The U.S. Postal Service has introduced a new series of stamps dedicated to Freshwater Fishing Lures at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. The stamps feature five distinct lure designs, each accompanied by close-up photographs that highlight their unique characteristics and historical significance in the sport of fishing. The collection illustrates the evolution of fishing lures, ranging from traditional handmade wooden designs to contemporary swimbaits crafted from modern materials.
John DiPeri, the USPS Western Region vice president, commented on the stamps, stating, “With these stamps, the Postal Service celebrates the beauty and ingenuity behind some of America’s most successful lures.” He noted the challenges of designing such small subjects but emphasized that fishing lures are ideal for stamps due to their intricate designs. Representatives from various organizations, including the Johnny Morris Foundation and Bass Pro Shops, attended the dedication ceremony.
Misty Mitchell, director of conservation education at the Johnny Morris Foundation, expressed appreciation for the event, stating, “We are truly honored to host this special stamp dedication at Wonders of Wildlife, celebrating the timeless tradition of fishing and the artistry behind these iconic lures.” Lee Beasley, campus director at Bass Pro Shops, added that fishing lures symbolize tradition and innovation, connecting people to the outdoors.
The stamps include various types of lures, such as crankbaits, in-line spinners, spoon lures, and topwater lures. Crankbaits are favored for their ease of use and effectiveness in attracting species like bass and walleye. In-line spinner lures mimic the motion of baitfish, while spoon lures, with their distinctive concave shape, have been a fishing staple since the 1800s. Topwater lures create surface disturbances to entice fish.
The Freshwater Fishing Lures stamps are available in panes of 20 and are classified as Forever stamps, maintaining their value equivalent to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce rate. The release of these stamps is being promoted through the hashtag #FishingLuresStamps.
Customers can purchase these stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store, by phone, or at Post Office locations nationwide. The U.S. Postal Service operates as an independent federal establishment, relying on the sale of postage and products to fund its operations without tax dollar support. For more information about the Postal Service and its offerings, visit their official website.