I have been very fortunate to have caught three 7 lb. Smallmouth in my life and after catching my third last Spring, I thought I needed to commemorate those catches.  I reached out to several taxidermists and artists with a sketch of my idea and a lot got back to me interested in the work, but one by one, I decided not to choose them (either they couldn't get the molds in the size and shape I wanted the fish, price was very high, etc.).  Then I decided to contact someone who to me was more known for musky replicas than anything else (he actually did my musky replica) and I asked him if he was interested and could do the display.  He was more than excited after I showed him my diagram.  So I sent him pictures and dimensions of my three fish along with the lures I caught them on and off he went.  Well, today I received that display and I was blown away!  Here is the diagram I showed him…

 

 

And here is the display he created…

 

 

 

 

He far exceeded my expectations and I wondered why I didn’t consider him for this display in the first place.  I know guys ask questions about different taxidermists or artists they could use for a replica so I thought I would share my experience and results with Joe Fittante of Fittante Taxidermy & Fish Replicas, who as it turns out not only produces incredible Musky Replicas, but certainly produces extraordinary bass replicas as well.  Thanks again, Joe!! 

 

 

Here are a few close-ups of the fish...

 

 

 

 

 

Looks Great. That guy is one talented artist.

Beautiful

That is truly remarkable work and such beautiful fish. 

7lbs is a lot of smallmouth. 

It came out good!

Looks great!!!!

Those are some big fish! 

Will a couple of my PB dinks give that same effect?

Great idea and wow that is awesome!!! Never seen anything like it. Nice concept by you and great work by the artist! Bravo!!!

 

Anyone: What is an average price for a single bass? Price range? Hi-low maybe?

5 minutes ago, schplurg said:

Great idea and wow that is awesome!!! Never seen anything like it. Nice concept by you and great work by the artist! Bravo!!!

Thanks. 

 

I also tried displaying the three phases of a strike.  The bottom fish is the first phase of interest and approach.  The middle fish is enguaged in the second phase, which is the strike.  The top fish in demonstrating the third phase, which is the detection and hook set.  

 

Also, it helps that each fish had a distinctly different color pattern, which I think sets off the display. 

11 minutes ago, schplurg said:

Anyone: What is an average price for a single bass? Price range? Hi-low maybe?

You are probalby looking at $16 to $20 per inch plus shipping costs (maybe $50 to $80), if the person you choose is not local.  Also, any additionals, like rocks, woods, plaques, etc. ($40 to maybe $150) would be extra as well.

thats really cool

Looks Fantastic Steve ~ ! 

From the lakes, to the mid's eye and finally on the wall.

Bet that felt pretty good. 

Congrats

A-Jay

Looks pretty awesome, congrats! 

Looks Awesome! That guy is good!
 

 

 

 

Mike

 

You  are going to be getting a stiff neck from looking up at that all the time.....beautiful

@Lucky Craft Man The million dollar question is, Does MRS. LUCKY CRAFT like it on the wall?   Currently all my fish and deer heads are in the attic.  

 

All jokes aside, it is beautiful!  It's awesome see part of a culmination of a life time of fishing come together.  

 

Here's to putting together another wall of PBs.  

8 hours ago, MartinTheFisherman said:

Will a couple of my PB dinks give that same effect?

Totally. Just stand closer.

Those are tanks and look awesome.  I especially like the way he captured the different coloration/bars on each fish.  That’s in part what makes those bronze beauties so unique!  

Nice, looks really good.

That is gorgeous and congrats on the pig Smallies !!

Hey buddy I can remember when you only fished the bay & wanted to catch some six pounders. You sure learned fast how to get it done. Congrats on the achievement & the beautiful mount. Lake Erie display at its finest. 

6 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Looks Fantastic Steve ~ ! 

From the lakes, to the mid's eye and finally on the wall.

Bet that felt pretty good. 

Congrats

A-Jay

Thanks, A-Jay.  To be honest, I'm not sure which part of that process was the most fun.  Obviously without the catch, there is no replica, but the planning and now the delievery seems to be a joy that goes on and on as I look at it.

Really cool.  Looks great.  

On 4/29/2020 at 8:11 AM, Teal said:

@Lucky Craft Man The million dollar question is, Does MRS. LUCKY CRAFT like it on the wall?   Currently all my fish and deer heads are in the attic.  

 

All jokes aside, it is beautiful!  It's awesome see part of a culmination of a life time of fishing come together.  

 

Here's to putting together another wall of PBs.  

Well, after I hung it up and brought Mrs. Lucky Craft into the room, her response was, "That is a big display!”  So I don't think she was as impressed as I was...haha.  However, this is my 4th replica and they haven't ended up in the attic (yet).  Though, I am always affraid that the next one will be the straw that broken the camels back, so I need to tread lightly as I go.

On 4/29/2020 at 8:40 AM, FryDog62 said:

Those are tanks and look awesome.  I especially like the way he captured the different coloration/bars on each fish.  That’s in part what makes those bronze beauties so unique!  

Thanks. I agree, the different color phases on smallmouth are just incredible and I feel lucky that each of those fish I caught displayed that.