Hi Zander , could you tell me how to prevent losing scales when doing a fish, I just did a fish that was frozen before i thawed it out to mount and by the time i finished the mount i lost allot of scales and color on the fish, was it because the fish was frozen ? Also the fins end up in pretty bad shape, did this also have to do with the fish being frozen before hand.Is there something i need to do to keep all this from happening? thanks ...Scot14222
Errr no Scot my name is not Zander, that's the fish! Fin damage is difficult to stop, keep fins wet & take great care also with the fish skin & scales as you work. Often all are damaged in the freezer
@Scot14222 I was thinking on spraying the skin with water while i am working on it, do you think that will help? by the way what is your first name , mine is Scott as you probably have already assumed.
Yes Scott with 2 Ts :-) No problem - there was not word space to say more or my name - but my details on my page show my website etc. where all is given. I reckon you are correct in saying that spraying or gently sponging both fins and skin will certainly help yes. :-) What fish was it? Strangely I seem to be alllowed more words this time! Best wishes - Peter
@faith6651 HI Peter, the fish I did was a small Rainbow trout, it didn't turn out to bad for my first one but as I mentioned the color was lost so hopefully it will look better after I paint it... Again I really appreciate your help. Scott
The video helps some but I think the only way I can fully grasp this is to see it done ,so when you get a rainbow or sea trout could you make a video of painting these. Thanks again
No problem and agree - mentioned it on video? My pleasure. Only thing is I have to catch said specimen rainbow!?! Plenty of fish to 2 lbs around but I want a 5 lb plus - so may have to wait until the fish in my own pond are big enough LOL :-)
Yes - I would use the colours that were on the carefully taken photos I had done on the fish's capture. Or colour notes I had made as an artist? You will note I state the importance of such in all the fish films? BUT to assist you at this stage, if you have not. I would suggest you, lightly, spray the whole body with an acrylic chrome. Then look at the best photos you can find or take new shots of similar fish to start tinting the colours in glazes over this either with brush or airbrush.
Pt. 2 reply - colours. It would take a film! e.g. see perch painting? For Rainbow work darks gradually over the back and then whites from the belly into cream. You would then do well to use "reactive" colour powders - blue, green, pink, purple mixed with acrylic medium to glaze the luminous colour sheens over in layers. These will give you that changing rainbow of colours. We do not have speckled trout - so have never caught one. Hope this helps a bit? I will do a rainbow when I get a specimen.
Pt 3 reply. Hi - have been thinking about your problem over night, What may help is if I put together a short film showing how I have made foam artificial sculptures of fish. In those cases I did a sea trout and a brown, where similar colours and methods were used as I describe nelow for a real mount? Should have it done in a day. Bear with me and keep an eye open, I hope this helps you? :-)
reply 4 - ok I have done a short film for you called choices that may help you a bit with this question, go see and let me know from there? Hope it helps.
yes i have a question for the maker of this video or anyone that could help me iam getting into taxidermy and i want to do a fish for the forst time well i have been researching and the taxidermy companies dont sell formaldehyde anymore so is there anything like formaldehyde and does the same thing as it because in the videos i have watched and the research i have done it says you should use formaldehyde but no one sells it anymore so i need help thank you
Please, please will you guys make a little effort and read previous questions and my replies!! As I only just asked below ? This question and many others are already there to see? You will note monsterfishers' and dragunzgirls reply re both borax and formaldahyde also? You will also note that I say taxidermy suppliers now supply many chemicals that are safe and you can dip the whole skin in to preserve it? I have seen quite a few good films on here showing this. Up to you - if I can you can?
Just had this in from one of my favourite subscribers and reckon it may help many of you? henrycems has made a comment on Taxidermy - Mounting two cock Pheasants: Well I think the taxidermy is a form of art. The 20-mule team borax is a powder and is cheap about $4.00 for a 3Lbs box. People need to look were they buy their laundry soap for the borax, some WalMarts have it but not all. The Formaldahyde is a little harder to get and is a lot more money. Hope this helps.
I shall be away filming and painting in Colombia 12 Feb - 10 March 2012 - so if anyone has questions please wait until I return. OR better still, do as I advise below and you will almost certainly find what you seek already replied to by me, in this or my other taxidermy films - such as scales not needing to be removed. This will help us both :-)
I do say clearly in the film? Plus below on here over again? Here is one of my replies below, you would do well to make a little effort and read all please - I am sure you will find such useful. "Glad you enjoyed - formaldahyde 50% to water. Please read all questions and my replies below, this and far more already there."
Hi - if if what you say you have heard is true and I thought so do you really feel I would be wasting my time with all this?! :-) When I was a youngster I tried doing what you say and it rotted with maggots eating in between the paint/varnish and skin! It would only be a temp. non stable answer. The borax keeps away flies, keeps it dry and preseves it.
