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]]>I am owner/operator of Angler’s Art Fish Taxidermy, going over forty years. What started out as mostly a conventional skin mount practice has turned into a lucrative business that allows me to replicate trophies from all over the country. This generally starts off with a stream of questions. All questions are valid, since this is a specialty that most folks have no knowledge of.Don’t trust your buddy Billy Bob on this. It is also a scenario where wrong advice is an expensive killer.
Let us start with “how much.” It is expensive. Fish replications are made up one at a time. They are not warehoused plastic trinkets pulled off a shelf. A replication of your trophy will cost the taxidermist upwards of $10 to $13 dollars per inch of length. Ask about features that denote a quality casting to create a close match of your fish.
Then, the finishing and painting will at least double this. In Wisconsin, expect to pay around $20 per inch of length for the finished trophy, and that is low for a top end replica. I like to pay myself more than the guy who pumps my septic. The artist cannot create a masterpiece of your fish without a perfect canvas to paint on. With auto sales, a Ford F-150 is a Ford F-150. Find the dealer with the lowest price. Not even close to the same situation with replicas. Some are made of poorly detailed “boat hull” fiberglass with thick, clunky, opaque fins. Does not matter much on a Mako shark. It does matter on your trout, panfish, and walleye. Oh boy does it matter.
Does the replica feature thin, translucent fins? Is inner mouth, throat, and gill structure present and convincing? Scales should be crisp and clear. Pose should reflect the reality of a natural swimming motion. Fish that are curved too much up or down can look like bananas or porpoises.
Insist that you see the casting before going ahead. In many cases, this will not be offered. Be firm on this. You cannot just ask for a six pound bass. Rather, before the fish is released, try to get a length, girth, and weight measure. One good side view of your catch should be photographed, with light in front of fish, not behind it.
Research the reputation and qualifications of your fish replicator. I say this because painting a casting is not technically taxidermy. Plenty of folks farm out their work to those who specialize in fish. Wholesale and retail. They may make a small profit on each sale for doing nothing.
Steer clear of “big box” operations. Some of these may advertise on outdoor channels. Cabelooski’s, and Class Pro Shock may do great sailfish and shark mounts, but a generic, horrible job on a sixteen inch brook trout.
Don’t let folks across a certain border talk you into leaving the work in Canada. Used to be almost a monopoly on this with outfitters getting some good perks. Bring your ideas back home.
Consider shipping costs. If you are in the midwest, Spee-dee delivers fast and excellent shipping. Outside of that, it gets outrageous. Eighty-five bucks to ship a thirty seven inch package to New Jersey from Wisconsin UPS. That ate up one fourth of my profit. If you live in Florida, get your ten foot marlin from Florida? Don’t ask me what the shipping will be from Wisconsin unless you are up for a road trip.
Finally, things NOT to say to a fish artist…..
1.”Gonna run this by my wife.” Usually the kiss of Death.
2. “That is smaller than my fish.” Your fish was measured stick straight when it was caught. Curves will decrease that initial measure. Replicas do not shrink……old skin mounts may crack if done by a generic taxidermist, but they do not shrink. Angler’s should not have “buddies” with tape measures or imaginary art degrees.
3. “How is my fish doing?” Chances are it sits in a freezer or chemical tanning solution. If mounted, it is drying. Ask the taxidermist from the START what the expected turnaround is and don’t nag in the meantime.
4. November question……..”Can I get that by Christmas? No.
August question…..”Can I get that by Christmas? Probably
Any discounts? Yes, if you are a repeat client or client referral. No if you are military, CIA, FBI, DNR, Evangelical, DOGE, ICE or just a sweet 12 year old. NOPE
I am sure I did not cover the waterfront here, but if you have any questions, just contact me. I will give you an honest answer and maybe talk you into using my services.
