I've got a redfish in freezer that I want to mount. How do I preserve it until I find a taxidermist? Right now I have it wrapped in a couple towels. Is that good enough?

You should probably call the guy you plan on letting do the work and see what he says to do with it.

I don't know where I'm getting it done yet. Do you know anyone close Erich? I'm going in the morning e.

I have b een told to powder them good with
borax, yes it is a soap then wrap them in
newspaper and freeze them straight, I
understand this helps preserve the color.

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Hooked on Hybrids

Dennis------Slabshad

Thanks Dennis, Is newspaper enough to prevent freezer burn?

Stripaholic,
I bumped up a post in the Open Freshwater Thread called "Taxidermy Questions".
This guy does excellent work. He's also provided some tips on this thread for how to keep your trophy mount ready for the taxidermist.

Check it out and send him an email if you have any questions.
-Jeff

call Paul Kirk Red oak TX
20 MILES SOUTH OF Dallas
He's the best.
972 617 3134

I never had any trouble with freezer burn
on my two mounts, and had one in there quite
a while.

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Hooked on Hybrids

Dennis------Slabshad

Stripaholic,
If you have any questions about Taxidermy shoot me an email or post it here.

Slabnshad,
I would not rub Borax on your fish especially if you want the meat back. Borax is a tanning agent! It has been the norm up until the late 80's to preserve the skins for fish, birds and small mammals. Some taxidermists still use this old method or at least use borax as a bug proofer on mounts. So basicly you are tanning your fish and drying it out. Borax stays active for the life of the mount and it continues to dry to the point of making the skin hard, brittle and can cause cracking. Once the fish goes through the tanning process and starts to dry it will lose almost all the color anyway. That is why it is important to take pictures ASAP. Preferably while the fish is still alive. One more note about freezer burn. You will not notice it since it starts under the skin. The first outward signs will be a dryed up look, especially to the fins, and loss of color.

JBrown,
Thanks for the compliment! It is always nice to know that your work is appreciated!

Hope this is of some help!
A Tracker

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The Great Outdoors, Yellow Labs, Wild Turkey....Ain't Life Grand

[This message has been edited by A Tracker (edited 08-21-2003).]

I say take it to the taxidemist have him make a mold of it and get a fiberglass replica it will last a life time. And you can even windex it.

Thanks for everyones info!

Any more is appreciated.

Ole Larsen @ Headhunters Taxidermy did an excellent job on my reds. He had me keep them wrapped in towels that were as wet as I could get them, then wrap them in a trash bag to freeze.His phone # is 903-872-2258 if you wish to contact him.