Mounted or Replica 2024
hawghunter1744 reply :
When I catch my first monster fish, which looks like I may get lucky an have it happen fairly soon because I've been catching lots of big fish this year, should I mount it or get a replica? I'm sure all the environmentally friendly people will say replica but I'm talking as far as looks which one is the best? Can the taxidermists make a replica look just as good as a real mount??
Grey Wolf reply :
REPLICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Take pictures at differant angles and take all the correct measurements and put the old girl back , PLEASE.
The replica will look as good if not better if you find a good taxidermist.
Crestliner2008 reply :
Trust me, a mount, regardless of who does the work, will not last long. Especially in humid conditions. I have never seen a mount look as good as new after a few years. It's worth the extra money to have a replica made. JMO.
hawghunter1744 reply :
What are all the different measurements that I'll need to take to get a replica done??
Jake. reply :
QuoteWhat are all the different measurements that I'll need to take to get a replica done??
Length and Girth around the fish's widest part of the belly.
David P reply :
Replicas stay looking great years down the road, mounts generally do not.
Regardless of looks, killing a big fish to put on your wall, defeats the purpose of fishing for big fish.
I regret not getting the measurements to my 12lber, nor did I get good pictures, otherwise I'd have a replica now. :-/
Big-O reply :
Hawghunter, Pls. take this as a word from the "Old and Regretful". Over the many yrs I have been blessed to be able to catch many larger fish than I deserved to, I am truly regretful for having mounted the fish that I have. Granted, those were the days when there was no such thing as replicas but since that time I have kicked myself many times over for the past. I am sure that I am speaking for many of our older long time fisherman as well.
Now days with replicas being so prevalent and the fact that they last longer, require less maintenance etc. Stands to GOOD reason, that is the correct choice. Besides that, a picture can be displayed anywhere and anytime with as much or more enthusiasm and leaves you with the best memory of all, she lived on to tell the story to her many offspring of the time when this guy named Hawghunter ........
Big O
www.ragetail.com
Wayne P. reply :
I'm an ole timer and my opinion is that I don't fish for artificial fish so I don't want an artificial fish for a trophy mount. I have several skin mounts of different species that are 25-35 years old. They all look as good as they did when mounted. I don't regret having those fish mounted any more or less than I do any game animal that I have had mounted. I legally harvested them and they belonged to me when I did. My recent trophies of big fish and game animals consist of photographs. I don't take photos of fish held at arm's length towards the camera so they look bigger than they are. Anyone can have a trophy replica made to any specification they want without even catching a trophy size fish-just make up some measurements, use one of those 2# bass arm's length pictures, and you can have a monster hanging on your wall.
I don't keep fish for food or trophies any more but I don't complain/ridicule/or demean anyone who wants to keep bass for any reason.
Daniel My Brother reply :
QuoteI don't take photos of fish held at arm's length towards the camera so they look bigger than they are.
The nice thing about holding a bass close to the camera is that you actually get a good, detailed picture of the bass. That detail can help you identify the fish when you catch it again the next year...unless of course you choose to mount it.
There is nothing deceitful about holding a fish this way...as long as you're honest when you tell the story later.
Mattlures reply :
Wayne if your mounts look like they did 30 years ago then they must have looked bad when they were first mounted ;D Skin mounts age and unless you kept them in a vacume, in the dark then they have deteriated. You probably havent noticed because you see them every day. If you post some good pictures of your mounts I bet I can find many flaws with them.
Keep in mind I am/was a taxidermist. When you get a skin mount, you skin a fish and then glue the skin to a foam body. You have to position it correctly. You also have to position the fins and the jaws and fill in gaps with filler and many other steps in an attempt to make that skin into a fish. The reality is by the time you get "your" fish back it is not the "same" fish you brought in. Unless the Taxidermist is extremely good your fish will be off a little in girth or length and many many skin mounts are not posed in natural positions. After the fish is mounted and dried it is then painted. My point...........It is not exactly the same fish as when you brought it to the taxidermist. Now keep in mind, you now have a rotting cracking yellowing warping fish on your wall. Sure it doesn't happen overnight but it is happening.
People argue that they want a skin mount because it's their fish, I disagree. It's the skin that somebody attempted to put back together into your fish.
Now I'll discus replicas. First off they are molded from a real bass in a natural pose. The mouths are positioned properly, the fins aren't over extended, and the body is correct and proportioned. It is a much more accurate representation of a real bass then a skin mount. A replica only requires dusting, as it is not rotting. It does not yellow. It does not distort. It does not become dry and brittle of have the scales lift or fall out. It is a superior product in every possible way. Many of the top Taxidermist in the country wont do a skin mount because they are so inferior.
