Welcome Home North American Champion
By Mike Ross

It was April. It was cold. It was snowing. Not at all what the normal person would consider a good fishing day, but off we went, my friend Bill and me. Stopping for breakfast we contemplated the intelligence of this adventure. When we heard a rumor of a storm breaking up further down the road, it was enough to keep us forging onward.

Toting fly rods and belly boats we splashed into normally crowded water. Today we owned it. I can't image why -- it was only 25 mph winds and blizzard conditions. This lake is famous for larger fish, which gave us the will to keep trying; but most of the day would have been better served cleaning the lint trap on a dryer. Finally after abandoning the boats we started wading a channel inlet where at least a few fish were working.

After hours of Bill trying to teach me the subtleties of fly-casting (the rod should be a part of your arm, not a bull whip or lariat out of control,) he pointed to a working fish and said, "Cast right on top of his head!" I threw one of a few good casts that day right where it should be, and just like in the storybooks, the feeding fish engulfed it. All I had to do now was to get him in. Right? After a short time I succeed, and there he lay -- the most perfect rainbow I'd seen in a long, long time. I knew he was my next showpiece. He had real potential, if I could do him justice.

Lately the trend at the shows has been leaning toward a more artistic presentation -- not my strong suit! But you still have to try. Hmmm, another fish would give it interaction. I had a nice Colorado River cutthroat, which I thought might complement the piece. The wood I selected was finished with a process used in furniture refinishing, on the advice of my friend Jeff (the new National title-holder.)

The mounting process wasn't anything special -- a custom carved body and head casting, skinned with a dorsal incision. I've found the key of any successful project is in the finest points -- including careful rebuilding of shrinkage and fins, and detailing -- all for which good reference material is vital.

Frustrated with the lack of detailed fish reference on the market, I began creating my own -- photographing catch-and-release specimens with macro lens. I found using quality, detailed, close-up reference to be a pivotal factor in helping me to reach a new level in my work.

Reasoning if reference was a problem for me, then it had to be for other fish taxidermists. So, with camera in tow I set out to change that. My full line of fish reference is now available through Jonas Supply, Research Manikins and Hide & Beak Supply Co. Every good taxidermist can tell you that using reference is the key, but detailed close-up reference makes all the difference. It can make even a so-so taxidermist a winner!

So, Mike Ross, now that you've won the North American Championship, cold-water fish division, what's next? I'm going to Disneyland! Alaska!!!