Hello fellow fisherman,

My name is Matt pickens. I was born in 1972.

GOHN-FISHIN BAITS AND LURES is the name that i gave my lure and decoy company in Witt, Illinois.   Ok,  it's not really a company, it's me in my shed, making what ever comes to mind.

 I usually don't have any idea of what i'm gonna make, till it's done.

I make everything free-hand.  There can be similar items, but i can't make an exact duplicate. Heck, I can't even make one side look just exactly like the other. I do not use any templates or patterns or anything like that.

If you have any suggestions please let me know. I can try making anything you would like to see in the water.      no obligation to buy      i just like suggestions

I love to fish!!!    Can't get enough of it!!!!    I don't know how many times I have told my wife, "we will go after this cast,.... ok,one more cast".

I hope that it shows in my carving.

My favorite place in the world to fish is at Carlyle Lake, below the dam. it is the second largest man-made lake here in Illinois. you never know what you're gonna catch when you're fishin down there. from a 50 pound flat head catfish, to a 1/2 pound crappie, or a 4 pound walleye. muskie have even made their way from Lake Shelbyville, down the Kaskaskia River, through Carlyle Lake, and have been caught below the dam. anything that swims is done below that dam. 

My second favorite place to fish would have to be Bennet Springs State Park, in Missouri. my Uncle LinDale has been taking me there since i was about 9 years old.  The 5 fish daily limit in this park, can be filled in less than 10 minutes!!!  

I believe it to be an honor, to be able to share my love for the sport of fishing, and the outdoors. i love the idea that someones next "Wall Hanger" might be caught, or speared, using something that i made for them.  I put my heart and soul into everything that I make, and I have a great sense of pride knowing that my work is out there, ready to be put to the test.

Some items that i make are decorative, but mostly i make my lures, and decoys, to be used at the lake.   

 Here is a very nice letter that was written to me by one of my customers.

Matt, Just received your salamander lure in the mail today, and i need to be honest with you when i first won the auction I thought to myself boy that was quite an expensive lure you just bought. After opening the package today I realized how much of a steal I got it for!! What an awesome hand made lure, what time and detail and pride this man takes in his work, and what an awesome job he did. I can tell you if I ever get a snag I dont care where I am I will be going in swimming after that one. This is a lure that I will definately cherish all of my fishing days. If I ever get any lunkers I will send pic's. Sincerely Michael       P.S. Looking forward to doing business with you again!

HEARING THINGS LIKE THAT IS WHAT MAKES IT ALL WORTH WHILE!!!  Thanks Michael, and you are welcome back at my shop anytime!!!

I WOULD NOW LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE THAT HAS PURCHASED MY WORK IN THE PAST, AND THE CUSTOMERS OF THE FUTURE.  YOU HAVE GIVEN ME A WAY TO SHARE MY LOVE FOR FISHING!!!    THANK YOU!!!

AND SPECIAL THANKS TO:

LARRY CHRISTY the owner and operator of  www.fishdecoys.net . 

JAMES ELROD, the owner and operator of www.greatcatfishbait.com .

 They have set up some AWESOME pages on their web-sites for me. Two of the nicest people on the internet!!          THANKS GUYS!!!