Perch Body

Carve it out of foam or use fish fill. I prefer to carve.

 

I use 2 inch pink or blue foam sold at many places such as Menard's and Home Depot. If I need a thicker body I use gorilla glue to glue multiple pieces together.

 

You are welcome.

 

Right or wrong my method is to measure the eye socket after it is mounted and dried, I typically order one size down from my measurement. When I install the eyes I just have to drill out the mache and put a little clay in the hole and set the eyes, adjust to my liking and then use apoxie sculpt to finish around them and rebuild any shrinkage on the head.

 

You are welcome again.

 

you may also want to look at purchasing some good bodies for your fish, from a supplier. If you are new to taxidermy carving can be challenging. depending on the size of your fish, you might be able to find a good fit that would have great shape and anatomy making your whole mounting process and finished product better. I am working on a new line of bodies that are very nice and I do have a good selection of perch bodies finished as well. If you are interested in a list you can text me at 605691145 and i can send you a list of whats available currently. Good luck and have fun. Tyler

 

I have used a lot of flex eyes over the years and have always measured the socket and put the eyes in when I have the head cleaned and ready to dry.Socket will shrink a bit but will lock in the eyes with very little finish work to do. New to taxidermy means you have an open mind to learning. Shipping is expensive, so order five eye sets at the time, of the size you will need the most. You wont have to order again for the next four fish. That's how you build up an eye inventory and save shipping charges. Good luck...JL

 

Lol buy flints and paint your own. It’s cheaper and you’ll have an eye for any species

 

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I make my own casts so I measure them fresh as that’s what’s on my cast.