19 replies to this topic

[Diana Danger]

Saw a post on facebook where a guy caught a 15lb walleye and iced it for the purpose of mounting it.

 

Question is, would you do the same if you caught a fish like that or would you opt for a replica? 

 

 

 

[Paul1913]

I thought about doing it but would lean towards the replica. I'm not sure what the costs of either would be but the hassle of trying to keep the fish frozen for the taxidermist seems like a bit much for me.

[bharkasaig]

Replica. Never done it but it sounds so easy - a couple of measurements and a few photos. Easy to do with phones, and the fish gets to go back to make more fish! If it is a fish worth immortalizing, I probably don't want to eat it.

But, as I said, never had a fish worth it. I might have had some trophy creek chub...

[T-Ack]

Replica 100% but I'm the kind of person that would rather see a record fish swim away than kill it. I treat fish as they are my friends- with the most respect . Take a quick picture and measurements and get a replica done. IMO a replica hanging on my wall would make a better conversation piece anyways...."where did you catch and release it and how can someone else catch it". That's just me anyways .

[FrequentFlyer]

tough question. summer, spring, fall, replica 100%, winter time, how do you keep a fish alive long enough to take all the measurements? with soft water, you do that in the net, not so easy at -10, gills and eyes would freeze before its done

[troutddicted]

What ever you do make sure you go with someone with experience, will cost more but you'll get the job done right.  Replicas cost more ( from what I remember ), but first you need to catch that special fish

[Diana Danger]

I am mostly wondering if you think classic taxidermy is worth killing a fish like that

[Swing4Steel]

By the time most fish are trophy sized they are not as efficient spawners as some younger fish, and they've had a few goes at spawning. Non issue.

Fibreglass looks nicer and lasts longer

[PUMP KNOWS]

Can you post pics of the 15lb walleye?

 

If I were to catch my fish of a lifetime, I would go with a replica.

[PUMP KNOWS]

Replica looks good to me

[FrequentFlyer]

Can you post pics of the 15lb walleye?

 

If I were to catch my fish of a lifetime, I would go with a replica.

 

yea, but if it takes you 2 or 3 minutes to measure up the fish and take pictures in the cold winter air, the gills and eyes will freeze, killing the fish anyway, all other times of the year, all measurements and pictures can be done in a net

[PUMP KNOWS]

^^^

tough question. summer, spring, fall, replica 100%, winter time, how do you keep a fish alive long enough to take all the measurements? with soft water, you do that in the net, not so easy at -10, gills and eyes would freeze before its done

 

I am mostly wondering if you think classic taxidermy is worth killing a fish like that

 

I don't think it's worth it. 

 

I think Taxidermist are starting to phase out.  When I was in HS, I lived close to two stores that did taxidermy and they're no longer in business. 

[salmotrutta]

Well when you think about it, back in the day, you wouldn't always have a camera with you while fishing.

 

If you caught a remarkable fish and wanted everyone to believe you, there's no arguing with a real stuffed specimen.

 

These days. You have the camera on your phone, on your tablet, there's the Go Pro mounted on your head, there's probably a security camera nearby that filmed your whole day..and you can instantly share your footage with the entire frickin' planet. 

 

So you don't need to stuff it to brag about it. And if you release it, you're seen as a hero by many.

[FrequentFlyer]

I don't think it's worth it. 

 

I think Taxidermist are starting to phase out.  When I was in HS, I lived close to two stores that did taxidermy and they're no longer in business. 

 

 

i know of at least taxidermst thats backed up with 6 months worth of work.  remember, its not just fish they work on. antler mounts for all antlered species, various realistic scenes.  one year we butchered a buffalo for a guy who was having it mounted, he grew from calf, the thing was massive, over 1500 pounds ( the ones we got in the shop were around 800 pounds on average)  ducks, geese, coyotes, even family pets.  there was a taxdermist recently that had a couple of trailers  full of antlers stolen that were being shipped out the next morning.

[ChromeAddict]

I'd also get a fiberglass mount because I'd feel bad killing such a big fish for a mount. I'd be happy with just a picture though.

[PUMP KNOWS]

i know of at least taxidermst thats backed up with 6 months worth of work.  remember, its not just fish they work on. antler mounts for all antlered species, various realistic scenes.  one year we butchered a buffalo for a guy who was having it mounted, he grew from calf, the thing was massive, over 1500 pounds ( the ones we got in the shop were around 800 pounds on average)  ducks, geese, coyotes, even family pets.  there was a taxdermist recently that had a couple of trailers  full of antlers stolen that were being shipped out the next morning.

 

You're right, maybe the fishing side is starting to phase out in this day and age.

 

I read about that shop that had their inventory stolen and their was another shop that burnt down.

[Joel52]

Neither. Pictures work for me.