@faith6651 Borax is super expensive in the US, and Formol is strictlly Illegal to have unless you are a doctor. i will try to use another chemical which preserves and and keeps all bugs away, and the video is super helpful.
When you say expensive - how much? Bearing in mind a big box lasts me years? But as you say, there are many things available on the market via internet. Strange about the formaldahyde, no problems at all over here.
@monsterfisher1998 Borax is not expensive at all in the US, im in GA and i buy it all the time at walmart big box for only 2 or 3 bucks. Also you can get formol on ebay i buy it there all the time. No doc needed. Just small amounts tho.
@DragunzGir - Hi there, I hope that monsterfisher sees your reply, I was surprised at him saying it is expensive - but am in UK so no idea! Am putting up a new film in a couple of days of mounting two pheasants you might enjoy :-)
Hello to you again :-) Powdered Borax? To save us both time please look through all of the questions and replies I give in all my few taxidermy films and you will find this and probably future questions you will have that are already replied to. If not, then of course I welcome hearing from you and always reply, as you know? Good fishing - Peter
I come to u for wisdom, im looking to taxiderm a small shark,but i know im going to have trouble with the head,wat would be the best approuch as cleaning it goes? and wat exactly is formalin?
Wisdom in short supply - but a little information possible :-) Why will you have any more trouble with the head than normal? Simply clean it from the back, inside, as I have shown you. Formaldahyde is an age old chemical preservative. You may use it 50 % mix to water. Be careful using it please!
Firstly congratultions on your Barracuda! I am off to Colombia next month so may get a chance ! There are many ways to mount a fish. I show you one here that works for me. NO salt is not good. Please read the rest of my replies here and on my other taxidermy films? You will see this answered before plus more questions I expect you will ask?
hello i just wondering do you definitley need a needle to inject the formalin or is there another way of doing this without injecting, because im havin trouble trying to get a needle.
My advice would have to depend upon how old you are? Normally one can purchase anything from taxidermist suppliers online. But chemicals and dangerous scalpels need supervision if you are younger. If that is the case I suggest asking your parents for help in ordering and using such.
I have a 13 maybe 15" bass that has been frozen since January 2011 with the last 4" of the tail curved. I want the fish mounted onto a piece of wood this Christmas. So would it still be possible for it to be mounted? Please answer. Thank you!
The answer is yes it can. Freezing the animal means it should, in theory, last forever. The tail will uncurl on thawing. I hope that the fins are not too damaged as this may cause the taxidermist problems. Also if you have a good photo to work from re the colours later?
Hi and thanks. But I have to be honest at all times. Many more modern ways are professionally better now, with foam body forms - airbrush painting - fibre glass moulds/casts and far more. So please do not miss out on all of those if you wish to be in business? Check out all methods and learn all? :-)
I'm a 13 year old girl and taxidermy happens to be one of my dream jobs. Any tips for a beginner :)?
(I would be mounting smaller animals, because I have no way of getting anything larger than a crow from roadkill at the moment, and I don't feel like stuffing one of my dogs XD.)
Hello there & welcome, very refreshing to see a young lady interested in such or hunting either :-) Tips? Check out all taxidermy films on youtube, if you are in the USA I gather some colleges run courses? There are also good films you can pay for access. If you wish to try fish and cannot catch one then possibly approach a fish farm, as in trout? The ways I show here are outdated, they work and are cheap though. Small dog is best done with nodding head and flashing eyes for back of car LOL Joke
I always reply - unless the writer is rude or ignorant. Yes, so long as your specimen is in good condition still, not lots of bashed fins, broken body etc. BUT I repeat the need to have good photos of the fresh specimen to work from esp. to paint. Some oily fish may begin to break down in time frozen, such as mackerel or trout but this is more about food to eat rather than mounting, 4 months is fine.
You Sir are a boss, thanks for an epic upload!... I called up a taxidermist to get my 1st catch preserved,, he told me it would cost £400+... It was a small fish and he said it would be harder to do than a big one.. I was like fuck that... I fed the fish to my cat and put the money towards a boat to catch bigger sea monsters.. wish i see yer vid earlier.. i could of tried a DIY :P
Yes do give it a try, no one said it's really easy - but if you are good with your hands and at crafts not only will it be cheaper, but more satisfying and maybe good enough tyo make you a few dollars in the future!? :-)
That's exactly what I was thinking, I paint, so its like catchining a canvas... Def more satisfying than getting someone else to do it for me.. I hate wasting things.. especially after I hack the fillets out. If I ever catch the lochness monster, I'll stuff that mofo with 3 trees worth..hahaha
Hi - just a couple of things in responce as I think we have spoken before ? :-) Remember that the comment below is very good in that making a foam body is a very good idea and simple? Also that rather than killing a specimen not for eating, as well, such a trout you may be as well trying to make the entire fish such a Carp entrirely from the foam using exact measurements and photos and returning the fish? :-) You may model the shape and scales plus use cellophane for the fins? Bigger fish later
Your method looks so simple and fun to do.The next video you post. Try to have the chemical's name pop up or flash at the bottom of the screen as you mention the product it in your video. This could help on reducing the same questions being asked over and over. Hopefully!! Thanks for the Video's and details. And thanks for sharing your knowledge.!!!!! - Matt
Hi, thanks for time to offer friendly comment :-) Although I take your point - I already made all as clear as I can in later films also - by zooming in on the actual lables and containers. With my art films I even show palette sheets, and colours on screen as I mix in many! The actual problems are several fold. 1. Generally laziness to go back see again & pause the film. 2. Unwillingness to make self effort. 3. Genuin problems, often with youngsters who have literacy problems. I help all I can.