It is my "professional" opinion that a replica is a better and more accurate depiction of "your" fish than a "real" skin mount.
So Replicas ARE the way to go with any of your trophy fish that you want mounted.
Grey Wolf reply :
QuoteI'm an ole timer and my opinion is that I don't fish for artificial fish so I don't want an artificial fish for a trophy mount. I have several skin mounts of different species that are 25-35 years old. They all look as good as they did when mounted. I don't regret having those fish mounted any more or less than I do any game animal that I have had mounted. I legally harvested them and they belonged to me when I did. My recent trophies of big fish and game animals consist of photographs. I don't take photos of fish held at arm's length towards the camera so they look bigger than they are. Anyone can have a trophy replica made to any specification they want without even catching a trophy size fish-just make up some measurements, use one of those 2# bass arm's length pictures, and you can have a monster hanging on your wall.I don't keep fish for food or trophies any more but I don't complain/ridicule/or demean anyone who wants to keep bass for any reason.
Why did you take that attitude to bad-mouth people ?
Wayne P. reply :
Mattlures, send me an e-mail and I'll send you a picture of a largemouth bass caught on April 19, 1975. It was not mounted as you described and has been kept in a low light, controlled environment. As far as finding flaws, there aren't any because it is an actual fish. purdum43@aol.com
Bass-Brat, I didn't "badmouth" anyone, I stated my opinion on the subject of whether to have a replica or skin mount done for a trophy bass and the authenticity of a replica. I also stated my opinion about the photo techniques of representing a catch. If you don't agree, that is your opinion.
VA BassHound reply :
Whether its a replica or a skin mount, the quality of the work is going to depend on who does it. I have a 28 year old skin mount that looks much better then the replicas that I have seen at Bass Pro Shop'. Also, my 28 year old skin mount has not yellowed or rotted.
muskyxl reply :
The one thing that kept the skin mounts going was the cost of the replicas being so high... not the case as much anymore.
In my opinion the replicas are the only way to go...they look good and last alot longer than skin (in 99.9% cases), and the fish is still scoot'n around for you to catch when hes 3 lbs heavier.
rondef reply :
I don't know what I will decide to do when I finally catch that trophy hawg. Part of me says keep it and mount it, another part of me says get a replica. I have seen mounts after 30 years that still look good. One in particular was a record Rainbow Trout my grandfather caught and had mounted. I will not tell someone what to do with their trophy fish as that is their personal decision.
Mattlures reply :
Wayne if it is a skin mount it was mounted exactly as I described. That is how they are done. I am not trying to insult anybody for thier opinions but a skin mount is an inferior product. Most of the better taxidemist wont even do them anymore. I am sure I can pick apart any picture of just about any older mount. It just the nature of skin mounts. my email is mattlures@yahoo.com If anybody want to send me pics of thier skin mounts I will show you all the thingg that are wrong with each mount. Now keep in mind a replica is only as good as the taxidemist. This is also true with a skin mount. The difference is the replica starts as a perfect mount and then has to be painted. A skin mount has to be skinned preserved and mounted and then painted. Most do not do perfect mounts. Most of the older skin mounts I have seen dont even do decent work. A replica is superior in every way. However if you do decide to go with a skin mount (or replica) you absoluty get what you pay for. DO NOT go with the cheapest price. If the taxidermist is realy good then they arent cheap. The problem is, a lot of think they are good and unless you know what to look for then the customer also thinks they are good. Most "profesional" mounted fish that I have seen look terrible
weknowhowtolive reply :
Its not really an "environmentally friendly" issue. Its leaving the fish to grow and for other people to catch. Plus as some people have said, replicas look just as good and last longer.
Wayne P. reply :
Mattlures, it was not done as you described. No foam body was used and the skin was filled instead of stretched over a form. I don't know what the substance was, but I watched a fish being done and saw some of his work before I made the choice of that taxidermist. A couple of later ones were done by another taxidermist and they were done the same way. I did not chose the cheapest craftsman, as a matter of fact, he was the most expensive and the most regarded among those that had fish mounts done.
I'll send you a 2.9 mb size picture for your critque.
southwestoh reply :
Im curious, what should you expect to pay for a mount. Replica or skin. Also what ,in everyones opinion, sizes or weight would you mount? Me personaly am not sure what size I would spend the money on. When I was asking about price I just want to know a average. TRUST ME I know you pay for what you get most of the time.
