Are you a fish taxidermy enthusiast? Or perhaps you are someone who just enjoys fishing and wants to to taxidermy a fish that you’re proud of, such as a sturgeon or a Northern Pike, and you want to look back on for years to come.
In this guide to fish taxidermy, we’ll give tips for how to perform the fish taxidermy process from start to finish.
Step 1: Get the Materials You Need for the Project
Prior to going out on a fishing trip, you should obtain all the necessary materials you need for the project.
These include the following:
- Fish form
- Skinning tool or scalpel
- Fleshing tool or spoon
- Borax powder
- Salt
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Clear varnish or lacquer
- Polyester resin or epoxy
- Paint and brushes, and
- Safety gear such as gloves and goggles.
Make sure you conduct research on which are the highest quality products and speak to your local taxidermist for assistance.
Step 2: Catch Fish & Preserve It
Now for the fun part: catching the fish!
Once you catch the fish, try to keep it fresh by storing it on ice or freezing it until you’re ready to work on it.
Once ready, you’ll need to preserve the fish by soaking it in a mixture of borax powder and salt for approximately 24 hours. This process helps dry out the skin and prevent decay.
You can use borax alone or with salt. The amount you use will depend on the size of the fish.
For smaller fish, you’ll need about two cups of borax and one cup of salt. For larger fish, you’ll need to utilize more. Find out more about pre-taxidermy field care of trophy fish here for best results!
Step 3: Make the Incisions & Clean the Fish
Now the process of skinning the fish can begin.
Using a fish skinning tool or scalpel, you first need to make an incision along the fish’s belly from the anus to the lower jaw. While doing this, make sure you don’t puncture the skin.
Now that you’ve made the incision, gently peel the skin away from the flesh, starting at the tail.
Use a fleshing tool or spoon to remove any remaining flesh or fat from the skin. Keep the skin as intact as possible for the next step!
Step 4: Preserve the Fish
After cleaning the skin of your fish, it’s time to preserve it further.
Soak the skin in a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water for 24 hours. This process will help to prevent bacteria growth and preserve the skin.
You can also use a mixture of clear varnish or lacquer to harden the skin. This will give it a more realistic appearance and help it retain its shape.
Step 5: Stitch & Fill the Fish
Once the skin of your fish is preserved, it’s time to fill it.
Use fishing line or a needle and thread to stitch up the incision you made earlier. Then, fill the skin with polyester resin or epoxy to give it a more lifelike appearance.
Make sure to fill the skin completely, taking care not to overstuff it.
Step 6: Final Touches
Lastly, you need to paint the fish to match its original colors and markings. Make sure to use high-quality paint and brushes for the best results.
Once the paint on the fish is dry, apply a clear varnish or lacquer to protect the paint and give the fish a glossy finish.
Be sure to take your time with this step to ensure the best results. You’ll want to create a lifelike representation of the fish, so make sure the colors and markings are accurate.
Should I DIY a Fish Taxidermy Project, or Hand it Off to a Professional?
While it’s possible to do a fish taxidermy project on your own if you’re highly experienced with DIY taxidermy, we recommend that you have a professional handle the process to ensure you get the fish trophy you’ve always dreamed of! In addition, taxidermy requires specialized knowledge and skills that take time to develop – so professional services take the headache out of having to handle the process yourself.
In addition, a good taxidermist will have the equipment necessary to ensure a successful end result. If you have questions, they will more than likely be willing to answer them and offer guidance on the best way to preserve and display your fish.
How Much Does it Cost to Taxidermy a Fish?
The cost of taxidermy varies depending on the size and type of fish you want to preserve. Smaller species of fish, such as trout or Largemouth or Smallmouth bass, can cost between $200 to $400 to taxidermy. Larger fish, such as marlin or sailfish, will result in much larger trophies, and can cost upwards of $1,000 or more.
If you decide to use a professional taxidermist, the cost will also depend on their level of experience and location. It’s always a good idea to get multiple quotes before choosing a taxidermist.
Common Fish Taxidermy Species
Fishermen often want to preserve their biggest and most impressive catches. The fish species that are commonly prepared for a taxidermy trophy include but are not limited to the following:
Each fish species requires a unique approach to taxidermy. For example, a large fish species such as the marlin, piranha, or shark may need a more robust armature to support its weight.
Contact All-Taxidermy
Fish taxidermy is a complex process that involves preserving and mounting the fish to create a lifelike display. It’s important to have the necessary materials and equipment, as well as specialized knowledge and skills, to achieve the best results.
If you’re new to taxidermy, it’s recommended to have a professional handle the process. At All-Taxidermy, our taxidermists have the expertise and equipment necessary to ensure a successful end result. We have years of experience dedicated to the fish taxidermy process, and enjoy the work that we do! In addition, we prioritize your vision for your fish – no matter if it’s a huge display, or a much smaller display of a small school of fish.
We hope this guide to fish taxidermy was helpful. However, if you have questions, our team is available to help! Call All-Taxidermy today at 888-983-3886 or contact us online.