Hi - thanks for your notes here, yes I have mentioned the use of foam bodes in my replies below e.g. for someone in Africa who needed an easier way than seeking out sawdust! :-) Not sure what mod podge is - pehaps something you get in the USA there, if thats where you are? Sounds a very useful material though? Care to tell us more about it? Thanks - Peter
Nice i like the video. Just a tip: fish can't move there tails upward like that an tissue paper is good for fin repair with mod podge instead of glue. also carving a foam body is more efficient, but i like the video thanks for sharing.
I would like to know more details how to do it, can you explain it by email? I will be grateful. Because I love to do that, but there are words that I can not understand.
Although I may be contacted via my website email address I cannot explain any more clearly than here where I actually demonstrate using a film? If there are some words you do not understand, firstly please read all of the other peoples questions below all of my taxidermy films and my replies and then write your question about the words here and I will reply and try to help?
1. Freeze it. 2. Please see the rest of my films on taxidermy and read ALL of the questions and answers I have given below as this and many you will have are answered there already :-) If not, of course I will always help :-)
There are new methods of course, some you may find even easier such as using a pre formed foam body and smply soaking the fish skin in a solution, but this one works, even though basic. This fish still looks as good now. years later, as to when it was first done.
If you remove all flesh completely right into fins etc. then no. Use plenty of the borax to all areas inside. Also please read my other replies here and on my other taxidermy films where I reply to this earlier and other questions you may have saving us both some time? :-) Otherwise good luck and get back to me if you get stuck?
Please take time to read questions & answers I painstakingly reply to both below & on my other films re taxidermy etc. you will find this and many others you may have? Here is a part copied and pasted for you from below - "50% / 50% water to formaldahyde" Your question - spray paint - yes good one. Once the fish is totally dry & completed you may use any paint you wish to get effects you want. Silver from cans, airbrush, simply be aware that you may paint oils over acylics not other way around!
Hi i think ur video is excellent...i attempted 2 stuff 2 fish and i followed ur video with the borax powder and formal but the fish both shrank...any advice??
You will have either or both - 1. Not packed the fish tightly enough with the sawdust. It really has to be rammed in and careffully shaped. This would not allow shrinkage then. 2. I do say on the film - do not dry it too quickly. Needs to dry in normal temps. slowly or it will shrink. You are bound to get some shrinkeage anyway esp. cheeks unless you have stuffed them. These will need filling as on my films? Always worked for me :-)
Please see the rest of my films - specifically mounting a woodpecker? Please also - before it possibly happens - read the questions and answers on all my taxiderrmy films which may well save us both time? Then by all means get back to me if you find any new problems? :-)
No - there is of course a very slight smell of fresh fish as you are doing it - bound to be? I mean you would not mount a rotting fish? :-) But if you have cleaned ALL meat off and out of the entire fish and used the chemicals - then there will only be a very slight odour if at all. Once dried, painted and varnished, it is also sealed and no smell whatsoever!
The fish only smells of fresh fish as you prepare it as expected - unless you use a rotten one - not avised LOL ! Only a very small amount as it dries - and nothing after full preparation.
Thats brilliant ! Well done. :-) So you need acrylics and some clear picture varnish. Will you be sending me a photo of the finished fish by email? Are you pleased with it so far? Remember before you paint to be sure its really dry!!!? Were the fins splitting a problem?
Another question from you before replies to my two? Hmm . OK yes the methods are the same - the only problem you may have is the thiness of the skin on a sea fish - what fish are you intending doing? It is important to remove all of the flesh but not cut through the skin. With some sea fish it may even be easier to cast a mould in plaster and make a fibreglass cast and paint that - say for a tuna?
Hello Mr Faith6651. I am From Portugal and i catch a lot of fishes in our Atlantic Ocean. I am 28 years old and since i was 12 im completely fanatic of fishes.
First I have to congrat you for all your patience replying all those repeated questions from those lazzy ones that dont really read all your comments or moovies. Your work and lifestyle really impressed me CONGRADULATIONS!!!!!
