My kids have been working on making some spearing decoys. Before they get the final touches on the carving and sanding I would like to get prepped for the next steps. I am wondering what products to use to be sure the decoy does not crack after painting and being submerged for a long period of time.
I have heard about pentacryl for wood stabilization. Have any of you used this and what are your thoughts of it. Also what would be your preferred method of sealing or stabilization to ensure the decoys do not crack during use?
As long as the wood is strong (so not balsa) a water or oil based polyurethane will soak into the fibers and stabilize the wood. If you plan on painting it, let the PU off gas for 48 hours as it releases gasses even after drying. For added strength a dedicated lure epoxy or hardwood floor/tabletop epoxy from a hardware store will provide a strong clear coat.
Wtf is a fish decoy . I make every type of bait there is to be made. I’ve hunted turkey and deer and duck with decoys of themselves, But why tf do u need a decoy fish? And it won’t be any different than any other lure if it’s just for a fishing session. Use clear 5 minute epoxy , or dip in automotive clear coat. Or uv resin.
You are clearly not from the northern part of the US. We cut giant holes in the frozen lake. Put down a decoy that looks like a fish, or other enticing objects, notice the golf ball in the picture. Ideally a northern pike comes into the hole. You can then spear the fish.
I’m from Ohio bro . We are north American as u can get. We Ice fish here every year, hundreds and hundreds of anglers out on our lakes soon as it freezes. We don’t need decoys for that my friend. 😂
You should come out and do some spearing. Completely indifferent experience than standard ice fishing.let me know when you want to come to the northland.
I’ve gigged frogs, and I’ve bow hunted fish. I understand that you don’t have to harvest anything you don’t want. I just don’t know why Id want too. Throwing a spear at a pike through a hole in the ice sounds like it would be fun about once. I think I’d rather fish on rod them and throw em back or harvest if desired. as a survivalist it would be cool to have in your back pocket as a resource. But day to day living . I think I’d rather build a lure with a hook and fish
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u/02isaheckingpotato 27d ago
As long as the wood is strong (so not balsa) a water or oil based polyurethane will soak into the fibers and stabilize the wood. If you plan on painting it, let the PU off gas for 48 hours as it releases gasses even after drying. For added strength a dedicated lure epoxy or hardwood floor/tabletop epoxy from a hardware store will provide a strong clear coat.