Owl-eyed Ripple Skipper – [Fearsome Critter]

Description

Owl-eyed Ripple Skipper – [Fearsome Critter]

•about this critter: A mysterious, dopey looking fish with a short body, no fins and long front teeth from Rice lake Wisconsin. – it would use its flat rear end to ‘skip’ or ‘bound’ on the water instead of swim, it apparently had great eyesight. – there’s not much else to be said about it lore wide.

•History:
One of several taxidermied critters by Otto Rindlisbacher the owner and proprietor of “THE FRIENDLY BUCKHORN.” a popular saloon from the 1950s it featured many rogue taxidermists impressions on fearsome critters & other attractions- they also sold exaggerated postcards which were quite popular after the turn of the century. –

This postcard itself dates back late 1940s, early 1950s – Theres an Inscription on the back of the postcard which reads
“Shades of Isaak Walkton, what’s this? Rice Lake fishermen say it’s real and they call it an ‘Owl-eyed ripple skipper.’ The lakes hereabouts abound in ’em, so the story goes.”

I’m not sure if they’re talking about Izaak walkton or not, but he was a famous author/angler who wrote a book on angling in the mid-1500’s, hes also referenced in tales of two cities. (I’m sure there’s A fisherman’s joke in there somewhere, but sadly it completely alludes me. Perhaps it’s one of those jokes / references that is simply lost to time or simply a funny way of saying “what in gods name is that?!?”)

Sticker Art by @Samkalensky (yo thats me!) –  Part of my fearsome critters american folklore sticker collection, weather-resistant 4″ Glossy sticker. Check my shop & follow @samkalensky for many more!

Anyway There are quite a few more interesting critters from the “friendly buckhorn” I’ll be drawing a few more soon ❤️