Hi - what an inteligent comment and most welcome! :-) Glad to see you note my problem at times, am always willing to help and make time for all this FREE stuff, but do have other things to do and some could make my life easier eh? :-) None the less I seem to be helping a lot of people! So you fish in Portugal, if you want to take this coversation further please write me an email via my website? I nearly moved to Portugal, Lagos 8 years ago! Would love to exchange a fishing holiday with you? :-)
YES. Do not rush drying the fish - it may take weeks. If you rush it it may shrink and deform. Make sure it is in a very dry place. When done it will loose colour and be very brown, so requires the artwork and finally varnish to give it that wet look. See my film painting a perch?
Check out the internet - type into google - taxidermy supplies - and you will find masses :-) Cheapest way is to bye just glass eyes with black pupils and paint the rest on yourself. You will need to have a set of acrylic paints for this and painting the fish later. Good fishing - Peter
i havent gotn a big of nough size fish but most likely it will be a bass or pike
but i was just learning it all now so that when i do catch a decent size fish then ill have all the materials ready and by the way where do u get fish eyes from. and the gloss u use after words is it just any type of it. thanks
Yes that maked good sense, well done! My advice would be to start with the bass. If you get a good Pike you can always freeze it whole until you ready?
Borax is perfectly harmless and will hopefully do the job. The main thing is to remove ALL of any flesh and the only reason for requiring a 50/50 water/formaldahyde mix is to inject if you cannot quite reach small parts in the fins, tail or head. If you clean all meat, brains out well enough and coat all interior with the borax you should be OK ! What fish are you trying? Do you have the eyes ready? Plasic cut to stretch fins, pins, fibreglass wool? Needle and line to sew up, dry sawdust.
See point 54.10 on the film where I say formaldahyde for injection and borax for coating and drying. please? Also, to save us both time, please see all of my taxidermy films PLUS look at the questions and answers below and on others as you find most things you may wish replied to there? If not then by all means write to me again? Good luck - Peter
@faith6651 ok thank u and by the way nice video it taught me alot cause im only 14 but iv been wanting to be a taxidermist so ill let u no how it turns out.
Excellent, well done - glad you wrote then ! :-) Yes do let me know how it goes. I have helped a lot of youngsters recently and they seem to have completed their fish well and are happy. If you get stuck write and I will reply as soon as I can? Remember to prepare well before hand, keep the fins wet, have all your materials ready. Be VERY careful with chemicals especially the formaldahyde if you have it - Hope that your parents are assisting with this? Use it very sparingly if at all. Good luck
Again, I thought I showed that I placed a peice of wooden batton into the fish as I packed it with sawdust and sewed it up? All one does then is screw through a backing board into this? :-) Easy as that. Glad you found all helpfull - good luck with your final work now and maybe see my film on painting a perch to follow up?
Hi - making time to reply, quickly, but PLEASE use advice below and do read all the questions and answers on all my taxidermy films - most of yours will be there already? It will save us both time? Please don't take me wrongly, happy to help everyone, free! Your second part, asked already in other ways. Part of taxidermy is experimenting to solve problems. Borax is also to dry the skin. This way works, your choice to experiment. The formaldahyde, brought at any pharmacy, only for awkward parts.
Hi there, ok sure - its a 50% / 50% water to formaldahyde. I do show a close up of the chemical bottles on my films and it is mentioned in most of the questions and answers lists, also below and on my other taxidermy films ( as my reply below, please look at these as they may help you with further questions and it will save me much time ? :-) Thanks - P
Hi - everything is covered in my films - please take a look at all taxidermy ones and the questions and replies which will help you - you need to look at my mounting a pike's head film. I do show removing eyes in this one here also? If you are still stuck after doing so then by all means write to me again?
I am sure that you may find far more out about this by simply typing in "freeze dry" into GOOGLE? But in order to help and give basics. It is a method where fish or animal matter are fast frozen in a special freezer unit and all water is removed. I have heard of even animals as large as bears being freeze dried into a mount position, whole!
hi there, i have a question about taxidermy. well, i'm 19 but have been fishing ever since, and sadly enough, i had a lot of times i had to throw my fish away because in my country (belgium) there are little taxidermists left, and they are very pricey. now, my question was, would it be possible for me to try my very first taxidermy on a store-bought fish? so i wouldnt have to ruin a beautifull fresh caught one. thank you.
Good points, I will reply on both. Firstly - "Throw your fish away"? I do hope that you return all possible unless to eat a limited amount or occasionally ( and many would hate this also ) take a specimen to mount. But never to trash? Perhaps you do not mean this :-) Yes very good idea to try on a fish shop specimen first - and then pretend you caught it?! LOL BUT the skin on such fish such as trout or salmon is thinner than many coarse fish and so far more difficult!
Deep freeze a specimen at present - rather than dump it if not returning it?!? Until you are good enough? Remember you may still eat the meat, as well, if you skin it carefully as I show? Good luck, show me a photo later once you succeed?
