Fishing seems to be as much a part of man’s nature as living and breathing.
Sure, there are a few exceptions here and there and the degree of enthusiasm may vary, but mankind and a fishing pole go together like peaches and cream.
There is something magical about a reel and pole, casting out a long thin filament of strong material called fishing line (a marvel in itself) and hooking, fighting and landing any type of fish. Once you have enjoyed success it’s almost impossible to tire of the sport.
If you’re lucky, you may catch a fish so large or impressive you wish to preserve that moment and that very special fish forever! That’s when the services of a good taxidermist are indispensable. Once your fish is mounted the pure enjoyment and pride of that special day are relived every time you gaze upon your mount on the wall and it’s surprising how you never tire of remembering that special day of days.
The first fish I, as a 16-year-old boy, ever had the money to mount was caught in the lower Kinzua Creek many years back. We’d been fishing hard that day and I was getting tired. Coming to a large hole, the deepest and best looking in that stretch, on a whim, I switched from salmon eggs to a small Mini-Mirro, double jointed lure. This lure was a favorite of mine for both trout and smallmouth bass.
Standing near the head of the hole I flipped the lure against the far bank and let the rapids swing it cross current toward the deeper water.
Suddenly my rod tip whipped downward so hard that setting the hook into the extremely strong fish made me stumble on the slippery rocks and almost fall!
The big trout flipped and thrashed wildly in the current and it took seemingly forever to work the big, powerful rainbow in to shore and land her; my heart in my mouth the entire time. I’ll never forget the overwhelming fountain of pure joy and exhilaration that burst forth within me! The excitement and wonder that monster 23” trout brought forth! In my youth it appeared as large as a submarine and was the awe of all my friends. I simply stared at it for the longest time, marveling at its beauty and size. It simply had to be mounted and placed on the wall. I was so proud of that awesome rainbow; a seemingly unreachable dream had miraculously come true!
If you catch a fish that’s important to you there are several steps necessary to keep the fish in as good condition as possible for the taxidermist. Since I mount fish myself and know firsthand what mistakes to avoid, I’d like to offer a few recommendations on steps you can take; making the taxidermist’s job as trouble free as possible, providing yourself with the best looking mount possible.
First, keep your fish’s fins from damage. If you net your trophy get the fish out of the meshes quickly. Net meshes can split or deform any of the many fins, especially the tail. Also, keep those fins wet, don’t let them dry out.
Second, get the fish into the live well quickly or kill the fish immediately. Fresh caught fish flop wildly all over the place. This erratic and powerful behavior damages scales, skin and fins so try and limit it as much as possible.
Third, when removing a stubbornly hooked fish try not to tear or rip it out; damaging the fish. If unsure of just what to do with a tenaciously stuck hook, leave it in the fish and let the taxidermist remove it.
Fourth, keep the fish alive or as cold as possible. Trout especially, spoil quickly and are much more delicate than many realize. A fresh stocked trout has grown very rapidly in the hatchery and its flesh is soft, the bone structure weak and not fully formed. It can be very difficult or impossible to properly prepare a trout for mounting once it has become too warm. Put any fish, trout especially, on ice as soon as possible.
Fifth, if you’re freezing your fish before taking it to a taxidermist, it’s essential to make sure it‘s frozen properly, preventing damage and freezer burn as well. There is a simple and easy way to do this.
Take an old bath towel or similar material and soak in water, then ring out most of the excess. Next, carefully wrap the fish making sure it is completely covered. Check and make sure the fish’s fins are flat against its body and that the tail is not bent when the cloth is folded. If the material is thin, a sheet or pillow case, wrapping 2 layers around the fish will provide additional protection. Place the fish and wet towel/cloth in a heavy plastic garbage bag, wrap tightly with tape and freeze. The cloth, when frozen, becomes an armor-like protection and the tightly wrapped and taped garbage bag will keep your freezer clean and help prevent freezer burn. A fish prepared using this method will remain in prime shape for a long time period.
Sixth, if possible take several good photographs of the fish as soon as it is caught. These photos will allow the taxidermist to recapture the unique characteristics and colors of your catch.
Following these simple tips will allow your taxidermist the best opportunity of preparing your fish in its lifelike shape and coloration.
Good luck and good fishing!
Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or concerns on the subject.
