A public thank you to Gary Bruch

I didn't attend the N.C show but I know exactly what you are saying. I wish I could have been there.
Gary is one of the Best Fish Judges out there and he doesn't act like a know it all. He has a way of teaching people and making you look at things differently. He actually uses reference when he judges and during his critiques. (cool concept) : I think that actually helps him become a better fish taxidermist as well. Gary also puts on some of the coolest seminars you will ever see.
If you are looking to better yourself in fish taxidermy, Gary is the guy you should be looking up.

 

X2 Thanks Gary

 

I agree. Gary is one heck of a good guy. He puts his heart and soul into his work and will not jeopardize the integrity of anything he does by short cuts. As far as his teaching goes, he shows you how and why he does things and trys to get you to "see" things and think about reference like nobody else. It's ALWAYS about reference with him. And the thing about Gary is, he is not so full of himself that if he sees something that he can not prove or disprove with reference, he's not above giving you the benefit of doubt. So he too is always questioning and learning. A warning here though, he is THE MASTER OF REFERENCE!!! There is VERY little he doesn't have reference of! The amazing thing is his eye for it.(Those of you who know him know what I'm saying. It's uncanny.) Another thing with Gary is he is very approachable and is always willing to talk to you. He is genuinely concerned that you understand what he is showing or telling you. This makes him a great teacher and judge. If you want to up your fish game make sure you catch one of his seminars as he will show you some amazing things. Oh! And one thing most people don't know about Gary is, he can do a very good Whitetail too. ;D

 

I thanked him in the Industry Forum, but will do it again here. Gary, a big THANK YOU to you. Your seminar was great, a very good critique, with a follow up later about design and composition(that alone was worth the trip). And a huge thank you for my first blue in fish. Hope you can make it back down next year to compete.

 

Thanks all----I was happy to see so many fish, reptiles and crabs and pretty nice ones to.

Nice whitetail huh? as long as the lights are off I agree with you. lol.

 

brian claar hit the nail on the head. gary doesn't have to walk around and act like a know it all. he is always willing to help any one. if you are serious about improving your fish, gary is one of the best. if his ability is in question look at his beautiful fish or check and see all the awards he has one in competing against some of the country's best fish taxidermists. he doesn't have to brag about his fish. they speak well of his ability.

 

Gary is very sharp with his reference interpretation!! I'm not a fish guy, but learned a ton at his seminar. I've got a 16 year old son that is starting to mold and cast fish, and I'm sure a weekend at Gary's will be on the itenerary in the future. Thanks for a very informative class Gary!

 

Not only is Gary an extremely talented taxidermist, judge, teacher, ect., he is also a very nice guy. I met Gary at the NEAT convention several years ago. He was a judge as well as teaching a seminar. I felt a little intimidated to get to talk with some-one who I truly looked up to as a taxidermist. Then at the banquet he sat at my table and my wife and I had a wonderful evening visiting with him and his friend Dave who made the trip with him. All I can say is he is a very real, very down to earth person. Ty

 

I will add my thanks to Gary. I attended the N.C. convention, my first taxidermy convention or competition of any kind, and was impressed with his knowledge and attention to detail. I sat in on his trout carving seminar and learned a lot. For two fish that I entered, a largemouth and smallmouth, he gave me very detailed and insightful written critiques and later talked with me one-on-one about how I could improve my fish. It was a great learning experience and I will use his advice on my next fish. Also a thumbs up to the show organizers - a very nicely run event.
Sabian "Zeb" Warren, Old Fort, NC

 

I been heading up competition room for nc and Surry for whast seems forever. I learned more at Surry the other year from him than I have in all other shows combined. i didn't get to watch over his shoulder as much this show as I would have liked but he is a great judge