@faith6651 yes yes, thats what i meant, throw it back in the sea, instead of the trash, of course. and maybe you are right, i can freeze them, didnt really think of that, since normally i eat them and just throw the skin away. so thanks for replying, i'll make shure to put a picture online when it's finished. keep up the good job mate
Ah - thats clearer now ta :-) I was not sure if you were talking coarse, sea or game. It is also possible to freeze just the skin and head ready to complete it later - BUT biggest prob are the fins drying at all times. If a flatfish or skate sometimes making a plaster mould and using fibreglass an easier way!?
OK, I understand, may I suggest an easier alternative for smaller fish such as this? Find a local taxidermist with a freeze drying unit who is willing to do them for you at a cheap price and you then simply paint them and add the eyes afterwards? Quicker, less hassle :-) Otherwise good luck with the project. Peter
OK - where to get items - pharmacy = chemist - powdered borax and also formaldahyde 50 % to water. All questions already on the videos ( see close ups of bottles? ) and questions and replies here - see all my films on taxidermy may help you with further - but if you get stuck, then of course write again? See taxidermy supplies on net for eyes etc.?
to all the people who had never watched this video, this video gives great advice on how to taxidermy a fish at home. I was able to taxidermy a 36 inch muskie myself and i am quite happy of my results. so thankyou faith6651 for providing me and all the youtubers for this video!!
Yes I would love to see your photos - please go to my website where you can use a direct email link to send them to me. I cannot write it hear or they block all my replies!!
Thanks - thats very kind of you - but please I am only an amature sharing what I have been taught. If you said the same about my painting I - well then I would be even more proud! LOL :-) Anyway - these methods seem to work so all it needs is practice?
I will assume this is a genuine question and not one to just wind me up? After all I give much time and effort to responding to the hundreds of questions I get asked and do so with pleasure to help - but it is time consuming and free to you !! I clearly tell you in the film and also many times over in the questions and replies here and on my other taxidermy films? As below - formaldahyd 50% to water.
If you get genuinely stuck and need help - do ask - but please, firstly watch properly and read others questions here as almost certainly someone else will also have asked before? :-) This will also help me - my thanks, Peter
No worry - always ready to help any genuine confusion and assist you to enjoy and succeed! :-) The formaldahyde is only needed as an extra failsafe - if you really clean up the fins inside, tail and head and get borax well into all and there is no meat left at all anywhere the borax will do the job - or by a dry freezing unit and you dont need to use anything LOL :-) Now go catch a big one - cut it carefully, eat the meat and mount the rest ? Good luck - Peter
hi, i catch alot of fish but id like to do something else rather then eat them. The only thing i need to know is wat chemicals i would use to preserve the skin ect, please help :-)
Hello - I see that you have now noticed that Formaldahyde is used, but as for asking me if is really needed. There are many ways to mount a fish and many chemicals on the market. My way is traditional and simple. It works for me and others who have tried my way from here. Borax is the other "chemical" but beyond that please WATCH my films carefully PLUS read all of the questions already replied to by me and you will have all you require.
hey every one. i have a question about taxidermy. if i bring the deer to the taxidermist can they do the following for me. shoulder mount, deer hoof gun rack. and can they do anything with the coat for me? thanks for your time.
Hi nymosvids - Peter here not everyone :-) Jees 59 years old today but even on my birthday I will reply to you! LOL - OK your question - taxidermists are the same as any artist or craftsman - we are all different and have different specialisms and abilities. There will be many who would do what you ask here yes.
Firslty seek out some in your area and then ask them. I would advise that you see their work firstly though. I am in England now and think you are in USA - so I am of no use to you nor would wish such a commission. Hope this helps.
For clear colours I use an aerosol spray artists picture varnish - if you paint with Acrylics then you need an acrylic varnish and if oils and oil varnish. For a dark fish such a bream or carp then a golden wood varnish can be effcetive. Sowing is up to you a locking stitch is good, but whatever - keep tightening as you go along!
PLEASE help just caught a huge muskie and wen i try releasing it, it died so we decided to taxidermy it ourselves, but help before he puts on the borax or white power inside the fish, what liquid did he spray with the syringe???
Seems like I had better reply even more quickly than usual then before you have a very smelly muskie! :-) Firstly, please do not, as one writer just did, take offence or think I am rude when I say - PLEASE read the questions and replies I give on all of my taxidermy films as you will almost certainly find what you wish to ask there plus more? It saves me replying to the same questions over again plus gives you a quicker answer? ;-)
That said, and I do hope it helps, I did not "spray" anything on, I use only borax powder inside and some outside and INJECT some 50/50% formaldahyde/water in the very small areas I cannot remove flesh, fin joints etc. in your case. It is vital to remove all flesh. Also do you have eyes ready, plus have you got card etc. ready for the fins, do not let them dry out - goodluck perhaps send me a photo later? :-) Peter
@dog5244 Hi Dog, not quite sure what you are trying to tell me here :-) But think you are saying that you have brought a mounted or stuffed fish of some type. Do you fish? If so ever thought of saving yourself the cash and doing your own plus the pride of attainment? :-) Thats what these films are here for if you fancy having a go? What did you pay and do you know yet what fish it is? Best of luck - Peter
Using formaldahyde / borax it is possible to keep the gills I have found, but if you wish to make / model your own there are many resin based pastes - self hardening clays etc. even car body filler can be used. Good to look at taxidermy supplies on the internet and see whats on offer - or conatct them, so much new stuff constantly coming on the market!
