FISH TAXIDERMY

Installing Cast Heads on Large Fish
by Don Frank

WHEN A CUSTOMER BRINGS ME A STRIPED BASS, I explain that this species of fish is extremely oily and requires extensive degreasing if it is to be skin-mounted. I also explain that because of this, I replace the real head with an artificial one. I also state what I believe to be true: that if the real head is used, there are areas in the head that are impossible to skin out and will eventually bleed through the paint.

I also give the customer the option of getting a full reproduction of the same size fish, at the same price, and explore the benefits of it over a skin-mount. I don't enjoy skinning, fleshing and mounting a 30- to 40-pound striper, so it's a relief if he decides on a reproduction. However, most of the time, my customers still insist on skin-mounts...

...Continued in the Winter 2001 Issue of Breakthrough.

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