I'm looking for some taxidermy recommendations. (for replicas)  My only criteria is that they paint them off of my pictures.  I've seen some beautiful work but I also see the memories too vividly in my head to have mounts that look like a different fish.  I like that each fish is different and sometimes the colors aren't like a picture in a magazine... but mostly I just want the mount to match the memory.

Who have you guys used?

Thanks

Lake Fork Taxidermy  

Hey Keith!

Here is a thread I saved that will help:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1187574843

Catt,

I for some reason thought that L.F.T. didn't paint by pic...  I'll double check with them by phone, thanks.

Roadwarrior,

Good link, I'll check the ones listed, thanks.

Give Louis a call.

I'm not sure if he does replicas or for that matter, from pics but it doesn't hurt to ask. His skin mounts are way too cool. I have one on the wall from 15 years ago and still looks top notch.

And if you get a chance to go out to his house/studio, check out his coffee table.  

KELLER CUSTOM FISH MOUNTS

512-288-1506. 8901

La Fauna Path Austin, TX 78737

im just curous, ive heard that when you get replicas, they take a form (or whatever its called) off the shelf that is whatever weight your fish was....they dont customize it or anything. is this true?

Its one of those things that you get what you pay for. You probably could get a very detailed one but it would be mucho $$$

I had a replica made of the 10 lber to the left.  It cost around 275 and looks exactly like it.  It was done in lagrange ga at Hudson Taxidermy.

im just curous, ive heard that when you get replicas, they take a form (or whatever its called) off the shelf that is whatever weight your fish was....they dont customize it or anything. is this true?

Some places are like that. I have an uncle that lives in Florida and has 3 big bass on the wall, they were all done at the same place and every mount has the exact same paint job as well as same positioning/pose. Sure they look nice and are good replicas but when I saw the pics of the live bass beside the rep's, the paint jobs are WAY OFF on all of them.

Sort of takes away the "memory" factor.

Flechero, it's my understanding that the Lake Fork Taxidermy does fiberglass replicas for the Sealy Big Bass Slash and it is done from photos.

I have spent my entire life going to wildlife art shows, and have met/ know almost all of the top names in the business, but when I saw Advanced Taxidermy's work in person, I was absolutely blown away. Hands down the most beautiful and vivid replicas/mounts (they don't do skin) that I have ever seen. They are not cheap, but if you can swing their prices, I don't think you could get a better replica.

picture STILL does not do them justice! seriously!

Should mention, that these guys are not friends, nor do I have any affiliation with them whatsoever. Their work is just so beautiful!

Kantors Taxidermy

Address:

511 Twin View Dr

Villa Ridge MO 63089-2517

Contact Info:

Paul Kantor

Phone: 636-742-3095

This guy is famous.  He does unbelievable work.  Speaking of coffee tables!!   You should see some of the ones he's done!!!  

Sounds like I need to get busy checking these guys out!  Thanks for the recommendations, they sound great.

Keith

If you are in Texas, I would suggest using a goos local taxidermist. The very best in the buisness is Robert Fish Mounts, however they are localed in CA, and face to face communication to discribe exactly what you want would be difficukt.

WRB

http://www.robertsfishmounts.com/

Wildlife Creation in Springfield, MO has done 4 for me. Painting is done from photos.

I know you asked for replica mounts but

here is the skin mount that Keller did for reference. Its now 16 years old.

Caught on L Austin. She was going to die if released.   So I kept her.

Never certified but weighed 10+ on the handheld. Probably closer to 9.