Hi - if you get time do read all comments and my replies on my taxidermy films - I expect that you have more questions plus this one and most will be there? :-) No they do not rot if done properly, not much point otherwise? LOL :-) I have many of my specimens from 20 years past as good as new. But of course you must keep them in dry and good conditions. :-)
@faith6651 I have a question for you. I know this is a fish but you are the only one I have seen replying to messages. I would like to mount the had of a deer, first one ever shot kind of thing. Anything I need to do to the skin after I skin it? To me it seems it would rot if I just put the skin onto a base and left it like that.
A couple of things to help you - not enough space here to show all. You can buy a foam former to mount the skin on, make one or boil, clean and use the skull. I have done dear heads with my borax method successfully, simply rubbing it well in - but taxidermy supplies do provide many simple chemicals to either soak or tan the hide. There will be films on youtube to help you I know.
yes - you will find this question and possibly more that you may have, already answered in the other questions columns of mine here ans my other films?
Hi Zander , could you tell me how to prevent losing scales when doing a fish, I just did a fish that was frozen before i thawed it out to mount and by the time i finished the mount i lost allot of scales and color on the fish, was it because the fish was frozen ? Also the fins end up in pretty bad shape, did this also have to do with the fish being frozen before hand.Is there something i need to do to keep all this from happening? thanks ...Scot14222
Scot14222 1 week ago
Errr no Scot my name is not Zander, that's the fish! Fin damage is difficult to stop, keep fins wet & take great care also with the fish skin & scales as you work. Often all are damaged in the freezer
faith6651 1 week ago
@Scot14222 I was thinking on spraying the skin with water while i am working on it, do you think that will help? by the way what is your first name , mine is Scott as you probably have already assumed.
Scot14222 1 week ago
Yes Scott with 2 Ts :-) No problem - there was not word space to say more or my name - but my details on my page show my website etc. where all is given. I reckon you are correct in saying that spraying or gently sponging both fins and skin will certainly help yes. :-) What fish was it? Strangely I seem to be alllowed more words this time! Best wishes - Peter
faith6651 1 week ago
@faith6651 HI Peter, the fish I did was a small Rainbow trout, it didn't turn out to bad for my first one but as I mentioned the color was lost so hopefully it will look better after I paint it... Again I really appreciate your help. Scott
Scot14222 1 week ago
The video helps some but I think the only way I can fully grasp this is to see it done ,so when you get a rainbow or sea trout could you make a video of painting these. Thanks again
Scot14222 2 weeks ago
No problem and agree - mentioned it on video? My pleasure. Only thing is I have to catch said specimen rainbow!?! Plenty of fish to 2 lbs around but I want a 5 lb plus - so may have to wait until the fish in my own pond are big enough LOL :-)
faith6651 2 weeks ago
Hi, could you tell me what colors you would use to paint a rainbow trout and a speckled trout?
Thanks
Scot14222 2 weeks ago
Yes - I would use the colours that were on the carefully taken photos I had done on the fish's capture. Or colour notes I had made as an artist? You will note I state the importance of such in all the fish films? BUT to assist you at this stage, if you have not. I would suggest you, lightly, spray the whole body with an acrylic chrome. Then look at the best photos you can find or take new shots of similar fish to start tinting the colours in glazes over this either with brush or airbrush.
faith6651 2 weeks ago
Pt. 2 reply - colours. It would take a film! e.g. see perch painting? For Rainbow work darks gradually over the back and then whites from the belly into cream. You would then do well to use "reactive" colour powders - blue, green, pink, purple mixed with acrylic medium to glaze the luminous colour sheens over in layers. These will give you that changing rainbow of colours. We do not have speckled trout - so have never caught one. Hope this helps a bit? I will do a rainbow when I get a specimen.
faith6651 2 weeks ago
Pt 3 reply. Hi - have been thinking about your problem over night, What may help is if I put together a short film showing how I have made foam artificial sculptures of fish. In those cases I did a sea trout and a brown, where similar colours and methods were used as I describe nelow for a real mount? Should have it done in a day. Bear with me and keep an eye open, I hope this helps you? :-)
faith6651 2 weeks ago
reply 4 - ok I have done a short film for you called choices that may help you a bit with this question, go see and let me know from there? Hope it helps.
