Just wanted to share my experience with yall. My dad caught a 10-5 earlier in February and I hired Ron Kelly to do a replica for his Father's day present. I think it turned out pretty awesome, and I just wanted to give Ron some props for the job he did. I have a replica my own personal best on the wall at home, and comparing the two is really eye-opening. The small touches that Ron put on really set this fish above and beyond my expectations. The size and shape of the fish's body are dead-on, and the fins are the size, color and shape exactly of the original. The inside of the mouth actually looks like the mouth of a largemouth (my pb is just flat white fiberglass inside). Anyway, I could go on for awhile, but the point is that I think he does a fantastic job. Here's a picture:

Looks good if you don't mind my asking what does a mount like that cost I want to get one done once I catch my first DD.

Looks very nice. Most replicas I have seen dont look this real. I caught a 10-5 a few years ago at Fork. Mine was 23 7/8" long. I was just courious to what the measurements on this one is. They look about the same size. I didnt get the girth on mine Wish I would have. One day I would like to get a replica.

JWatson, mine was $300. I think it varies based on size/length/etc. I called Lake Fork Taxidermy and it was going to be about $350. I got some pictures from LF Taxi and I think they would have done a great job too, but I'd heard great things about Ron (he's won lots of taxidermy awards) and he was 45 minutes closer to my house and $50 less, so that's why I went with him.

Ken, we didn't get many measurements on it either. It was right at 24" and we didn't get a girth measurement. I just gave Ron a couple of pictures and he made it look identical to those. I wanted to get some measurements, but dad would've known I was wanting them for a replica if I'd asked any more about it. I took a gamble that pictures would be good enough and I was right.

Thats not bad. I was so excited when I caught that bass and pissed it liked 1/8 a inch of not being in the slot. Was during a tournament and had to release it.

Ron did a couple of 20 pound peacocks for me, outstanding work, he is doing two grizzly bears for a buddy and I right now.

great fish, and great looking replica.

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...LLY#Post1406293


I don't like gambling.

I hadn't heard anything negative about him. Sounds like others have had issues, but that post was 4 years ago so I have no idea what was going on then. I saved $50 and a bunch of gas money and got an awesome mount, so I can't complain.

not being aware of his past and the problems, I used him in the fall of '08
he delivered my sons Falcon 11# replica as promised.
I think it looks awesome, matched the color of the fish spot on. And I'm pretty picky

plus 1 a few years back Ron had some issues like we all do in our lives from time to time. But he is back and is trying to get life back straight. he done my sons and I will let him do another if we ever need it.

Very nice. Was she bruised-up from the spawn?

I had heard that Ron had a few issues awhile back, I also had heard that he was the best, I went ahead and gambled as an earlier poster stated, I could not be happier with the two peacock bass setting that he did for me, I also checked out some of his big game taxidermy, the man has some great skills, when I get my grizzly back I will post some pictures of the work he has done for me.

It was an early pre-spawn fish in February, so she was a very good looking fish.

Ron did a 6 pound Smallmouth, repainted and repaired 6.1 Spot, a 9.4 largemouth, a 10 lb. 12 oz. skin mount and is currently doing a 11 lb. 14 oz. largemouth. He has done an awesome job on all my fish. There is NO detail he has left off. His fish aren't your typical "cookie cutter" fish. My Alan Henry bass looks different than my Ivie bass. Ron is one of the founders of making replicas. Josh, his son works with Ron and does great work. Just remember, with any taxidermist, don't rush them. If you rush them, then you may be able to tell it by the work they do.