Taxidermy (Skin Mounts)
vs.
Reproductions (Replicas)
When you catch a beautiful trophy fish, you will more than likely be thinking about having it mounted or having a reproduction made of it. Either option can be a great choice as well as a poor one. With this page I try point out and briefly explain the assets and what to look for from each option. So whether you have released a trophy or harvested a legal fish you will find the following information helpful in getting the best job done.
- Reproductions
These mounts are mostly a fiberglass replica of a fish that has been previously cast and molded. Most taxidermists order blanks (the unfinished form) from supply companies, that will fit the size and species of fish you need. Today increasing amounts of replicas are being used in combination with modern taxidermy (skin mounting) methods. - The benefits of having a replica mount are:
Whether you’ve just experienced a trophy fish or landed it years ago, you can have a replica made of it!
You can simply order a fish by having its length, girth measurements and a photograph.
Usually they can be less expensive than a traditional skin mount. - Some things to know about replicas:
There is a fair chance that you won’t get the exact measurements of your fish, because there simply aren’t enough fish molded to match every size.
You are slightly limited with poses because again, they are made from molds.
Not all blanks were created equal! It’s important that your taxidermist purchase from a good supplier.
Even with a good blank, they still need to be detailed before finishing and must be painted convincingly for each species. "Less than par" paint jobs are common.
Good photography or pictures are a must. - Traditional Skin mounts
Skin mounts have come along way in the last 20 years, especially with the use of reproduction heads eliminating the shrinkage and grease problems of the past. - The benefits in having a skin mount are:
The finished mount will be YOUR fish, authentic and one of a kind.
You also have a larger range of positions to choose from. - Some things to know about skin mounts:
If done properly the mount can last as long as a replica.
The taxidermist needs to be good! Fish anatomy should be life like and smooth, look for good craftsmanship.
Painting quality- again must be painted convincingly. - Field care for your fish skin mount:
Photograph your fish soon after catching.
Place your fish show side up on ice in a suitable cooler. Do not cover fish with ice, towels or plastic. Just keep fish cold and bring it to your favorite taxidermist this way!
And, of course, do not gut or cut your fish in any way.
Freeze if needed. Simply place your fresh fish show side up on a plastic bag laying absolutely flat -- use a flat cardboard base under the plastic -- in the freezer. After 24 hrs, wrap in sturdy plastic bag and seal from air. This should keep up to a month or until you can bring it in to your taxidermist.
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Jeff Lumsden . Still Life Studio . 11901 Silver Way . Everett, WA 98208 . 425.353.9884