IN THE LAST ISSUE, THE TROUT HAD BEEN CARVED and all texturing had been completed. The final steps will be completed in this article, including how to sculpt, then paint the eyes. A paint schedule for a rainbow trout can also be read on page 137.

Step 1. I have found that it works great to give a fish carving a convenient stand, which provides you with a handle, and it really simplifies the sealing, priming and painting. 1a To do this, select an attachment point where the fish will eventually be attached to your habitat or base. Choose a wire size (gauge) that will solidly and securely support the fish without any wobble. Drill an appropriate sized hole in the carving, so the wire just slips in, about 1-½inches deep at the desired attachment point. Cut the wire approximately 3-½times the length of the body Rough up the end of the wire that will be glued into the fish with some wire cutters (to give it some "tooth"), and glue it in with 5-minute epoxy. Wait a few minutes to remove any glue that has oozed out of the hole on to the carving because it is easily removed just after it "kicks." If you desire just a temporary attachment, don’t rough up the wire, and it can usually be pulled out later with...