Trophy-Quality Fish Mounting and Taxidermy
Anglers dream of catching a huge or rare fish that they can talk about for a lifetime. Sure you can brag by showing your fellow sportsmen a photo of you with your trophy; but what could be better than mounting it and displaying it at home, in the office or at your cabin?
Both saltwater and freshwater fish can be mounted or a replica made to commemorate your fishing excursion. Wildlife Recapture Taxidermy has extensive knowledge and experience mounting all types of fish. We also specialize in trophy room taxidermy and will create a scene that better showcases your mounted fish in action or in its natural environment.
Be Prepared, Montana Taxidermy
Whether you’re fishing for trophy bass in the Missoula River or searching the Five Rivers for a large brown trout, you’ll need to be ready to preserve your fish for mounting. As soon as you get your fish out of the water, you’ll want to take a photo of it. Be sure to photograph the front, sides and the back of the fish from different angles. This is an important step because fish tend to discolor after being out of the water for a while. Therefore, having a photo will help us to get the color just right. A photo will also allow us to capture intricate details such as fin shape, scars and skin texture. You’ll also need to measure your fish so that we are sure that the size and weight are also correct.
How to Preserve the Fish for Mounting
Get your catch on ice as soon as possible. This is important because freezing is the best way to preserve the fish for mounting. Make sure the fish is flat so that it keeps its natural shape. Keep it frozen until you can get it to us. Be sure to store your frozen fish in a container instead of wrapping it in plastic or putting it in a saran wrap bag.
Types of Mounts
In order for us to perform a skin mount, the fish has to come to us in decent condition. Therefore, you’ll want to control the fish once it is caught. That is, you’ll want to gently hold the fish to keep it from flopping all around which can cause damage to the skin and scales.
Traditional, Full Fish Mounts
Full fish mounts are made to be hung on the wall. Thus, the side that will be seen has all of the features, colors and details of the fish. However, the other side is simply painted a solid color.
Three-Dimensional Mount
If you wish to display your fish trophy on your desk or on a stand, a three-dimensional mount would be your best option. These are finished all-around to capture the beauty and uniqueness of the species of fish. Just tell us how you want to showcase your three-dimensional mount. We can put it on a table or floor mounting stand.
Fish Reproductions
Perhaps you’d prefer to release your fish after you’ve caught it. If so, you can still commemorate the occasion with a replica of your catch. Simply take several photos of the fish including both sides. Next, you’ll need to measure both its length and girth for accuracy.
Final Touches
Let us recreate the natural habitat by adding accessories such as driftwood, plants, a painted water scene or bait to your trophy display. We can also show your fish jumping or in swimming motion with another fish in its mouth. Of course, you’ll want to commemorate your fishing adventure by adding a wood panel and brass plate to your trophy. Here you can share a little information about your trip with those getting a look at your catch.
Although we are a Montana Taxidermist, we can work with you from anywhere in the world. Please give us a call before your outing to plan for your mounting project.