Hello:
I recently thawed a LMB and took measurements as follow: Center of Eye to Base of Tail = 19". Back edge of collar bone to base of tail = 15". Girth = 18". I ordered a Matt Thompson Rt. turn with tail out and up with measurements of 19", 15" and 17 1/2". It has been soaking in a mix of 50/50 denatured alcohol and water for three days. Today I received my body and tried a trial fit. The best that I can tell it seems the body is about 1 1/2" too long. Will the fish shrink this much in the mixture? Seems I am always having trouble with the bodies I order fitting correctly. Am I measuring or ordering wrong? What am I doing wrong?
Thank you all so very much,
Allen
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I always rinse my fish with dawn soap and water, then rinse. The denatured alcohol will tighten up the fish skin too much to mount easily. The soapy water and clear water will give you the extra relaxing you need. Over the years, I have noticed a 50/50 solution is a little too hot. Reduce the ratio down to 25/75, alcohol to water. It works well, and skins relax much easier. There is no reason a Matt Thompson form of these measurements should work on your fish. Good Luck
I always rinse my fish with dawn soap and water, then rinse. The denatured alcohol will tighten up the fish skin too much to mount easily. The soapy water and clear water will give you the extra relaxing you need. Over the years, I have noticed a 50/50 solution is a little too hot. Reduce the ratio down to 25/75, alcohol to water. It works well, and skins relax much easier. There is no reason a Matt Thompson form of these measurements should work on your fish. Good Luck
you should try a hand at carving. i had the same trouble you have had. Breakthrough book has a chapter. once you carve one you'll get the hang of it. also, learn taxidermy.com, dan rhinehart has somthing on this you can print out. very seldom you will by a fish form & have it fit nicely without altering. so if your gonna alter, put your time in carving. you can buy certaian sizes of carving foam at walmart or ac moore craft store. hope this helps.
Cut the form in half take out what you need bondo and mount if nothing works.to make it longer thats what i would do.but i am a taxidermist.what do i know