So let's say you catch a huge 10 pound or whatever weight bass. You want to have it mounted. To put it bluntly how does the taxidermist kill the bass or do you have to kill it?

In regards to the replica alternative how is this done? Bring a picture or something?

I saw these two topics mentioned in another thread but there were no specifics on it.

Thanks!!! Joe

All that is needed for a replica mount is a photo. The photo shows the color of your bass. The length measure with the mouth closed from tip of jaw to center of the tail and girth around the widest area with the dorsal fin down helps to determine the shape of your bass. Weight is also helpful.

Most taxidermist have every possible size molds for bass with the exception of world record size bass, they don't need your fish to make up a replica mount. Just need to know the color and size, the position of the bass you prefer; facing left or right, mouth open or closed or a full free standing mount with a variety of back grounds available.

A true skin mount requires the dead bass, wrapped in air tight plastic, fins protected with car board, the bass wrapped and frozen for shipment. In this day and age there isn't a good reason to have a skin mount, it's your choice.

Tom

if its skin,

if you can get it there that day or at least the next day the latest, wrap the fish in a wet towel and then sit it into a cooler full of water and ice.. you do not want the fish to be in direct contact with ice thats why you wrap it in a towel, the ice will burn the skin.

if your not getting it there sooner than later. wrap it in a towel, soak the towel full of water then put it into a trash bag add a little extra water in there and into the freezer she goes.. bring it to the taxidermist frozen in the towel as it is and its his job from there.

after you catch the fish be gentle, yea he is dead or going to be yea but he will still bruise and etc.. don't let him bang around the boat, don't beat his head in with a club to kill him, don't gut him out. don't do that stuff..

you basically kill him by being out of water, there is no pretty and quick way i can tell you to do it. i held the last trout i mounted till she was gone, it took a while but i didn't want her to bang around in a box till it was dead.

Thanks for the info all. :-)

if its skin,

if you can get it there that day or at least the next day the latest, wrap the fish in a wet towel and then sit it into a cooler full of water and ice.. you do not want the fish to be in direct contact with ice thats why you wrap it in a towel, the ice will burn the skin.

if your not getting it there sooner than later. wrap it in a towel, soak the towel full of water then put it into a trash bag add a little extra water in there and into the freezer she goes.. bring it to the taxidermist frozen in the towel as it is and its his job from there.

after you catch the fish be gentle, yea he is dead or going to be yea but he will still bruise and etc.. don't let him bang around the boat, don't beat his head in with a club to kill him, don't gut him out. don't do that stuff..

Your last few comments, LOL. :-)