Wayne P. reply :
southwestoh, I found this by websearch:
http://www.wildlifeartistry.com/price-%20tanning.htm#FISH Prices
Mattlures reply :
Wayne you are correct. I forgot about how they actually used to "stuff" fish. Yes that was even before the foam manikins. Sawdust was one of the things used to stuff fish usualy mixed with some form of presevative. Anyways I looked at your picture and overal it is an exceptionaly nice skin mount especialy since its over 30 years old. You did well in your choice of taxidermist.
However because it is a skin mount it is still a rotting decaying piece of skin and it does show some signs of it. I sent you a detailed email pointing out several flaws. Most of them minor but they are still signs of skin mount inferiority. With your permission I would like to post your picture with the flaws I have pointed out. If you dont want me to I wont.
roadwarrior reply :
The "tone" of this discussion has been very professional. I hope
Wayne P. allows Mattlures to post his trophy. I am very curious
to hear/ see what makes a great skin mount and how that compares
with today's replicas.
David Hayes' World Record Smallmouth hasn't held up so well:
http://www.southeasternoutdoors.com/outdoors/fishing/articles/smallmouth-world-record-controversy-hayes.html
8-)
fishfordollars reply :
All the post on this thread have been very well said. Great discussion and information I have enjoyed reading and learning from. Keep up the great work.
Wayne P. reply :
Sure you may Mattlures, but only based on my reply to you this morning as some of your assumptions were incorrect. I don't want to refute any more of your opinions on a public forum.
rboat reply :
I would go with a replica.
I have seen many old bad looking skin mounts hanging in older fish camps and bars around the country. The replica will stay in good condition and the fish can swim and reproduce for another angler or anglers to benefit from.
Brush Hog20 reply :
Killing a trophy fish for the sake of vanity is not okay in my book....Make the replica...
Wayne P. reply :
The replicas in Moser's restaurant at Lake Fork Marina look good.
Lard_Bass reply :
This has been a very good discussion. My neighbor recently told me that his buddy caught a hawg in the pond by my house about 15 years ago that was 5 oz shy of the PA state record. He got that hawg mounted. When I heard that, I was disappointed but I am a catch and release guy.
The decision comes down to your personal opinion what to do. When I used to saltwater fish when I was younger, I kept more of my catch for eating. Since I picked up freshwater fishing, I have been a C&R guy and prefer to return the fish to nature. However, it's hard to argue against keeping a fish if you consider eating any fish as well. Just my .02.
SnowBass23 reply :
Since we all know opinions are like back-ends (and stink even worse) I thought I'd throw mine in!
Personally, I like the replicas, as long as it is from someone who knows what they are doing. Just like everyone else has said, it really is personal choice. As long as a person is following a state's creel limits then I have no problem with them keeping their fish, whether for food or trophy. That being said, I don't like to keep bass. For me, I have passion for the hunt and the actually catching of the fish. When I finally get a bass in, especially if it has any size, I don't like to kill them for any reason. To me, I take far greater pleasure in knowing that for just one minute, just one instant, all the stars lined up right, and in something that feels so primal and passionate, I fought and beat this beast. No one else. For me, killing that creature (for any reason) is not something I want to do. I am much happier sending her back on her way, knowing that I beat her.
Now, a few weeks ago my wife caught a 6.5 LMB that had just finished spawning (she had an enormous head/mouth but was real skinny). I think if she had caught her prior to spawn she would have been an easy 8. I have never gotten one that big, as soon as I unhooked her I wanted to throw her back. My wife wanted to eat her. I tried to emphasize the time it takes for a bass to grow bigger, and that this one was well on her way to being B I G. She wouldn't relent and demanded to eat her. So we did.
Now, As much as I disagreed with my wife's decision, it was HER decision. She caught it and she has a license so I felt she was within her rights as a fisherman to keep a fish that meets the slot requirements. I still occasionally give her a hard time for it.
Anyway, I'd go with the replica and the satisfaction that that big fish is out there still hunting and outsmarting other fishermen! I wouldn't hold it against someone that wanted a trophy either. It's a personal issue.