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]]>I recently tuned into a television program that featured delicious recipes for trout. I have tried a number of these and they are truly gourmet dishes. However, one recipe had me alarmed. The trout was fresh, and the preparation involved marinating the raw fish in a lime juice concoction. It is believed by many that this “cooks” the fish, and makes it safe for consumption. The bitter truth is, only heat cooks fish. More importantly, such pickle mixes do not kill stages of worm parasites in the fish that continue their life cycle in you, the new human host.
As a lover of sushi, I have consumed more than my share of raw fish. However, these consisted of saltwater varieties like tuna. It is species of freshwater fish or salmon that migrate into fresh water that can cause trouble.
Allow me to introduce Dipyllobothrium latum that inhabits such game species as trout, walleye, and pike. Part of the complex life cycle of this worm is spent in tiny planktonic crustaceans, which are consumed by small fish. In turn, predatory fish feed on the little guys. Within the predator, development of larval worms continues. The final host can be any fish eating mammal, including humans. Here, it matures into the classic tapeworm shape that produces massive amounts of eggs which are shed into water, It is with morbid fascination that I mention the length of these worms. How about over 30 feet? Thatsa lotsa linguini.
It always amazes me how even educated, intelligent people continue to perpetuate the myth that citrus juice of vinegar “cooks” raw fish. Would you try this with a trichina infested bear backstrap? The good news is fish that is frozen for over seven days has its parasites killed, and can then be made into a tasty sushi dish or ceviche. Pickled pike is a favorite of mine, and there is no reason to shun this treat. Just don’t try it for shore lunch.
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]]>Shipping your fish for mounting is an essential step in preserving your prized catch for years to come. Whether you’re opting for a fish skin mount or a lifelike fish replica, ensuring your fish arrives in perfect condition is critical. At Angler’s Art Fish Taxidermy, we provide detailed instructions to help you prepare your fish for shipping with confidence.
The journey your fish takes from the water to our workshop can affect the final result of your mount. Improper handling can lead to damage or deterioration, especially for fish skin mounts, which require pristine specimens. Careful preparation ensures we can deliver vibrant, lifelike displays.
After catching your fish, rinse it gently with fresh water to remove any slime, dirt, or debris. Avoid scrubbing the scales or fins, as they are delicate and essential for the final mount.
Wrap your fish securely in a wet towel. This keeps the skin moist and prevents damage during freezing. Place the wrapped fish in a sealed plastic bag to protect it from freezer burn.
Lay your fish flat in the freezer and allow it to freeze solid. A flat position prevents any bending or deformation, which can affect the mounting process.
Use an insulated cooler or box lined with styrofoam. Place the frozen fish inside and pack it with dry ice or frozen gel packs to maintain the temperature. Fill empty spaces with newspaper or packing material to prevent movement.
Time is of the essence when shipping perishable items. Select an overnight shipping service and label the package clearly as “Perishable.” Include your contact information and instructions for handling.
At Angler’s Art Fish Taxidermy, we specialize in both fish skin mounts and fish replicas. With years of experience and meticulous craftsmanship, we ensure every fish tells a story. Whether you’re local or shipping from afar, our expert team is ready to transform your catch into a masterpiece.
Shipping your fish properly is the first step in preserving your memories. Follow these guidelines, and we’ll take care of the rest. Ready to get started? Contact us today for more details on how to ship your fish and explore our display options for a truly stunning mount.
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]]>Preserving a memorable catch is a decision many anglers face. Should you opt for a traditional fish skin mount or a modern fish replica? At Angler’s Art Fish Taxidermy, we specialize in both options, offering expert craftsmanship and various display options to suit your needs. Here are some factors to consider before making your decision.
Fish skin mounts are crafted using the actual skin, fins, and sometimes other parts of your catch. While these mounts offer a highly authentic appearance, they require proper care to prevent degradation over time.
Fish replicas are made from molds and painted to replicate your catch in lifelike detail. Because they’re constructed from durable materials like fiberglass, replicas are more resistant to environmental factors such as humidity and UV light. They’re an excellent choice for anglers looking for a long-lasting display.
