Beginner Fish Taxidermy

Purchase some DVDs.

 

Research the 1/2 cast system, great for fish under 20 in like perch, bluegills and small bass.
Most stuff you can pick up locally and for cheep.
Mounting is one issue, painting the fish is the other.

Some of the best paint is the D&D miniatures paints for hand brush painting and works in an air brush.

Get a repro to practice on, paint it and strip it until your happy with you work.

 

Log on to Matuska Taxidermy.com and you can buy what you need, Video's, tool you need, also they have many videos they make of how to do fish taxidermy free on their web site. plus they are live every Thursday on their site showing tips and "how to's". Also there are many videos on U-Tube showing how to do fish mounting and painting. Try a perch or a blue gill first. DON"T try a crappie till you get more experience. They loose scales easy.

 

And as always join your state association

 

Yes!

 

Jake, could you define why D&D miniature paint is the "Best"? They do have plenty of colors, but it looks like they are sold in sets, in small amounts per color. Doesn't look like you can buy individual colors in larger amounts. Why are they the best over the many other brands sold? Hope you can share your experience working with them. Thanks

 

Don’t shy away from crappie because it is difficult
In fact it would be good to jump in and learn
Crappie are not difficult just be tender handling the skin
I do 30-40 crappie every year and no big issues
Skin towards the head and keep skin tight by gently pulling as skinning

 

the best paint is the medium you use to give the best natural look in your fish
Heck as I’ve said before I use cigar ashes to get certain effects

 

I agree 100% Carl! As in other posts by Jake, I was hoping he could share his experience with his product recommendation. IMO, much of what I have read is questionable, and if asked for justification, it is avoided.

 

Crickets

 

Got better things to do then hang on your every word, good quality paint for the beginner and a fair price and locally found (NO shipping) don't use it or do.
Got 20 y of taxidermy and you asked for help. Justification, 20 y as a taxidermist should be enough.
last time for you carbby ass

 

look in the beginners section here and the tutorial section, you can also try
https://www.taxidermy-talk.com/
and
https://www.freetaxidermyschool.com/

 

geez Jake! all I asked was for your opinion on the paint you recommended, nothing more. Why such an attitude? What does your 20 years in taxidermy have anything to do with a reasonable question?

 

Dang Jake 20 years!
Your still new to this