The Fred Arbogast Jitterbug is iconic to bass anglers and to the fishing world generally – which means I’d be shocked if some fanatics hadn’t tattooed one on their arm, leg, back or nether regions. A quick search of Instagram found some great ones. Here are seven of my favorites:
For more information about the Jitterbug, check out the following links:
There are also a number of books on this special topwater. Here are just a few:
We love catching what the Panamanians generally refer to simply as “pargo,” but which is more formally called the Mexican barred snapper.. We’ve caught a few in the past, but on our May 2026 trip they seemed to increase in number and in size.
While a full-body paddlefish replica doesn’t appeal to me, I would like a preserved snout. The distinctive paddle that provides their name is actually called a “rostrum,” much like on the sawfish we accidentally caught in the Florida Keys. They make an amazing mount.
Gyotaku is the art of Japanese fish prints dating back to the 1800s, and not surprisingly mahi mahi still make great subjects for this craft a few centuries later. If you’re looking for examples where they intersect, check out these mahi gyotaku and gyotaku-like shirts.
We made a vow that there would be no more anniversary gifts, but if you’re going to break your vows a piece of fishing artwork is a good way to do it.