Mold Or Blank?

Your post is a little confusing? You need an actual fish to make a mold.

There are a lot of options for steelhead blanks. It's a matter of finding one the right length and girth that looks similar to the one you would like to replicate. Not all blanks are created equally. You usually get what you pay for. Some have a lot better detail and fewer flaws. Some may take a lot of work to get to the point of painting (grinding seams and fins, adding details to head, etc). As an example, Lake Country replicas have a range of prices for rough to premier blanks. The premier line are just about ready to paint.

 

No you can’t buy a blank and mold it. It’s a copyright and now your breaking the law. So many taxidermists don’t realize this and cast them for profit. And no you can’t buy one alter it and then remold it and claim it yours. ( old archives Dan Chase) look it up.
If you want a fish, contact outfitters or join FB pages for steelheads and ask them to donate one to you but add you pay the overnight shipping. Or if you know a fisherman, ask them. Otherwise you have to buy the blanks like us law abiding taxidermists.

 

Guys that make a good repo have time and money in these
Besides the copy write laws
It an ethical issue here
Would you actually feel good coping someone’s workDont think so
It’s a real great feeling knowing you did the work yourself
If you can’t find a fish to mold buy a repo

 

When I was living in Juneau Alaska, I bought a steel head at the local grocery store. You might check on the internet and find a source and have it shipped overnight.

 

I wasn't aware that you can't legally mold a replica so deleted that from my post above!

 

I am raising steelhead now but they are only up to 3 lbs. (18 1/2 inches) so far. Not bad for 1 year 3 1/2 month fish though. (Hatched them January 2019) These fish are amazing fast growers compared to my brooks, browns, and tigers. I wouldn't be surprised if they are 5 to 7 lbs. by fall.

 

There are guys out there that sell their molds from time to time.

 

If it is for yourself, then just buy a suitable blank, no need for a mold unless you intend doing/selling more down the line.

 

Here you go. If your looking to buy as I would a good fish for casting then buy them from Cecil.
Truly one of the best fish you’ll get for casting or competition mount without you trying to catch one but if you live close to him , he might let you catch a few !!

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http://bairdfishsales.com