new guy

[Grubstake]

Hey guys, new guy checking in here, it's getting to be that time of year again. Here are a few of my new decoys.

These three swim like champs, I just wish they didn't look like a 3 year old painted them! I don't think the fish will mind!

[shamalex72]

Welcome. Those look good, and no, the fish don't really care how well they are painted. The red and white flame is pretty cool.

[merkman]

Very Nice!!!

Welcome to the HSO Forums!!!

[Laska]

Look pretty good to me, I like the bigger red n white deak the most. How long ya been carving?

[Grubstake]

Thanks guys, I have been messing with making my own dekes for about 5 or 6 years now I suppose. Can't wait to put them to the actual test! The frog is my favorite, kind of crude but neat. I never thought I would be able to get that goofy thing to swim but it does.

[Laska]

I have to make a 12-13" frog for the park rapids show in november should be interesting to make that swim as well. Grub you going to try n make the gtg this year? Should be a lot of fun!

[bassNspear]

Welcome to HSO. Glad your part of the family!

there is a ton of guys on here that make there own decoys, so dont be affraid to ask about things to help yourself out

[Gordie]

Welcome to the HSO family and the this addiction of spearing and one that you seem to have also carving great looking decoys and I like the red/white flame aslo

[Grubstake]

here's a couple of questions for you guys. First off, is there an affordable source for glass eyes? I was looking at the taxidermy eyes and they are a bit on the pricey side and seemed to be larger than what I want.

I started signing my decoys, a fine tip permanent marker seemed to work ok but some of them have ran when I put on the clear. What do you guys use?

The gtg sounds like fun, unfortunately it is darn hard to get away in the winter. But if you guys are heading this way let me know, I usually have an open chair in the spear house or several in the angling house.

[shamalex72]

I get some eyes from van dykes, the general use ones or clear and paint them. I haven't been using them much lately, like you said they get a little spendy.

I use a marker and haven't really had any trouble with running. I use spar varnish clear gloss.

[BOUNCED]

I get glass eyes from Van Dykes, or an on line auction site

Upholstery Tacks work good it all depends on what I'm doing. I sign mine with a fine tip sharpie and use several thin coats of clear and don't have a problem. I would guess your putting the clear on too thick the first coat.

[Grubstake]

that may be the problem, i will try a thin first coat.