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In both this poaching thread and the recent thread about bass limits, there has been discussion about replica mounts. I am familiar with the basic idea, but I was wondering about the specifics. What pictures need to be taken, what measurements, and other things would need to be done to insure a good product. Also, what is the price for a quality replica. Finally, any recommendations of taxidermists that do this well? Over the past 3-4 yrs. there have been a few bass and trout that I might have liked to have a replica of that I released. and only have memories, and my memory is fading.[unsure] Thanks in advance.
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first to make a true replica the fish has to be killed. for a mold is made from the fish. but ther are many replica forms that have allready been made. they just dont all have the same caricteristics. i have done some taxi work my self and reseched many companies products. i love the bodies i hate the heads. thats the main focal point for any mount. and the detail is not even close to a skin mounted fish. the bennifit to glass is they dont expand and shrink with the changing seasons wet to dry. this is what realy hurts skin mounts. but if skin is sealed right tanned right mounted right skin kicks tail every time. if you do get a glass mount go online and for fish taxidermist and veiw many differnt mounts from all over. thats wher to learn for real who you want to make you a fish.
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I'm with CROSSINEYES on this one. I too have done fish taxidermy and feel that the detail (texture) of a skin mount is superior to the replicas. Even with the most painstaking care I was never able to acheive the realistic look that a skin mount gives.
That said, however, the replicas will last a lifetime and even a great skin mount will deteriorate over time. (unless you store it in a dark place in an airtight vacuum chamber[cool]).
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dmack ther is one product out there that will not alow the air to ever effect skin mounts. its a cool plastic liquid. and after treatment mounts can be submurged in running water sceans, and it holds up.. what it is well thats gaurded info. worth major $$$$ to share. sorry guys.
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heres the difference.
Technology.
Sure theres the old style fish replicas, and do it yourself methods.
But theres also continuous change and improvemnet going on in the world of replicas.
You just have to make sure that your replica is done by someone who uses the best technology and has skills.
Basically if you look at the basics of fish taxidremy the differences between replicas and skin mounts arent that different.
But the things they can do with replicas these days will produce more accurate paint jobs, and add much more detail to your mount than a skin mount can.
Once you skin the fish, and soak it in treatment solutions and the scales are removed, you cant get the texture of the scales back.
Also you have the skin that must be remounted to the form.
This is why you get lots of creases and folds that have to be smoothed or hidden in a skin mount.
High quality forms have no seams in them. The quailty of the mold used to make the form is the main factor in your replica. The more detailed the mold, the better the form.
On skin mounts they use the skin color patterns that have faded as they dry out to get the markings in the right place and colors painted on the skin.
With todays computers they have software programs that can re-create your fish patterns and colors more accuratley and can be manipulated onto the form to give you an exact replica.
But more than anything the quality of your mount is in the quality of the artist.
Fish mounts are not taxidermy, they are art works. Skin mounts or replicas, they have to be painted. The life life look and blending of the colors is in the artwork.
If a guy is just doing it out of his garage in his spare time I am sure that skin mounts are easier to do than replicas and probably turn out better, but I would put up a replica done professionally by a skilled artist using the advanced technology against a skin mount anyday.
This is just based on what I have seen as I have researched the world of fish mounts.
If you look around you will see some crazy stuff. Crappy looking skin mounts, crappy looking replicas.
But when you see a great skin mount you know it. Its the same with a replica.
If you take the time to find the best replica guys in the contry, you will never be displeased with the decision not to get a skin mount.
One thing I found absolutley fascinating about fish mounts was the amazing things they can do with paint these days.
I used to assume it was all a bunch of airbrushing and hand touch ups that created the best images.
Well, like I said, the things they can do these days are amazing you just have to find a guy who is passionate enough about what he does. When you find him, you will realize that he takes ideas from other industires non-related to fish taxidermy and applies them to get the best results.
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one of my mounts is utwalleyes pick next to his post. its a 28 1/2 inch walleye. its the only one you guys can see here of my work. and i do agree it is art. prefrence is opion glass or skin. ill go skin for ever myself. i dont mind killing a good one if i dont allready have it on the wall. but iff ive aready got one why kill it if im not going to eat it. and i dont eat many fish, walleyes and perch mostley. and seldom fish others.
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I have to agree with predator on this one that it is art work. I have 4 mounted fish 3 skin mounts and 1 replica. Two of the skin mounts are not that great, ok, just not great art. The other two mounts one skin, and the replica were done by the same taxidermist / artist and they are great looking mounts. With these two fish most people cannot tell which one is skin and which one is the replica. I have know proplem if someone wants a skin mount and takes a fish home. If its legal, why should any of use look down on him?
John
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I have a lot of both in my house. Probly 15 of each. I have a variety of trout and quite a few large mouths. I can say quite honestly that even the most detailed replica mounts I have don't even compair to the skin mounts. My dad uses the best guys in utah, in our honest oppinion. Jerry Shivvers(hope I spelled that right) for the replicas and Paul Bambrough for the skin mounts. I didn't even think of taking my big strawberry rainbow to Jerry. It went strait to Paul. The detail that goes into his work is extraordinary. Right now we've got a brown, rainbow, two cutts and a smallie in for him to work on. I'd recomend from now on keeping a big specimen for each species you want on the wall and getting a skin mount. They are well worth the money and loss of that fishes life. But if you really do want the replica mount, go to Jerry Shivvers. He's the best in that feild that I've seen.
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