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A Slayton craftsman is reeling in regional recognition this holiday season. Marshall Geho, a lifelong fisherman, has been featured in the 2025 Midwest Living Holiday Gift Guide for his handcrafted wooden fishing lures — a spotlight that celebrates the heart and skill behind his small business, Marshall’s Minnows.
Marshall grew up fishing wherever he could find water, gaining years of experience in both freshwater and saltwater environments. About six years ago, he combined his love of fishing with the woodworking expertise he developed as a trim carpenter, hoping to create another lure suited to the way he fishes - covering water quickly with frequent casts.
“I wanted a bait that could be fished like a topwater, but be able to sink towards fish that may have missed the bait on the initial strike,” he explained. “So, I made one. It was rough, but it caught a lot of fish. It became the start for around a dozen prototypes that evolved into the 3” glidebaits you will find in my shop today.”
Each lure is made individually from hardwood maple, handcarved and painted in a variety of color patterns and now, several different styles. In 2025, he expanded the lineup to include a customer-requested 4-inch glidebait, along with crankbaits, topwaters, and ripbaits - all built from the original base design.
Marshall has sold lures to anglers in all 50 states, earning a loyal following of fishermen and families who appreciate the unique action and durability of his lures. He says one of his hopes with making these lures is to put fun into fishing for younger anglers, and for those of all ages who enjoy visual strikes and the excitement this style of fishing brings.
During the fishing season, Marshall can often be found filming lure demos and reeling in catches at popular area fishing spots and on fishing trips. He lives in Slayton with his wife Darcy and their best fishing dog pals, Bill and Bonnie.
Marshall’s Minnows caught the attention of Midwest Living editors while they were building this year’s curated collection of 25 Midwest-made holiday gifts - a list that celebrates local artisans, regional foods, and handcrafted goods rooted in Heartland culture. The annual guide encourages shoppers to support independent makers throughout the Midwest during the holiday season. The 2025 Midwest Living Holiday Gift Guide can be viewed at https://www.midwestliving. com/gift-guide-2025-11848585.
To learn more about Marshall’s Minnows and browse the full lure lineup, visit MarshallsMinnows. com.
