It doesn�t matter who your taxidermist is, they all want the best possible fish to work with. Here are a couple suggestions! One of the most common questions I�m asked(almost every natural fish) is, �what do I do with my fish?�. First and foremost is preserving your trophy so no further damage can happen to it. The best way to do that is to get it in ice as soon as possible. Ice will also shock the fish and keep it from thrashing if it is still alive. As it is feasible, the fish needs to be completely wrapped in a wet cotton shirt, towel or rag, then put in a bag (the bags that ice come in are heavy and usually handy) and froze as flat as possible. The cloth will freeze right to the fish and make it very ridged and durable in a freezer that usually has lots of traffic at your house. Intact fins and tails, scale loss and other damage will be very close to nil now. I�ve been suggesting this method and it really is pretty fool proof and works very well. Some of the most delicate fish are crappie and redears and scale loss can be extensive if they are not properly handled. The FIRST area to degrade is around the stomach, intestines and reproductive areas. Consumed food is already breaking down and lack of blood flow around eggs decomposes quickly promoting bacterial growth�.all bad things to a super quality mount. Of course....replicas are always an option and the fish can be released!!! Another point...TRY and refrain from visiting 6 counties trying to show everyone your fish...do it after it is mounted!!!

Either way...you can't take enough good quality pictures!!! NOT KETCHUM photos!!!! His moustache adds nothing to your mount!!!! The best colors are achieved in sunlight, but don't wash the photos out. Make sure you get the various colors and hues! They make a HUGE difference in the final mount!!! Don't forget the eye!!!








One more thing��a properly frozen fish will last a long time!!!! At least long enough to convince your wife how badly you need it on the wall!!!! Good fishing to all!!!

Thanks Bill, great info which I'm sure I'll need anyday now! Leave me your number so I can bring my (soon to be caught) stringer of 3+ pounders! May have to borrow some tee shirts to cover them all!!!

Now, come help me find my 3 pounders for you to mount!!!

Bob...I know a couple guys that can wrap 7-3# in ONE of their T-shirts!!!!!

That would be awesome. Seven 3# fish mounted on a stringer hanging across the doorway of the man cave.

Good info BB! Hope I need it soon.

If you decide to release the fish and want a replica, what measurements do you take?

Now I know you are NOT referring to me and my t-shirts!

Length and girth at the widest point.......and lots of photos!!

Heck no........you have FAR tooo many greasy stains on your shirts from breakfast at the Shed to wrap fish in!!!!

This is becoming a hilarious thread!!!!

keep em fresh and yes lots of good lighting photos
and yes NEVER take Ketchn photos ....
they is only for fun and fish story bla bla bla
wrap em in a wet pillow case or towel and freeze em quick
if you want a good "REAL" mount ....take good care of the fish/animal
don't break fins , don't beat the fish up , handle it with care
your taxidermist will love you and you will love your mount
and lookeee at the work mister BeltonBanger does
very nice
KABOOM

Ken that�s a toad and I know you took some selfies with DUCK LIPS.

Banger is going to make you proud with that mount.

I have never had a fish mounted, but this is all good information for future endeavors! Great site you have Belton.

Duck Lips!!!!!! Whooooeeeeee!!!!!! That darn fish was almost as big around as it was long!!!



Thanks!!! When you get one now.....you'll have a good idea what to do!!!! Good Luck!!!!!

That black was 15" long and had a 13" girth. Weighed 2.52 lbs. There were some beautiful colors all along the back just like those you see on the tail. A really beautiful Lake Fork specimen. I told Bill to take all the time he wanted to match those colors. It will definitely be beautiful. Actually glad I caught it the day before the tournament so I could get that one home for a mount.