Taxidermy Prep?

[32 degrees]

Whats the proper way to protect and keep a fish which is eventually going to be mounted? I have heard you should wrap the fish in a wet towel? What way will ensure the quality of the fish is not diminished? Thanks in advance.

[Eric Wettschreck]

The fella that does my taxidermy (I think I'm putting his kid through college ) likes it when I immediately wrap the fish in a wet towel, put it in a plastic bag, add water, and freeze the shootin match.

[Crestliner-fever]

I have 3- crappies wraped in frezzer bags ( all seperate ) & a towel wraped around them is that safe enough? the guy that's going to do them has no other frezzer space

[Eric Wettschreck]

You should ask the fella that's going to do them. I always thought that freezing them in water helped delay freezer burn, but I could be wrong.

[Ed Carlson]

The wet towel and then bag method is the prefered method for most tax guys. This seals it up well and forms a protective cast around the fish.

NEVER wrap in newspaper or any other paper as this will suck out the oils from the skin and make the fish deteriate even in the frezer. Many tax men will not even do a mount if it has been stored this way, they tend to turn out like dump and do not last well.

[Guest]

I have always wrapped in a plastic wrap ASAP carefully trying to get all the fins layed down and as much air out as possible. I put several layers of plastic wrap and before the last put a piece of bent cardboard over the tail for protection. I then lastly wrap in Freezer Paper. Keeping a towel in the boat would be a great idea for protection of the fish in transit. Definately don't want to damage those fins or loose many scales. I would agree with asking the taxidermist individually. The method I use is what was recommended by mine many years ago. I have used the plastic wrap /freezer paper for waterfowl as well.

[Giant_Jackpot]

Although I am not against anyone keeping a fish for mounting, it’s just a lot easier to take a picture of the fish, put it back in the lake and get a replica!

[32 degrees]

I totally agree that CPR and replicas are the ticket. I have great photos of walleyes I will eventually get replicas of. My question was focused on panfish. From what I have heard replicas of panfish do not turn out as good compared to larger fish such as walleyes, northern pike, and muskie. Maybe this is a myth? Any info on that subject would also be great. It would be nice to know what decision to make if the situation ever presents itself. Hopefully it does , and soon! Thanks

[Giant_Jackpot]

I saw some panfish when I picked up my muskie at FiberTech and I thought they looked pretty nice. I would have no issues in getting a replica of a panfish based on what I saw there. Hope the info helps.

[Mark Christianson]

Panfish are no different than any other fish.

In the end, it comes down to who you get the replica from. If they can paint good, you won't know the difference between a replica and a real fish at a glance.

Of course if you get up close and scrutinize it, you can tell any fish is a replica.

Panfish are just fine when replicated. Let that bull gill go..

If you need any info on Fibertech, shoot me an email.

[email protected]

[89Bronco]

Like a couple of previous posts said: Never use newspapers to wrap up your fish and use cardboard to protect the tail. The tails get fragile after you freeze the fish and crack off easily.

[Northlander]

Rather than a towel I like a bedsheet. No cotton balls left on your fish. Also make sure you lay all the fins down on the fish so that when the sheet freezes none of the fins will be broken or disformed. The wet sheet acts as a cast for the safety of the fish that you are mounting. Also make sure you get really good measurements and weight as well as good pics of the coloration and any special markings etc.

[Walterwontfalter]

I'm currently apprenticing with a taxidermist and have been working with him for about a year and a half. We tell people to first and formost take many pictures of your specimen, get them developed immediately and bring them all with to us, we'll pick out the ones we need from which we can tell color shading. (we went to get it back to you looking as much like it did when you pulled it out of the water as possible.) Fish skin turns shades of grey. Then, as suggested above, wrap in a completely soaked towel. Don't wring it out at all. Being careful to lay all of the fins down against the body. The cardboard around the tail is a good idea too but not necessary. All of the fins can be repaired and you won't be able to tell that they were broken... with possible exception of the dorsal fin which is harder to repair. Better to err on the side of caution. then wrap up semi-tightly with the soaked towel and put inside a garbage bag and try to get it to your taxidermist as soon as you can... within a few days if possible but not necessary. If cared for properly and wrapped in the towel it can remain frozen for a long time. One other thing that I might not have mentioned yet. Before you lay the fins down make sure the fish is wet. it will protect the scales and fins. Then, decide which wall you are going to hang it on when it's done and which way it will face to look the best in that spot.