Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Big Perch and Biggest Brook Trout mount pics

Theo, Theo, Theo...I know the answer...is it some clown trying to catch a BIGGER Perch???

No never got into trains but my twin brother has a custom model railroad layout in his basement complete with switches and you name it. He's also a railroad historian and writing a book.

The thing with ice fishing for panfish is you have to fish slower and more delicating hence the lighter tackle. Their bites are lighter and some anglers even go down to 1 lb. test to entice fussy fish. I actually caught this fish on a short light rod and spinning reel but this set up is more traditional. Notice the wire on the end of the pole to detect light bites?

Very nice work Cecil!!

I think Theo's comment about the toupee refers to the dark hole in the ice. Given enough DMD, it could take on the appearance of a toupee that someone could hook onto when casting.

In reference to your bass mount, what do you mean by "overjacked"??

I guess that makes sense. I couldn't figure out for the life of me what he was talking about. I can assure you it looks like a natural ice fishing hole up close.

Overjacked means the mouth is excessively spread open to be natural.

Thanks Cecil.

I thought the edges of the hole in the first picture looked a little furry.

Cecil, I have two questions about fish taxidermy from a position of near perfect ignorance:

1) Which is more usually encountered, the subdued, relaxed look for the fish you used in the perch and trout mounts, or the severe action style that seems to frequent "I love me" walls?

2) You have used what I would term a "gloss" finish. Are there semi-gloss or satin finishes available, and if so what are the style and longevity pros/cons for the different finishes?

Sorry for the delay in responding to your post Chris. Both perch and bass are skin mounts. All my customers get this much attention if they request a special scene. Of course it is extra in cost. My customers mounts are very very close to what I enter in competition minus some very fine detail that would not be cost effective to produce for a customer. Unless you knew what you were looking for both customer and competition work are identical.

1.) Most of my customers want the action mounts with flared gills, wide open mouth etc. however I close the gills in bluegill, redear, and other sunfish. In taxidermy competitions we usually close the mouths and do more natural realistic poses. Also opening the mouth in a fish in competition opens up a "can of worms" so to speak as it's almost impossible to get the inside of the mouth perfect due to shrinkage.

2.) Yes, semi gloss and satin finishes are available. I have tried them all and even had problems with some due to the EPA making the manufacturers take certain ingredients out. I am now using a 4:1 Automotive Clear Coat. It's durable, tough, long lasting, and can be very wet looking depending on how many coats you apply, and it's predictable. I would think the manufacturer would have some very upset people if they coated an entire car and had problems.

Sorry for the delay in responding to your post.

Thanks Cecil.