USPS dedicates Freshwater Fishing Lure stamps representing history, beauty, tradition and innovation.

There is something special about catching a fish with a carved piece of painted wood or metal with attached hooks. What was that fish thinking? Curiosity is a powerful element of life. Last month, on March 13, the United States Postal Service issued its new series of fishing lures stamps at the Johnny Morris Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri — the stamps are beautiful.

“With these stamps, the Postal Service celebrates the beauty and ingenuity behind some of America’s most successful lures,” said John DiPeri, the Postal Service’s Western Region vice president, who spoke at the event held at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium. “Fish find each of these designs irresistible … and we think you will, too,” DiPeri said.

Other speakers included Misty Mitchell, director of conservation education at the Johnny Morris Foundation; Mike Webb, owner of Webb’s Guide Service; Pat Taggart, president of the Springfield Chapter of the Missouri Trout Fisherman’s Association; JP Sell, National Youth Fishing Association director; and Francis Skalicky, a media specialist for the Missouri Department of Conservation.

“Fishing lures are more than just tools — they represent tradition, innovation, and a deep connection to the great outdoors,” said Lee Beasley, campus director at Bass Pro Shops, who served as master of ceremonies.

The Forever Stamps feature close-up photographs of five popular lure designs. From the earliest handmade wooden lures to modern swimbaits made of advanced materials, countless freshwater fishing lures are available, each designed to meet the specific purpose of the angler.

With all their colorful and prismatic variations, some of today’s lures are pretty good at catching the angler, not the fish, but these stamps reflect the heritage of age-old, time-proven fishing lures.

Crankbaits, or plugs, are popular among anglers because they are relatively easy to use. They attract a variety of fish, including bass, walleye and pike. A plastic lip and curved body create the lure’s unique swimming action, allowing it to dive and wiggle just by casting out and reeling in. Anglers run these lures along the bottom, bouncing them off rocks, logs, or other submerged structures.

The in-line spinner lure mimics the movement of a swimming bait fish, attracting predator fish with a spinning blade and a weighted body that creates vibration in the water. Spinners often have tails dressed with feathers, animal hair, or an undulating rubber skirt to attract bass, trout, pike, and other species in shallow streams, deeper rivers, and lakes.

Spoon lures, named for their concave shape, have a rich history dating back to the 1800s. It is believed that a blacksmith in Vermont created the first spoon lure by sawing off the handle of a tablespoon and attaching a hook. This historical connection provides special honor to the tradition of fishing.

Topwater lures float on the surface of the water and are extremely popular. Wake baits use metal or plastic wings to create a commotion like a boat’s wake as they skim the surface. A popper has a concave face that makes a popping sound when pulled across the water.

Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, meticulously designed the stamps using original photographs by Sarah Cramer Shields. As Forever Stamps, each freshwater fishing lure stamp in the series is valid for one ounce of First-Class Mail. Their work transforms these utilitarian objects that catch fish into miniature pieces of art in the stamps, highlighting the craftsmanship involved in fishing lure design.

The fishing lure stamp series celebrates the enduring allure of fishing, capturing the sport’s essence and place in American culture. I’m headed to the Post Office right now. Forever Stamps of every sort are now 73 cents each. I might not buy gas this week.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

May 20: Erie County Fish Advisory Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Bison City Rod/Gun, 511 Ohio St., Buffalo, open to the public.

May 22: Erie County Federation of Sportsmen, Monthly Meeting, 7 p.m., Erie County Conservation Society, 13319 Miller Road, Chaffee, Info: 716-537-3120.

May 24: Memorial Day Trap Shoot, Hanover Fish & Game,100 sporting and 50-5-Stand, NSCA registered, 780 Overhiser Road, Silver Creek; 716-934-4028.

May 25: Chautauqua Lake Bassmasters 2025 Crappie Open Tournament, 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Lakewood Dog Park Boat launch, two adults and one child allowed per boat; $100 entry per boat. Tournament director: 716-708-0330.