I inadertently found I had a knack, if you call it such, in Februrary 2000 while trying out an idea that had come to me as I wrestled with a sleepless night. I used a friend's bandsaw and after getting back to my shop, began smoothing the fish shape with my Dremel and a sanding drum. My approach to fish carving is minimalistic. I began using Cedar since I had a stack of half-rotted 4x4s. I simply cut the good parts out and set them aside to dry thoroughly.
Cedar carves well and looks good with a natural finish.
I've also used fir posts and beams to carve from as well. When a Dogwood tree blew over last year, I cut it up and after a bit, began eyeing the pieces as possible carving material. Later I found driftwood works well also. I've since bought a bandsaw, added a flexible shaft to my Dremel and bought some carbide bits, but the tools remain fairly simple. I use hand chisels for a small portion of the carvings.