What is the point to putting fake fins and a fake head on coldwater fish.Wouldn't it be easier to just do a repo of the fish since you are only using the skin and not anything else.I wouldn't do my own I would just get a repo already done and then all I will have to do is paint it.Then you wouldn't have to worry about skining and all that stuff.
Return to Fish Taxidermy Category Menu
Good morning Slick!
What a great question! Don't be surprised if it doesn't end up on the SMQ's. This is a great question as I mentioned lets look at a few things first. The answer to your question from my perspective only is that it allows me to do some real fun parts or aspects of taxidermy. With a reproduction you are mold making and casting, finishing your cast them painting. Unless you mount the fish and then cast it you are not doing "taxidermy) as it is known to be.
However you may have the fun and enjoyment of the rewards of casting your own fins and heads for the reasons of cutting back on areas which may cause some problems. It also in the conventional way lets you be a taxidermist! You can draw a template of your fish and custom carve a body of your own. You can skin and mount incorporating taxidermy in your piece. So if you want to purchase a fish reproduction there are many good ones out there from Washington state to Florida and every where in-between, Your finishing and painting unless you cast your own. But to answer your question the reason I would still do it is to perform the arts of taxidermy.
I hope this may help and questions you can cal or email any time!
My Best!
Rick krane
Anglers Artistry
312 Chesterfield Rd
Hinsdale NH 03451
603-336-7296
in competing don't you think Richard? No worry about shrinkage of the fins and really nice looking natural fin edges. Then if you cast the head it saves you time in not having to build up the shrinkage on the head etc. No carding of fins needed either.
I personally don't but I know a fish guys that cut all the fins off of a fish and replace them with cast fins.
I come from a time where they weren't 2 different standards of work I don't think there should be. What I mean is you can incorporate the finer or higher standards what ever that means to your work you do every day. I couldn't imagine not carving a badly as this is how I learned many many moons ago. Not to say that to learn to carve isn't a bit challenging but not so hard that it can't be learned as skinning was or paint was for most of us. So yes Cecil it all can be incorporated to make for a better mount. Cast fins are great for meaty fins you can weigh a fin on a digital scale fresh and then again dry and you will fins that it about 25 % less of a fin in most cases. Thus you will notice a big difference in such fins as on a Brookie, brown kings, Muskie etc... So try to push the envelope toward authentic realism and anatomical interpretations. What ever tool you have at your disposal that benefits you and adds enjoyment to your work use it and have some fun!
My Best!
Rick Krane
Anglers Artistry
312 Chesterfield Rd
Hinsdale NH 03451
603-336-7296
I know both of you fine lads will be partaking in the SMQ's seeing how you post to every other string on here all bloddy week long! LOL!
I'm going fishing with Amber!
Have a good one!
Rick