faith6651 2 weeks ago
yes i have a question for the maker of this video or anyone that could help me iam getting into taxidermy and i want to do a fish for the forst time well i have been researching and the taxidermy companies dont sell formaldehyde anymore so is there anything like formaldehyde and does the same thing as it because in the videos i have watched and the research i have done it says you should use formaldehyde but no one sells it anymore so i need help thank you
ilovefishing12545841 3 weeks ago
Please, please will you guys make a little effort and read previous questions and my replies!! As I only just asked below ? This question and many others are already there to see? You will note monsterfishers' and dragunzgirls reply re both borax and formaldahyde also? You will also note that I say taxidermy suppliers now supply many chemicals that are safe and you can dip the whole skin in to preserve it? I have seen quite a few good films on here showing this. Up to you - if I can you can?
faith6651 3 weeks ago
Just had this in from one of my favourite subscribers and reckon it may help many of you? henrycems has made a comment on Taxidermy - Mounting two cock Pheasants: Well I think the taxidermy is a form of art. The 20-mule team borax is a powder and is cheap about $4.00 for a 3Lbs box. People need to look were they buy their laundry soap for the borax, some WalMarts have it but not all. The Formaldahyde is a little harder to get and is a lot more money. Hope this helps.
faith6651 3 weeks ago
Hey do u take off the scales?
ThaoTitans 4 weeks ago
I shall be away filming and painting in Colombia 12 Feb - 10 March 2012 - so if anyone has questions please wait until I return. OR better still, do as I advise below and you will almost certainly find what you seek already replied to by me, in this or my other taxidermy films - such as scales not needing to be removed. This will help us both :-)
faith6651 4 weeks ago
what were you injecting in the fish
winsorsadventures 1 month ago
I do say clearly in the film? Plus below on here over again? Here is one of my replies below, you would do well to make a little effort and read all please - I am sure you will find such useful. "Glad you enjoyed - formaldahyde 50% to water. Please read all questions and my replies below, this and far more already there."
faith6651 1 month ago
I heard that you dont need chemicals its just dry skin painted with clear primer is this true???
monsterfisher1998 1 month ago
Hi - if if what you say you have heard is true and I thought so do you really feel I would be wasting my time with all this?! :-) When I was a youngster I tried doing what you say and it rotted with maggots eating in between the paint/varnish and skin! It would only be a temp. non stable answer. The borax keeps away flies, keeps it dry and preseves it.
faith6651 1 month ago
@faith6651 Borax is super expensive in the US, and Formol is strictlly Illegal to have unless you are a doctor. i will try to use another chemical which preserves and and keeps all bugs away, and the video is super helpful.
monsterfisher1998 1 month ago
When you say expensive - how much? Bearing in mind a big box lasts me years? But as you say, there are many things available on the market via internet. Strange about the formaldahyde, no problems at all over here.
faith6651 1 month ago
@monsterfisher1998 Borax is not expensive at all in the US, im in GA and i buy it all the time at walmart big box for only 2 or 3 bucks. Also you can get formol on ebay i buy it there all the time. No doc needed. Just small amounts tho.
DragunzGirl 1 month ago
@DragunzGir - Hi there, I hope that monsterfisher sees your reply, I was surprised at him saying it is expensive - but am in UK so no idea! Am putting up a new film in a couple of days of mounting two pheasants you might enjoy :-)
faith6651 1 month ago
Where can i get the Borox the white thing you cover the fish with?
MrChamaleons 1 month ago
Hello to you again :-) Powdered Borax? To save us both time please look through all of the questions and replies I give in all my few taxidermy films and you will find this and probably future questions you will have that are already replied to. If not, then of course I welcome hearing from you and always reply, as you know? Good fishing - Peter
faith6651 1 month ago
I come to u for wisdom, im looking to taxiderm a small shark,but i know im going to have trouble with the head,wat would be the best approuch as cleaning it goes? and wat exactly is formalin?
kingfishtony 2 months ago
Wisdom in short supply - but a little information possible :-) Why will you have any more trouble with the head than normal? Simply clean it from the back, inside, as I have shown you. Formaldahyde is an age old chemical preservative. You may use it 50 % mix to water. Be careful using it please!
faith6651 2 months ago
@faith6651 im lookin to taxiderm a Barracuda...i caught it today and i wanted to know if i could do it with Formal and salt?
MrChamaleons 2 months ago
Firstly congratultions on your Barracuda! I am off to Colombia next month so may get a chance ! There are many ways to mount a fish. I show you one here that works for me. NO salt is not good. Please read the rest of my replies here and on my other taxidermy films? You will see this answered before plus more questions I expect you will ask?
faith6651 2 months ago
@faith6651 OK,thank u for your time :)
MrChamaleons 2 months ago
thanks for the reply.
byrne760 2 months ago
hello i just wondering do you definitley need a needle to inject the formalin or is there another way of doing this without injecting, because im havin trouble trying to get a needle.
thanks
kieran
byrne760 2 months ago
My advice would have to depend upon how old you are? Normally one can purchase anything from taxidermist suppliers online. But chemicals and dangerous scalpels need supervision if you are younger. If that is the case I suggest asking your parents for help in ordering and using such.
faith6651 2 months ago
Can you please answer a question for me?
