If he was supposed to represent a poor imp or fishing prodigy, the shoes aren't right. Too new and/or polished.

It's a wonderful evocation of the famous illustration of Huck Finn by E. W. Kemble.

I see some bells and a cork bobber. The bobber is self explanatory. With the bells, he can cut a forked stick and stick it in the ground. Then lay the pole in the fork, lay back and watch the clouds roll by. When he gets a bite, the bells ring, he grabs the pole and he's in business.

My first impression on seeing this was the Morton Salt logo with the little girl in the rain gear with a sloped hat just like this.

@Paul A - the thing on the top of the pole looks like a large hook with a cork on it to protect the user from the barb. As to all the other appendages, no idea.

You will like it, like it, like it, on your table, table table.

I can't figure out the items strapped to it but my what a cute photo!