[sauger57]

We all can't get out fishing as often as we would like but when I can't the next best thing is to be working on a new mount. Especially if it's a real trophy fish being a skin mount or a replica.

I get so many questions about replicas and what it takes to put one on the wall that I would give eveyone a good idea by taking pictures of this big smallmouth reproduction as I put it together. The fish is Cory's trophy bass from Lake Erie. But he can give the rest of those details.

This is a picture of what a blank looks like before I get started on it.

[Bubbalouie]

Hey man, Cory can't fool us! That's a white fish!

Just joshing. I know you do excellent quality work and this is a great idea to post this. I've often wondered how you do it.

As for Cory- by golly he always gets the big fish-

thanks,

Bruce

[wsj_outdoorsman]

Tom do have to have a real fish to make your first blank?

[sauger57]

All that I need is a lenght and girth (if possible) and I can order a blank from one of many molders. Some are better than others so size selection for each species can be sometimes be a challenge.

If a certain size fish is not available from any of the suppliers than the actual fish will need to be used to make a new mold. Then it will be available to make many casts from.

I will be making my own molds as long as I can get my hands on some trophy fish.

[Bubbalouie]

Sounds like you would encourage people to bring in their trophy fish if you were going to make your own molds. Then from that mold you could make blanks for other trophy fish of appoximately the same size??

If so, maybe you could encourage fellas to bring in some "biggies" of certain species- all you have to do is make a post on this site "Wanted- Trophy Fish" for ex. -

thanks,

Bruce

[Popeye]

I've been wanting a trophy fish for as long as I can remember. Still waiting...

[Bubbalouie]

Popeye wrote:

I've been wanting a trophy fish for as long as I can remember. Still waiting...

wanna borrow one from me?

[sauger57]

Not much change but I cleaned up the seam flashing from the cast because it is made from two halves and I trimmed the fins ready for placement.

[sauger57]

Here it is with the eye installed, fins in place and the gills cut in (can't see them in this view). Next will be the painting!

[sauger57]

This may not look like much but this first step in the painting process is the most critical. This is the base scale pattern that is underlayment for the other colors.

[Cory]

Too Cool!

[Bubbalouie]

now Tom, do you paint each little feature of small detail- I mean you don't use a stencil, correct? And, how long would that take you-

thanks,

Bruce

[sauger57]

Bubbalouie,
I have to admit it is not that complicated . Honestly it takes only minutes even though I tell everyone hours!
I like the idea about asking for trophy specimens. But I have to be carefull because it is against the law to sell "aqautic life" But donations are accepted!
I have a 10lb walleye that I will be molding this weekend (unless I go fishing)so I will have that one in stock then a couple of big browns and a nice king. I will be looking for a LM bass or SM bass over 20" a 16" or better perch, 15" or better crappie, a 11" or better bluegill.
I keep on trying to catch a big one to mold but the closest I have come was a 32" brown that I released only becasue I have two in the freezer now.
I just have to get out more!

[Bubbalouie]

A couple things-

1) they didn't always use the molds did they? I never knew they did until the 80's when I found out they did Salmon from L. Ontario. Or maybe they did Ocean Species that way too?

2)for those who just might decide that they have a nice one to "donate" - what's the best way of handling the fish before you get it?

B.

[sauger57]

The best way to keep a fish for molding is to keep it alive and bring it to my house that way. If that is not possible then cover it with ice much like good beer and bring both the fish and the beer to my house. The fish should be molded before it is frozen.

Because the process of molding takes many hours it is not practical for me to be available to mold a fish at any given time.

Next best option is to wrap the fish in a very wet towel, lay it on a board or something flat, then wrap in a plastic bag. Then freeze it.

[sauger57]

Here are two more steps in the process. The first is some of the base colors. The second is some of the detail work which I try to match to the picture.

I'll try to finish this up for everyone tomorrow.
Hawks game tonight!

[sauger57]

I switched gears a bit here to work on the backround. Cory had a great idea for a rock backround for the fish so I got to making rocks. At the top in the picture are the two molds that I made from actual rocks. In the middle are casts from the molds and the bottom is the back side of the cast rocks filled with foam. Next is the painting.

[Michigander]

Tom,
Thanks for sharing the process you use to make a mount. This was very informative to me and I am now inspired to catch a "Trophy Fish' for ya.

I will just have to get to the trolling rods before Harley does this season.

Thank you for the info.

Bob

[sauger57]

Well I hope eveyone got out fishing today with this great weather. For me I did the next best thing and that is to finish up Cory's bass rocks and all.

Hope everyone likes it!

[bigling97]

I know who will be getting my next trophy!! Awesome job.