Anyone ever mount or replicate a catch from a flyrodding adventure? Got pics? Stories?
I just saw a three-rainbow mount by an ND taxidermist and it blew me away. What great color.
I doubt I’d ever skin-mount a fish, but I could consider a replica, and I will when I get my 1st 20" smallie…hopefully on the fly (fingers crossed).
I have a couple of friends with replicas - which is the only way I’d go. They provided a good color picture, the fish’s length and girth - and they have a wall-hanger that looks capable of swimming away - while the real one still is…
They’re not inexpensive, but then again, the memories brought back looking at them are priceless!
definately go with the fiberglass replica 8)
I don’t even bother taking pictures anymore. I just make sure I have it’s name and email to check back later and send them on their way. 
Bobinmich
I’ve seen the replicas at shows & that would be the way to go. Those are fantastic!
Mike
I agree replicas are indeed the way to go … have two now but only the one grayling was on a fly rod and would never do a skin mount. Besides most replicas are guaranteed for life … or at least the guy that did mine guarantees his .
Tom
njsimonson…
I have two fiberglass replicas now. (A Permit & a Bonefish.) They are the only way to go.
The cost is about the same as a skin mount but there is no deterioration or color fading over time.
They are easy to maintain. (You just dust them off.)
As stated above, it?s also nice to know the original might still be swimming out there.
Another way to go is freeze drying. I think there was a National Geographic program that dealt with this… people have pets done, too. Of course, I kind of like the idea of the replica, since the fish swims free.
http://members.aol.com/anglertaxi/anglerstaxid.htm
This is a link to a page that shows the completed work.
I’ve ventured in and out of the taxidermy business, specializing in fish mounts, for more years than I care to count. Replicas are the way to go with thin skinned fish. While often more expensive than skin mounts, they are not subject to grease bleeding and discoloration and with proper care will last you a lifetime.
I would caution you to look before you leap when selecting a taxidermist. Check his/her work and compare.
Expecially with replicas, skill with the airbrush is paramount for a quality looking fish. Specifically for the trout species, ask your prospective taxidermist if he/she scale tips as an example. It is a lengthy and tedious process but will make all the difference in a quality looking mount. This process involves tipping the edge of EVERY scale on the show side of the fish blank with bright silver, chrome or gold depending upon the species and then applying the transparent colors over the scale tipping. This makes the fish come alive and gives a more realistic finish to the fish.
My goal was always to make the fish appear as though it just came out of the water. Details in coloration is important and makes all the difference in your mount. While it may appear expensive, there is a significant amount of man hours and tedious work involved in a quality mount and you get what you pay for.
When possible, always provide a color photograph of the fish along with length/girth measurements. The taxidermist will use the photo as a template to paint in the unique details on your specific fish. Absent a photo you loose that unique detail.
There are many skilled artist in the business, be selective.