Mounted fish repair

[Riverratpete]

I have a Muskie I caught back in the late 70's that I had mounted. I am finishing my bar and want to put her back up on the wall. She has seen better days..missing a lower fin, could use a new paint job, etc, but no major structural issues (she was done in the days before fiberglass mounts)Looking to see if anyone knows any local taxidermists that could do a good job at a fair price. Thanks for any input

[Down Deep]

If you are going to the Northwest show this week stop by the Artistic Anglers booth. There will also be some other taxidermists there.

[Greybeard53]

I've done taxidermy for over thirty years now, but I'm afraid I'm not familiar with taxidermists up in your area. But, any good taxidermist can do the type of repair work you mentioned. Fin repair or replacement and repainting can really make an amazing change in an old mount. Also the quality of eyes available now are incredible compared to 30 years ago. So you may want to ask about replacing those as well.

Use the same criteria you'd use to select any taxidermist for a new mount. Check some references, and make sure you see a good number of examples of their work (in your case, specifically examples of muskies)

Good luck!

[mr walleye]

Try the guy between excelsior and St. Boni on highway seven he dose awesome work, and his prices are not to bad

hint his name is Jim

I would put his number up but apparently that's to much info to share with everyone

the mounts in his shop will blow you away,

the walleye that my dad had done looks like if you put it in the water it would swim away

[rodmaker]

Artistic Anglers is very good.

[Northlander]

Artistic Anglers all the way.

[outdoor ran]

Steve, you going down to the sports show in the cities? If you do check out the ice fishing mount and the bear eating salmon displays we have at the AA booth. I might head down Sat. after I check out the fm sale in Twig.

[LEECH21]

I agree Artistic Anglers 100%!

[hanson]

I've got a relative that does taxidermy work in Coon Rapids. Jack Hanson at Jack's Taxidermy. I've seen some of his restoration type work and it is unbelievable.

What I'd suggest is checking out in person any muskie mounts he has done, and then personally talking to him about the repair/restoration work.

Best suggestion is to do some research, see some mounts, and talk to the taxidermists. It'll become pretty apparent who you'll want to work with.

[rodmaker]

Couldn't agree more!!! I have three fish done by them, and sending up a photo for a 22 1/2 " Smallie from last year. All replicas

[rodmaker]

I know Jack. He did a couple of Pike for a close friend. Good work!!!!

[Riverratpete]

Thanks all for the info..gives me somewhere to start..I'll be interested to see what they can do since its just your old fish on a board deal.