Preserving a fish to mount is a special way for anglers to commemorate a memorable catch. Whether it’s a trophy-sized fish or a sentimental first catch, mounting the fish allows you to create a lasting memento. While taxidermy professionals can assist with fish mounting, the preservation process begins the moment you catch the fish. Proper handling and preparation are crucial to ensure that the fish maintains its shape, color, and overall appearance for the final mount. This guide will walk you through how to preserve a fish for mounting, detailing each step to help you achieve the best possible result.
Why Preserve a Fish To Mount?
For many anglers, mounting a fish is a way of celebrating a significant achievement or recalling a special memory from their time on the water. By preserving the actual fish or having a replica created, you can display your catch in your home or office, serving as a constant reminder of your fishing adventure.
There are two main types of fish mounts:
- Skin Mounts: The actual fish is preserved, and the skin is used in the mount. This is more traditional but requires proper preservation to avoid decomposition.
- Replica Mounts: A fiberglass or resin mold is created, and the fish’s likeness is replicated based on photos, measurements, and descriptions. These mounts are long-lasting and can be just as lifelike as skin mounts.
Even if you plan to have a replica mount made, preserving the fish properly allows you to capture its exact dimensions and appearance, which are critical for creating an accurate and lifelike replica.
Step 1: Handle the Fish Carefully After Catching
Once you’ve caught a fish that you plan to mount, proper handling is essential to preserve its integrity. Any damage to the fish’s body, scales, or fins could negatively affect the final mount. Follow these key tips:
- Avoid Handling the Fish by the Gills: The gills are delicate, and damage to them can affect the fish’s appearance. Instead, handle the fish by the body using wet hands to minimize scale loss.
- Don’t Use a Stringer or Gaff: These tools can puncture or damage the fish, which could be difficult to repair during the mounting process.
- Keep the Fish Wet: If you’re not immediately preserving the fish, keep it wet by placing it in water or covering it with a damp cloth. This helps preserve its color and prevent drying.
Step 2: Take Proper Measurements
Accurate measurements of the fish are essential, especially if you’re opting for a replica mount. Measurements will allow the taxidermist to create a lifelike replica that matches the original fish in size and proportion. Follow these steps to take proper measurements:
- Length: Measure from the tip of the fish’s snout to the end of the tail.
- Girth: Measure around the fish’s widest point, typically around the belly area.
- Weight: If possible, weigh the fish on a reliable scale to get an accurate weight.
It’s also a good idea to take clear photos of the fish from multiple angles, capturing details like color patterns, markings, and the shape of the fins. These visual references will help the taxidermist match the fish’s natural appearance.
Step 3: Freeze the Fish for Preservation
If you plan to preserve the actual fish (for a skin mount) or take the fish to a taxidermist later, freezing it is the best option. Freezing slows down the decomposition process and helps retain the fish’s shape and color. Here’s how to freeze the fish properly for mounting:
- Prepare the Fish: Rinse the fish in clean, cold water to remove any dirt, blood, or debris. Pat it dry with a soft towel.
- Wrap the Fish: To prevent freezer burn and dehydration, carefully wrap the fish in a moist cloth or damp towel. Avoid using dry materials like paper towels, which can stick to the fish’s skin and remove scales.
- Place in a Plastic Bag: After wrapping the fish, place it in a high-quality plastic bag (or vacuum-seal bag if available). Remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing it. This step helps reduce freezer burn and maintains the fish’s shape.
- Freeze Flat: Lay the fish flat in the freezer to help maintain its natural shape. If the fish bends or curls while freezing, it could affect the final appearance of the mount.
Make sure to freeze the fish as soon as possible after catching it to ensure the best preservation.
Step 4: Deliver the Fish to the Taxidermist
Once the fish is frozen, you should aim to deliver it to the taxidermist within a few days to a week. Contact your chosen taxidermist in advance to discuss the process, share the measurements and photos you took, and arrange for delivery.
If you live far from the taxidermist or need to ship the fish, ensure that it is kept frozen during transit. Consider using dry ice and an insulated cooler for longer shipments to keep the fish at a low temperature.
Step 5: Choose the Type of Mount
When working with your taxidermist, you’ll need to decide whether to go with a skin mount or a replica mount. Both options have their pros and cons, so consider your preferences and the condition of the fish when making your decision.
- Skin Mount: In a skin mount, the actual skin of the fish is used, which can create a more authentic representation of your catch. However, skin mounts are more susceptible to fading and damage over time, especially if exposed to light or heat.
- Replica Mount: If you prefer a mount that will last longer, a replica is a great option. Replica mounts are crafted from durable materials like fiberglass, ensuring they maintain their appearance for years. You can customize the color and position to match your fish’s likeness, using the measurements and photos you provided.
Step 6: Consider the Display and Positioning
Once the fish is mounted, you’ll want to consider how to display it in your home or office. Taxidermists often allow you to choose the fish’s pose and the type of base or plaque on which it will be mounted. Popular poses include:
- Side View: The fish is mounted as if it’s swimming, showing off its full length and side profile.
- Jumping Pose: The fish appears to be leaping out of the water, a dynamic and exciting display option.
- Custom Poses: Some taxidermists offer custom poses to match how the fish was caught or to highlight specific features.
Ensure that your display space has adequate lighting and avoid placing the mount in direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause colors to fade over time.
Step 7: Care and Maintenance of the Mounted Fish
After the fish is mounted and displayed, it’s important to care for it properly to ensure it stays in good condition. Regular maintenance will help keep the fish looking as lifelike as the day you caught it. Here are some tips:
- Dust Regularly: Use a soft, dry cloth or a feather duster to gently remove dust from the fish and any mounted surface.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Don’t use any cleaning solutions or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the paint or natural skin of the fish.
- Control the Environment: Keep the mounted fish in a stable environment, away from direct sunlight, humidity, and fluctuating temperatures.
Conclusion
Preserving a fish to mount requires careful attention and a few key steps, starting with handling the fish properly after it’s caught. By measuring the fish accurately, freezing it promptly, and working with a professional taxidermist, you can ensure a high-quality mount that commemorates your special catch. Whether you opt for a traditional skin mount or a modern replica, following these guidelines will help you create a lasting memento of your fishing adventure.