If you plan to keep your fish, a skin mount is a great way to preserve its natural elements. However, this choice is only viable if you can freeze and ship your fish to Angler’s Art Fish Taxidermy promptly to maintain quality.
For catch-and-release enthusiasts, replicas are the ideal solution. Simply measure the length and girth of your fish, take clear photos, and let us create a museum-quality reproduction that captures your trophy’s exact look.
Using the original skin ensures that the unique patterns and textures of your fish are preserved. At Angler’s Art Fish Taxidermy, we meticulously restore these details for an incredible finish.
Replicas allow for an unmatched level of artistic precision. Our replicas even include tiny upper palate teeth for species like pike and musky, ensuring a lifelike presentation.
Skin mounts need occasional maintenance to keep their vibrancy and structure. Dusting and careful placement away from direct sunlight are essential.
Replicas require minimal upkeep, making them a low-maintenance option for busy anglers.
Both fish skin mounts and fish replicas are priced based on the size and complexity of the project. At Angler’s Art Fish Taxidermy, we offer competitive pricing with a focus on quality. Whether you choose a skin mount or a replica, you can trust us to deliver exceptional results.
With over 40 years of experience, Angler’s Art Fish Taxidermy is renowned for its unparalleled craftsmanship in fish skin mounts and fish replicas. From dynamic display options to personalized service, we ensure your trophy is something you’ll be proud to showcase for years to come.
Whether you’re preserving a once-in-a-lifetime lunker or commemorating a special catch with a loved one, the choice between fish skin mounts and fish replicas ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. Contact us today to discuss your options and bring your fishing memories to life!
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]]>The post 5 Reasons to Choose Angler’s Art Fish Taxidermy: Quality Over Cost appeared first on Angler’s Art Taxidermy.
]]>Preserving your trophy fish is about more than just cost; it’s about quality, longevity, and creating a lasting memory. When it comes to choosing a taxidermist for fish skin mounts or fish replicas, here’s why opting for a trusted expert like Angler’s Art Fish Taxidermy is worth every penny.
A professional taxidermist with years of experience, like Angler’s Art Fish Taxidermy, guarantees exceptional attention to detail. Cheap mounts often lack lifelike colors, intricate detailing, and realistic features. At Angler’s Art, we ensure your fish mount or replica reflects the vibrant beauty of your catch—down to the smallest scale.
Fish mounts and replicas should last a lifetime, but low-cost options often use subpar materials that degrade quickly. Investing in quality taxidermy ensures your trophy withstands the test of time. Whether it’s a fish skin mount or a durable fish replica, Angler’s Art uses top-tier materials for displays that remain vibrant for decades.
A good taxidermist offers a wide range of display options to suit your space and style. From driftwood scenes to splash effects, Angler’s Art Fish Taxidermy provides customized settings that showcase your catch in the most stunning way possible. Cheaper alternatives rarely deliver the same level of creativity or versatility.
Choosing a taxidermist with proven expertise ensures the best results. With over 40 years of experience, Angler’s Art Fish Taxidermy has worked with anglers from across the country. Whether you’re local or shipping your catch from out of state, you can trust our meticulous process to preserve your trophy with precision.
While cheap taxidermy might save money upfront, it often costs more in the long run due to repairs or replacements. High-quality taxidermy, like that from Angler’s Art, offers superior value by delivering a stunning mount that you’ll cherish for years. Plus, with expertly crafted fish skin mounts and replicas, you’re investing in a memory that lasts.
When it comes to preserving your prized catch, don’t settle for the cheapest option. Angler’s Art Fish Taxidermy delivers premium fish skin mounts, lifelike fish replicas, and stunning display options that stand out. Trust the best for a trophy that’s as impressive as the day you caught it.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and see why anglers nationwide choose Angler’s Art Fish Taxidermy for their mounts and replicas.
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