first fish... white crappie

[gradycodd]

hey guys this is my first legit fish i have done. i have ben inspired to start fish taxidermy strictly from you guys well here it is and let me know how to improve. i need tips!!   MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!    If it does not come through tell me how please?!!?!

http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=71aba1c826&view=att&th=125b901c2bb51eff&attid=0.1.1&disp=emb&zw

[KAMoHunter]

not showing up. its just taking you to the gmail login page.

[gradycodd]

grrrrrrr  ... what are my other options to add the pic?

[gradycodd]

here we go

[Manny]

WOW !

You have acomplished your first fish. Now with lots of refrence and practice you will improve with every fish.

I would read every thread from Setting eyes to backing fins.
Study the anatomy with pics and use them while mounting the fish.

Most of the time if you use commercial mannakins they will never fit YOUR fish without some sanding and adjusting.
Also get some books and videos from WASCO they will lead you on the way quicker.

[andy 27]

keep on practicing and dint get discourage excellence comes with time and hard work really study reference photos and maybe take a class which will put you in a whole new category stick with it
Andy

[Four Seasons]

I am no expert, I see the eye set to deep, not filled in around the eye apoxie sculpt, and the fins need alot of trimming of that silk span. I don't even want to try a crappie paint job! I have a few in freezer to practice one of these days. Stay with it, this is al to help no matter what is said or how it's said. Good luck on the next!

[gradycodd]

thanks guys for helping. hey i have heard alot about setting the eyes with apoxie sculpt and other stuff. i was wondering if someone could tell me how to do it thanks a bunch

[Four Seasons]

You will want to fill the cheeks and eye cavity with clay flush with the eye opening. Then place your eye into socket, press eye into the clay until you like the depth. Not to deep, not bug eyed, then when dried, clean all clay off and around the socket. When going to finish the eye roll up some apoxie sculpt in very small rolls and place it around the eye and press in between eye and socket. Wipe out ecxess and use a wet Q-tip to smooth and finish. Good Luck!

[IAtaxi]

Buy a compressor and paint gun.

[rorrer]

You got your first one out of the way. now you can only get better! Work on filling in shrunken areas, building up around the eyes, and using lots of refrence photos! Use these always, they give you an actual picture of what the specimen looks like. Keep practicing and never give up!