and past this long like in your internet browser if you like.  You'll need to log in to FACEBOOK when you get there and "LIKE" the page.  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fish-Decoy-Carvers-and-Collectors-Trade-Forum/633153263365416?ref=tn_tnmn

Fish Decoy Carvers and Collectors Trade Forum

To Post: Post a picture or Album of the Fish Decoy you have for trade.  Title it (ie: Mizera Fish Decoy for Trade $350 Value or Folk Art Fish Decoy for Trade $125 value).  Subtitle could be something about the decoy and include your name.  You could copy this info or enter new info for each picture in the album.  If you Tag yourself in the photo it will also appear on your Facebook page so your friends can see and it will cause the decoy to appear in your photos.  You could tag other collectors that you know might be interested.

As administrator I could help you with this or create albums from individual photos.

This page is for trading antique fish decoys, fish decoy spears, jigsticks or other old ice spearing decoys.  It is also for Carvers to showcase and trade their contemporary fish decoy creations.

If you cannot come up with something to trade and want to pay full value for the decoy you are welcome to contact the owner with your offer.  This is not a firesale venue.  People using this sight are expecting fair market current value for their pieces (not what they paid for it at market peak and not a low-ball offer).  Trades should be made for "like value" decoys or groups of decoys.

As administrator I will delete posts that are spam, contain content other than fish decoy themes, bad language or non-family-friendly content.  Be on your best behavior.  I am not responsible for any transactions and will not be held responsible for transactions gone sour.  If you sell something as a result of your relationships here you are responsible for reporting and taxes.  If something is no longer available, please post in a comment.  Do not delete your posts as we will keep them for historical and value purposes.

We want to encourage young and old carvers and collectors to participate and in that vein please showcase and post your contemporary fish decoy carvings and feel free to trade/sell those as well.

As we begin I will not charge anything for maintaining this page or promoting it on my blog and websites.  I may at some point add some way to donate if you like and if you participate in transactions that are favorable you might consider sending me a tip via paypal or not.  You can message me in facebook to find out how.  If you don't want to that's fine, I'm doing this for fun and because it is a great idea.

I collect Frank Mizera fish decoys and trout jigs often called airplane jigs or cheater decoys.  I have an extensive collection of Otis Lael Decoys and Folk art and I love folk art.  I'm a carver myself.  I like carving and collecting frog decoys.

Let me know if I can help.  We can also collect info here and write history/collecting notes and this place can become a real resource for future collectors and carvers.

Tim Stouffer, Ely Minnesota


p.s. Thanks John Werlich and Rick Relander for this idea.

I collect Frank Mizera fish decoys and trout jigs often called airplane jigs or cheater decoys. I have an extensive collection of Otis Lael Decoys and Folk art and I love folk art. I'm a carver myself. I like carving and collecting frog decoys too.