Best way to learn fish taxidermy?

I started back in 1972
Northwestern school of taxidermy and reading several books at the library,
THen got my hands dirty,
Trial error, persistence and the love of the art I finally got ok
My suggestion if your on a low budget
Go to the library
Read , read andreadagain
Then do it
Experience is the best teacher
Now,if you have a local guy that is doing taxidermy
Ask him if you can help to learn
The most precious piece I have is my first one
One more thing
Read allot of what the folks on here are saying
Jimmy, Travis, Paul Josh, trash fish, Cecil, Marty

Lots of good advice
Take what you want and leave the rest

I wish you the best
Carl Lewis

 

My first piece ended up in the trash can. LoL

 

Yeah, mine looked like a coelacanthe (sp?)!!!! I think my first 5 or 10 fish ended up in the garbage!

Keep in mind too that everybody's different. Everybody learns differently. Some can watch a 2 dimensional video or read books and grasp many concepts enough so that simply practicing on their own will get them a good start. For me, I need to be hands-on and many things (like skinning and fleshing for example) I HAVE to see in three dimensions in order to grasp things best.

Lastly, do your homework IF you choose to train at a school or under another taxidermist. For me, I happened to pick a local taxidermist out of the phone book that was close and was willing to train students for the right price. I was lucky. I just so happened to call DougP who was the closest to me at the time! Obviously, DougP is a great fish taxidermist as you all know and a great teacher. I could have just as easily got a busy signal and called the next guy on my list. Things could have been much different for me as you could imagine!

 

This is my third time starting out. The first time was the mid 80s and I attended Pennsylvania Institute of Taxidermy. It was an expensive way to go but it gave me what I needed. I wish I had stuck with it that first time right after I finished school but the grass was greener... I think a mentor may have helped. A lot of guys that do well have been mentored or worked for a reputable taxidermist for a time. This web site has helped me a great deal this time around. I really appreciate the wealth of information available here and the willingness of many to help.

 

Wow Marty! I didn't know you took lessons from DoupP. I envy you A LOT! Those of us who have seen the magnificent skin mounts he posts here occassionally (not often enough to suit me!!) acknowledge him as one of the best fish taxidermists anywhere. Obviously you realize how fortunate you were to have him as a teacher.

 

Never thought I'd be able to quote a quote from "Spinal Tap", but Perca you have given me the opportunity so here goes - "I ENVY ME" lol! Yepster, a little luck sure doesn't hurt now does it???