Good walleye taxidermist

[Mimic Shiner]

Just wondering if anyone has suggestions for a good walleye taxidermist. I got one two weeks ago that wasn't able to go back, pulled out of too deep of water, so ending up on the wall. I had one done a few years ago by a guy that did really nice looking pike but I wasn't happy with the way my walleye turned out so I'm looking elsewhere. My current location is Bemidji but traveling isn't that big of a deal. Pictures of the mounts if your willing to share is nice too. Thanks for any suggestions.

[FISHINGURU]

lee's taxidermy in prescott WI does the best fish mounts i've seen...be a haul for ya but well worth it if you want a real nice mount imo.

[LOTWSvirgin]

I dont know any one up there that would do it but there is a really good one down in part of the state. I can get pictures if you would like. He is also very resonable at 6.50 an inch. 25 plus years of taxidermy.

[Mimic Shiner]

I'm actually originally from western Wisconsin and still spend time there on occasion so Prescott isn't too bad. I also spend a lot of time in the NE part of Minnesota so I tend to get around. LOTW yeah, if you had pics that'd be great and any other info. Thanks.

[LOTWSvirgin]

Will do

[Crappiewanter]

I also know a very good taxy guy who lives in Bloomer Wi. I could give you his info. I take all my stuff there, and I live in the twin cities. Very awesome work, and very resonable. He does alot of art work as well so his attention to detail is wonderfull!

[hhguide]

otherwise Rick LAX is the man to go to!

[landscaper]

I dont know any one up there that would do it but there is a really good one down in part of the state. I can get pictures if you would like. He is also very resonable at 6.50 an inch. 25 plus years of taxidermy.

what/where is the taxidermy located??

[LOTWSvirgin]

Lakefield Mn Why?

[Tim_Anderson]

I would use Rick Lax, period. He's from Conover, WI. He has great customer service. He has done a few huge muskies for me. They look just like the real thing. Also have had some clients do both walleyes and muskies with him, and they were very happy. I'd talk with him about getting a replica vs. a skin mount. Just my opinion, but if I were you, I would eat that walleye and get a replica. All he needs is a length, girth, and a good picture.

[rodmaker]

Tim,

My last 3 fish are replicas. I will never go back to a skin mount.

Still trying to figure out if we can hook up for a trip on Rainy.

[Tim_Anderson]

Hope you can make it!

[fishersofmen]

I don't know if it would feel quite right with a replica. You would always know thats not your fish.

[Charley]

I used a place in Burnsville called Minnesota Valley Taxidermy. His paint job is very life like. His work is guaranted for life.

I looked at quite a few places.

[LindyRigga]

Maybe now is the time to start doing them yourself ! Lord knows you have the time!...and after you get good at it you can do them for your friends!

[Charley]

No,I just catch them!!!

[Tim_Anderson]

I am not trying to be a smart alec here. This is just my logic.

I feel better knowing the fish is still swimming, growing, and there for someone else to catch and someday enjoy the thrill...perhaps even bigger than the one I did. That satisfaction is far more important to me than having THE fish on my wall.

The replica will still be with you in 30 or 40 years. And it will likely look the same. Not so sure about the skin mounts. (I have some that are 20 years old that are about ready for the trash).

That is why I would get a replica, even if the fish didn't release.

[rodmaker]

Agree Tim.

They will look the same from day one. I did feel kind of funny with the first replica knowing that it wasn't the real fish. That lasted a short while.

Always nice knowing the fish is hopefully alive after the release and will grow bigger.

I have two Eye skin mounts that are around 15 years old, and are ready for the trash also. Fins cracking etc.

You have mail from this afternoon.

[JoeB]

mimic shiner

I may have just the deal for you. A year ago I won a fish mount, either the real thing or a replica from a guy in Des Moines, Ia. You can see his work at fishbyluers.com. If your interested call me at 641-456-4165 and we'll work out a deal on the cost.

Joe

[Tyler23]

if traveling isnt a problem i would deffinetly look at North Star Taxidermy near st.peter. he does excellent mounts for a really good price. i know he has won many awards on his mounts so he knows what hes doing.

[james_walleye]

I have 2 skin mounts from the late 80's and early 90's and they both look great yet. I would 2nd the guy in burnsville. My friend just had a 31 1/2" fish done by him and it looks incredible.

[Charley]

James-walleye-- Is it because of the paint job?

[james_walleye]

Is what because of the paint job?