Trophy Fish And Mounting

[FunkJishing]

I've seen many real fish mounted and was wondering what steps would i have to take in getting my "trophy fish" mounted. The real fish, not a mold... any suggestions as to where i should have it done? I just want to know for future refrence, I dont currently have a fish to get mounted.  

[00 mod]

No clue anymore.  Used to be wrap the fish up in a wet paper towel and freeze it.  Probably a better solution now.  Not to discourage your decision, but I have a skin mount from the late 80's that looks BAD now, and all of my replicas look great.  They last longer and don't fade......

 

Jeff

[FunkJishing]

_{hey jeff you've got me convinced, I want mine to last forever. it sounds cheaper too, any web sites that do it very well if not the best?}

[S Hovanec]

I don't know about cheaper, but you get a nicer product IMO.

[FunkJishing]

oh lol well nicer is just as good

[Lucky Craft Man]

I am actually interested in hearing the response to the OP's second question (good places for replicas).  I had a Chinook Salmon Replica done at Lyons & O'Haver, which the mold came out incredible and the paintjob was great, but the fish was off in color (the fish looks overall green vs. the overall gold that it really had).  I am having a Musky Replica made from Fittante and I am anxious to see how it turns out.  I would like to get a SM replica made, but I am very picky and would like to hear more responses on where people recommend.  I know 00mod let me know where he got his one done, which was incredible, but from what I understand, the wait time for this guy is looooong. 

[00 mod]

I have an absolutely AMAZING replica of my 10lb 14oz LM bass.  The guy is simply the best, museum type quality, but the wait is extensive, and most people cannot wait that long, hence the reason I don't recommend him.  The best way to make sure you get a good replica is ask for pictures from the artist, not a company, of the actual fish and the replica made.  Search until you find someone who does it right and well.  Then make sure you don't settle.  These things last a lifetime!

 

Jeff

 

 

[FunkJishing]

i've been researching and profishart.com has some on point replicas as well as skin mounts. check them out, it's the best i've found yet.

[Lucky Craft Man]

i've been researching and profishart.com has some on point replicas as well as skin mounts. check them out, it's the best i've found yet.

 

Nice find.  Those are some good looking replicas.  The most important thing to me is how close the colors on the replica fish match the real one caught.  I would love to see those replica nest to the picture of the actual fish caught.  Like I mentioned before, I had a Chinook Salmon replica made, but the colors didn't match the one in the picture so I don't even display it.  I know its an oddity about myself, but I am really anal about having the fish look as close as possible to the real one.   

 

Here is whose currently doing my Muskie replica - fittantereplicas.com.  He does Smallmouth (and other fish) as well, but his specialty is Musky, which from what I've seen, he is one of the best.  I was on the verge of ordering my Smallmouth through him, but for some reason, I didn't.  That website you posted has some very good looking Smallmouth (and Steelhead) replicas.  It's almost as if some of these places really shine on certain fish, but no so much on others.

[FunkJishing]

 I know its an oddity about myself, but I am really anal about having the fish look as close as possible to the real one.   

 

 

Hey man who wouldn't be about their trophy fish lol I'd be pretty upset too. thats why I'm leening tward skin mounts more. I still haven't made up my mind but if that site has good replicas then I MIGHT give them a try when the time comes.

[zachvu]

Something that you may already know, but I haven't seen mentioned yet, is that the fish can be released and a good mold still made.  Many artists will have a list of measurements and photos they need, and they will make them look nearly identical!  I only bring it up because the OP was about using the actual fish/skin.

[J Francho]

I mount mine on an acid free matte, in a tasteful frame.  The photo, that is.

[Scott F]

In case you aren't aware, all mounts, skin or replica are painted by the taxidermist. In choosing an artist to do your mount, notice I said artist because getting the mount looking great takes an artist, look for someone who enters and WINS taxidermy competitions. These guys are judged by other taxidermists on the quality of their work. The guy who did my smallmouth replica 10 years ago had won several of these competitions. When I saw one of his mounts up close, I knew I had to have him make mine.  I've forgotten years ago how much I paid, but I see a great looking smallmouth every day. I would not judge the quality of someone's work from a photograph. There is no way a even a good photo can show the detail of the work done on my mount. The paint he used has gold flecks in it that is exactly the way a live smallie looks. It has never been possible for me to show that in a photo. If at all possible, visit the taxidermist and look at his work in person.

[FunkJishing]

true indeed^