Good taxidermist for Smallmouth

[Skeeter26]

Hi Everyone,

I am looking to see if anyone has any recommendations on a good taxidermist, specifically for a smallmouth. I caught one that was roughly 8lbs in October this year and would like to get a replica made. I see a lot of smallmouth mounts done but want to be sure the mount looks very similar to the actual fish I caught, as best as possible.  I have attached a picture of the fish so you guys can take a look at it too, its a very dark smallmouth so want to be sure that is reflected in the mount as best as possible.

 

 

[gulfcaptain]

I used Global Fish Mounts to make a replica of an old skin mount I had.  I gave them the lengh and girth along with some photos of the old mount and they did a great job.  They use a program to paint the replica the same colors as the fish in the photo.  I'd look at contacting them.

 

btw, welcome to BR and the forums.

[roadwarrior]

Beautiful fish!

Below Pickwick Dam?

 

[everythingthatswims]

The title of the thread is giving people heart attacks before they see you're getting a replica made. I guarantee it 

 

Nice fish!

[bowhunter63]

Beauty,Hope you can find one that can capture that color.

[Skeeter26]

Yes it was below Pickwick back in early October. No worries I couldn't bring myself to kill a fish like that, she's still down there!

[Basswhippa]

Skeeter, I got 3 over six one day in November.  My previous best smallie was 5 pounds (I hang my head in shame, but I'm more of a largemouth guy)   Two of those were over 7 with one just a shade under 8.   The largest had a big tear in the side of his mouth from being caught previously, so I figured I would return the favor and release him as well.   I'm following this thread closely, with great interest.   12 pound largemouths are easy to get replicated.   8 pound smallies, not so much.   Anglers Choice Replicas has molds up to 8 pounds.   There are some other choices.   I'm maybe just going to get pictures blown up  instead.

 

[A-Jay]

 

On 12/28/2015 at 8:00 PM, Basswhippa said:

Skeeter, I got 3 over six one day in November.  My previous best smallie was 5 pounds (I hang my head in shame, but I'm more of a largemouth guy)   Two of those were over 7 with one just a shade under 8.   The largest had a big tear in the side of his mouth from being caught previously, so I figured I would return the favor and release him as well.   I'm following this thread closely, with great interest.   12 pound largemouths are easy to get replicated.   8 pound smallies, not so much.   Anglers Choice Replicas has molds up to 8 pounds.   There are some other choices.   I'm maybe just going to get pictures blown up  instead.

 

If you're looking to have a custom designed stretched canvas print made of your favorite photos, Kevin Washburn of the Antzl Project is the man to talk to. He will take your photos & work with you every step of the way to turn your regular photo into a work of art that looks like it belongs in art gallery. Really great person, awesome customer service & his final products are second to none.  I had the pics of Double Digit bass caught and released in Mexico done.  I'm very happy them. 

He's the Link https://www.facebook.com/TheAntzlProject/

 A quality alternative to a mount of any kind - and in comparison is priced right.

A-Jay

 

[WI_Angler1989]

4 hours ago, Skeeter26 said:

Yes it was below Pickwick back in early October. No worries I couldn't bring myself to kill a fish like that, she's still down there!

That's a thing of beauty. Gotta protect the gene pool!

[Basswhippa]

AJay, that is some cool stuff.  Thanks for the info.

 

[Skeeter26]

That is a pretty cool potential alternative. Most of the pricing I am getting on a replica is in the $350-$500 range. With me just having bought a new house that may be a little hard to justify right now though!

[A-Jay]

1 minute ago, Skeeter26 said:

That is a pretty cool potential alternative. Most of the pricing I am getting on a replica is in the $350-$500 range. With me just having bought a new house that may be a little hard to justify right now though!

I hear ya ~ Depending on the size Antzl you choose, it often runs less than a third of that.

A-Jay

[Skeeter26]

So what does he do basically just take a pic you send him and enhance it and put it on a high quality canvas print with a frame with all the info like the ones you have shown?

[bholtzinger14]

I dont know who Antzl is, but this is where I order my canvases from. I collect baseball autographs, but the same could be done for fishing.

http://www.bestofmainecorp.com/canvas.html
 

Very reasonable prices then I get it stretched locally. Its about $30-40 to stretch my 24x36 canvases with the thick gallary bars. Cheaper for thinner bars. Or you could just order it stretched and ready to hang. 

Adding the words is easy.

[A-Jay]

2 hours ago, Skeeter26 said:

So what does he do basically just take a pic you send him and enhance it and put it on a high quality canvas print with a frame with all the info like the ones you have shown?

Yes - a simple email sent with the pic attached is all it takes.  Then Mr Washburn (Antzl Project) will either make it the way you want or even offer up ideas for you.  Either way you'll get an email proof back with exactly what your project will look like before any final decisions are made.  I've gone back & forth at least a couple of times before each of my prints were finalized.

https://www.facebook.com/TheAntzlProject/photos/pb.192435674132526.-2207520000.1451421104./1025766444132774/?type=3&theater

A-Jay

[bholtzinger14]

Very nice fish AJ!! I think I am going to make the canvases like you when/if I ever catch any worthy of it. I'm not really a mount guy. While I think they look great I just don't have room in my house. My problem is most of my fishing is by myself and I never have anybody to take a good picture. 

 

Oh, and very nice fish skeeter. I have never caught a small mouth.