Grey Wolf reply :
D-I-V-O-R-C-E.
fishfordollars reply :
QuoteSince we all know opinions are like back-ends (and stink even worse) I thought I'd throw mine in!Personally, I like the replicas, as long as it is from someone who knows what they are doing. Just like everyone else has said, it really is personal choice. As long as a person is following a state's creel limits then I have no problem with them keeping their fish, whether for food or trophy. That being said, I don't like to keep bass. For me, I have passion for the hunt and the actually catching of the fish. When I finally get a bass in, especially if it has any size, I don't like to kill them for any reason. To me, I take far greater pleasure in knowing that for just one minute, just one instant, all the stars lined up right, and in something that feels so primal and passionate, I fought and beat this beast. No one else. For me, killing that creature (for any reason) is not something I want to do. I am much happier sending her back on her way, knowing that I beat her.
Now, a few weeks ago my wife caught a 6.5 LMB that had just finished spawning (she had an enormous head/mouth but was real skinny). I think if she had caught her prior to spawn she would have been an easy 8. I have never gotten one that big, as soon as I unhooked her I wanted to throw her back. My wife wanted to eat her. I tried to emphasize the time it takes for a bass to grow bigger, and that this one was well on her way to being B I G. She wouldn't relent and demanded to eat her. So we did.
Now, As much as I disagreed with my wife's decision, it was HER decision. She caught it and she has a license so I felt she was within her rights as a fisherman to keep a fish that meets the slot requirements. I still occasionally give her a hard time for it.
Anyway, I'd go with the replica and the satisfaction that that big fish is out there still hunting and outsmarting other fishermen! I wouldn't hold it against someone that wanted a trophy either. It's a personal issue.
You did the right thing. It was her decision. If you had put it back just think of all the enduring conversations you could have had with her and her new divorce attorney.
Raul reply :
Good mounts and good replicas cost good money.
Why I wouldn 't have the fish mounted and get a replica instead ?
To allow it to pass it 's genes ? it has done it several times in the past, there must be several hundred fish with those genes already swimming in the lake.
I would release the fish hoping it will survive the ordeal of being caught with the expectation of catching it again in the future and hopefully with a few more pounds on it just to have another replica made. Having it mounted would eliminate that possibility once and for all.
WRB reply :
QuoteReplicas stay looking great years down the road, mounts generally do not.Regardless of looks, killing a big fish to put on your wall, defeats the purpose of fishing for big fish.
I regret not getting the measurements to my 12lber, nor did I get good pictures, otherwise I'd have a replica now. :-/
Your bass would be about 25 1/2" long X 22 1/2 girth to be 12 lbs., in CA.
Roberts Fish Mounts, Robert Munoz, 626/222.1366 is the bst in the business, IMO.
WRB
WRB reply :
The big difference between any mount is how well the artist paints the fish and how long the mount looks good without deteriorating.
Fiberglass molded replicas only require one bass of a specific size to make up a mold. For example a 12 lb bass with a girth 75% length and another 12 lb bass with a girth 90% of it's length represents 99% of the 12 lb bass caught; northern and Florida strain is all the taxidermist needs to inventory. A good photo of the bass gives the artist who paints the fish an idea of what color scheme to use. A fish shin used to make the mount is gray color before painting, the fiberglass is white. Options like mouth open, straight body or acrhed body are different molds or forms.
I have a few skin mounts that date prior to fiberglass replica's and they have aged a lot, changing color, a few cracks etc. The replica mounts look like new after 20 years; the paint is still life like, as if the bass just came out if the water.
WRB
Fish Chris reply :
Well now, like I've said many times before, I release 'all' of my biggest fish (and most of the smaller ones too) because "I like to catch big fish" ! For me to catch a big fish, kill it, and hang it on the wall, would be "to hurt my own future odds, of catching an even bigger fish".
My buddies and I have C/R'd big bass, and then re-C/R'd the very same fish, with solid photo proof, many times. And the more time that passes, the more often it happens.
If I C/R a big fish, then one of you comes along and catches it > totally because < I chose to release it, that's great ! Congrats to you. But I've got to be honest, I C/R'd that fish, first and foremost, to increase my own odds at catching that fish again, in the future, when it had grown to be even larger.
For me to kill a big fish, would be like shooting myself in the foot. Just totally counter-productive, and illogical.
Peace,
Fish
Mattlures reply :
FC I am going to write up a big post about replicas and Skin mounts. Can you send me the pictures of your replicas? Send them to mattlures@yahoo.com THANKS! I know you had at least one done by Robersts and anothe done by lake fork. Those are 2 of the 3 shops I recomend so I would to show those.
Fish Chris reply :
I'd be glad too.
