Have you ever gone fishing and caught a really big fish, so big that you can’t even eat it all? And you’re thinking to yourself, “How can I keep this fish forever so I can remember this amazing experience?” Well, you’re in luck, because in this article, we’ll be discussing how to get your fish mounted!
So, how do you get a fish mounted?
There are two main methods of fish taxidermy: traditional and modern. Traditional fish taxidermy involves removing the skin of the fish, with the head and tail still attached, and cleaning out the inside of the skin. This leaves a hollow, fish-shaped skin. The eye is removed and the inside of the skin is then filled with a stuffing material, usually polyurethane foam. The skin is then sewn shut and mounted on a backing board.
Modern fish taxidermy involves using a mold of the fish instead of the actual fish. In this process, a mold is made of the fish, and then a cast is made from the mold. The cast is then painted and mounted on a backing board.
Let’s dig into it and see what secrets it holds.
KEY TAKEAWAY:
- To get a fish mounted, you’ll need to skin it, remove the head and tail, and send it to a taxidermist.
- The cost of getting a fish mount depends on the size and species of the fish, the type of mount you choose, and whether you want the fish mounted with its mouth open or closed. Prices typically range from $10 to $20 per inch. Some taxidermists also charge extra for shipping, crating, and insurance.
- To preserve your fish after you catch it, you’ll need to get it mounted by a taxidermist. This process includes cleaning the fish, removing its organs, scales, and fins, and taking it to the taxidermist as soon as possible. The taxidermist will then create a replica of the fish and mount it on a plaque or in a display case. To keep your mounted fish looking its best, you should keep it out of direct sunlight and away from moisture, and dust it regularly.
- The average turnaround time for getting a fish mounted is 12 to 14 weeks. However, expedited service is available from most taxidermists, which can shorten the wait time to a few months. In some cases, it may take up to a year or more to get a fish mount, depending on the taxidermist’s workload and the complexity of the mount.
- There are several benefits of getting a fish mounted, including conservation of the fish, durability, and easy transport.
What To Do With A Fish You Want To Get Mounted?
To properly preserve a fish for taxidermy, you should first wrap it in a wet towel and then seal it in an airtight plastic bag. You can then either ice it or refrigerate it, although if it will be more than a day before you can get it to the taxidermist, you should freeze it.
What Is The Average Cost To Mount A Fish?
The average cost to mount a fish will depend on the size of the fish. On average, it will cost $10-$15 per inch. Therefore, a fish that is 24 inches long will cost an average of $240-$360 to mount.
Do You Need The Actual Fish To Get It Mounted?
No, you do not need the actual fish to get it mounted. Taxidermy mounts usually only contain the skin, teeth, head, and fins of the fish. The body portion is typically a light-weight foam mold, onto which the skin and other fish parts are mounted. Most fish mounts are actually replicas made from painted fiberglass.
How Does A Taxidermist Mount A Fish?
A taxidermist will usually sew the fish up to the gills and then use sawdust to fill the tail. The fish should be filled with sawdust until it feels firm and malleable. The sawdust should be stuffed into every crevice the taxidermist can reach. Finally, the taxidermist will begin positioning the fish mount into the style they want it.
How Long Can You Freeze A Fish Before Mounting?
It is recommended that you freeze a fish within 6 hours and no longer than 24 hours after catching it.
What Is The Most Popular Fish Replica Taxidermy?
The most popular fish replica taxidermy is the largemouth bass, created by Jimmy Lawrence.
ESSENTIALS
- Can You Taxidermy A Fish?: Yes, it is possible to taxidermy a fish. The process is different than taxidermying a land animal, as the skin of a fish is delicate and dries out quickly. The taxidermist must create a light foam mold of the fish’s body, using only the skin, teeth, head, and fins. Some people still choose to have their fish taxidermied the traditional way, with a real fish body, but this is much more difficult to preserve.
- What Is The Average Cost Of A Replica Fish Mount?: The average cost of a replica fish mount ranges from $10 to $16 per inch, with shipping, crating, and insurance costs adding an additional $250-$300 to the total price.
- How To Use A Fish Taxidermy Kit?: To use a fish taxidermy kit, you will need a fish manikin, fish eyes, Derma Grip hide paste, Smooth Fish fill, Gill red paint, Pure white paint, and a taxidermy paint kit.
- How Are Fiberglass Fish Mounts Made?: Fiberglass fish mounts are made by taking photos and measurements of the fish to be replicated, applying gelcoat and fiberglass to the front and back halves of the mount, and painting the mount to resemble the real fish as closely as possible.
Final Word
Now that you know the basics of fish taxidermy, why not try it yourself? With a little bit of patience and practice, you can create your own beautiful fish mounts to display in your home or office.
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