Peace,
Fish
VA BassHound reply :
Here is a site that compares skin mounts vs. replicas:
http://www.silverdoctortaxidermy.com/SDRvsSM.htm
Newman12Fan reply :
One question that I did not see answered is what would you consider big enough for a mount? My personal largest bass was 6.5 pounds. I am sure many more serious fishermen here can catch a 6.5 pounder in their sleep. So what would be your min size to get a mount made of?
roadwarrior reply :
Quote12lbs.QuoteOne question that I did not see answered is what would you consider big enough for a mount? My personal largest bass was 6.5 pounds. I am sure many more serious fishermen here can catch a 6.5 pounder in their sleep. So what would be your min size to get a mount made of?
That would be a nice smallmouth!
8-)
Dangle reply :
id say replica, so that maybe you can catch the fish again.
Wayne P. reply :
Since reading the silverdoctor site, I have reservations and questions about replicas since I have never considered one.
So a fish is killed to make the mold for a replica. Does that mean that if the mold supplier does not have an exact mold of the size caught or formed in the position you want, that you cannot get a replica of your fish in the correct size and in the pose that you want? If you don't want to settle for a replica that is close but not exact, is another fish killed to produce the replica? I have caught a bass that weighed 8# 6 oz and was 27 1/8" long and another that weighed 10# 4oz and was 27" long. Do replica producers have a mold for each of those or does the taxidermist make modifications to the replica before painting?
I was thinking that the replica was made from a sculpture by an artist of the exact deminsions provided instead of a mold of an actual fish.
"Inquiring minds want to know"
Mattlures reply :
Wayne most of the big shops have thier own inventory of molds. Blanks can be altered a little but not much as far as lenght and girth goes. unique features such as split fins or a scar etc can be matched by any skilled taxidermist. There are Taxidermy supply companies that sell blanks(the actual unpainted replica) If you have a typical sized fish your taxidermist should have no problem matching your measurements and getting it in the pose you want. Now if you caught a rare size or shaped fish you may not have as many options. For instance say you caught a 20lb bass that was 28 in x 27 in. Well I am sure a good taxidermist would be able to find a match within 1/2 in on either measurement but you may only have one option for the pose. Or if you caught a 32 in bass that was super skinny and only weighed 12lbs it might be difficult to find a matching blank. In general there are tons of options for typyical sized trophy bass. There are also some shops that will(for an extra charge) make a mold of your actual fish.
All of this depends on how important the exact measurement are to you. usualy the taxidermist will give you a wndow. The measurements will be within 1/2 in either way and the weight will be within 2ounces. You as the customer wont be able to tell the difference anyways becase you cant lay the replica flat and get an accurate measurement.
Also remember this, Most skin mounts will be off MORE than 1/2 inch from the original measurements when they are finished.
Catt reply :
Very interesting subject
Personally I've never mounted nor had a replica made of any fish or animal. I have photos and memories which are good enough for me.
rondef reply :
I still don't know what I would choose but I have a problem with what I read about the replicas. The problem I have with the replicas after reading the comparison is as follows.
"The replica producers must obtain (and kill) a large number of fish to have different mold sizes available. The meat is usually wasted in producing the molds."
So what is the real difference if someone chooses to keep their bass over having a replica made? Big fish still die in order to make these molds.
hawghunter1744 reply :
wow.. never knew such a simple question would have sparked a debate like this!!!
Bankbeater reply :
I prefer a ton of pictures over a replica or a mount. They are alot easier to carry around and show people .
Grey Wolf reply :
QuoteI prefer a ton of pictures over a replica or a mount. They are alot easier to carry around and show people.
PLUS A WHOLE LOT CHEAPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mattlures reply :
Rondef their is a big difference. The molds are already made. no more fish have to die. One mold will produce as many blanks as needed. Also not all the fish that are used to make the molds were alive and healthy. Many were made with old fish found freshly dead or they died when released. I know a big shop down here that had the rangers save any realy big fish that they found fresh.
That site that compaired skin mounts to repros did a poor job at best. It almost like they are trying to talk you into a skin mount. Like I said before most of the big world class shops wont do skin mounts because they are an inferior product. small shops or mediocertaxidermist can find a nich in the market by doing the work that the best taxidermist wont. Now I am not saying that perticular taxidermist is good or bad, I dont know. I do know his comparison is weak at best. I working on a very detailed article that will point out the good and bad with skin mounts and Repros. Since I dont do any taxidermy work for customers anymore, I have nothing to loose or gain by sharring my opinions on the subject.
bigbasser121 reply :
I caught my first big one a few years ago and regretfully had it mounted. I'll never take another bass out of the water for good again. But if i needed something to look at it would definatly be a replica.
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