I have a 13 maybe 15" bass that has been frozen since January 2011 with the last 4" of the tail curved. I want the fish mounted onto a piece of wood this Christmas. So would it still be possible for it to be mounted? Please answer. Thank you!
Domali2116 3 months ago
The answer is yes it can. Freezing the animal means it should, in theory, last forever. The tail will uncurl on thawing. I hope that the fins are not too damaged as this may cause the taxidermist problems. Also if you have a good photo to work from re the colours later?
faith6651 3 months ago
@faith6651 WOW! That was fast! Thank you soo much your very helpful!
Cheers from IN,
Liam
Domali2116 3 months ago
You are very welcome and glad it helps. I always try to reply quickly to any mail. Prefering the same respect myself :-)
faith6651 3 months ago
hey i find your videos extremely helpful iam trying to get started in the buisness i think you do great work please keep making these great videos
liljen2005 4 months ago
Hi and thanks. But I have to be honest at all times. Many more modern ways are professionally better now, with foam body forms - airbrush painting - fibre glass moulds/casts and far more. So please do not miss out on all of those if you wish to be in business? Check out all methods and learn all? :-)
faith6651 4 months ago
Cool video - pretty much exactly what I was looking for - thanks.
fusionz06 4 months ago
You are very welcome :-)
faith6651 4 months ago
Wonderful video!
I'm a 13 year old girl and taxidermy happens to be one of my dream jobs. Any tips for a beginner :)?
(I would be mounting smaller animals, because I have no way of getting anything larger than a crow from roadkill at the moment, and I don't feel like stuffing one of my dogs XD.)
Ezigiph 4 months ago
Hello there & welcome, very refreshing to see a young lady interested in such or hunting either :-) Tips? Check out all taxidermy films on youtube, if you are in the USA I gather some colleges run courses? There are also good films you can pay for access. If you wish to try fish and cannot catch one then possibly approach a fish farm, as in trout? The ways I show here are outdated, they work and are cheap though. Small dog is best done with nodding head and flashing eyes for back of car LOL Joke
faith6651 4 months ago
If you kept the fish in the freezer for about 4 months would you still be able to mount it? Please answer
epiCUtoobR1234 5 months ago
I always reply - unless the writer is rude or ignorant. Yes, so long as your specimen is in good condition still, not lots of bashed fins, broken body etc. BUT I repeat the need to have good photos of the fresh specimen to work from esp. to paint. Some oily fish may begin to break down in time frozen, such as mackerel or trout but this is more about food to eat rather than mounting, 4 months is fine.
faith6651 5 months ago
NOPE! Chuck Testa
rafs1011 5 months ago 4
Sorry - not sure what you are saying here?
faith6651 5 months ago
You Sir are a boss, thanks for an epic upload!... I called up a taxidermist to get my 1st catch preserved,, he told me it would cost £400+... It was a small fish and he said it would be harder to do than a big one.. I was like fuck that... I fed the fish to my cat and put the money towards a boat to catch bigger sea monsters.. wish i see yer vid earlier.. i could of tried a DIY :P
EyeAmBatman 5 months ago
Yes do give it a try, no one said it's really easy - but if you are good with your hands and at crafts not only will it be cheaper, but more satisfying and maybe good enough tyo make you a few dollars in the future!? :-)
faith6651 5 months ago
@faith6651
That's exactly what I was thinking, I paint, so its like catchining a canvas... Def more satisfying than getting someone else to do it for me.. I hate wasting things.. especially after I hack the fillets out. If I ever catch the lochness monster, I'll stuff that mofo with 3 trees worth..hahaha
EyeAmBatman 4 months ago
great video i have been practicing this on sunfish and i am gonna try a rainbow trout and a carp soon
AirsoftRangers117 6 months ago
Hi - just a couple of things in responce as I think we have spoken before ? :-) Remember that the comment below is very good in that making a foam body is a very good idea and simple? Also that rather than killing a specimen not for eating, as well, such a trout you may be as well trying to make the entire fish such a Carp entrirely from the foam using exact measurements and photos and returning the fish? :-) You may model the shape and scales plus use cellophane for the fins? Bigger fish later
faith6651 6 months ago
Your method looks so simple and fun to do.The next video you post. Try to have the chemical's name pop up or flash at the bottom of the screen as you mention the product it in your video. This could help on reducing the same questions being asked over and over. Hopefully!! Thanks for the Video's and details. And thanks for sharing your knowledge.!!!!! - Matt
kruedog 6 months ago
Hi, thanks for time to offer friendly comment :-) Although I take your point - I already made all as clear as I can in later films also - by zooming in on the actual lables and containers. With my art films I even show palette sheets, and colours on screen as I mix in many! The actual problems are several fold. 1. Generally laziness to go back see again & pause the film. 2. Unwillingness to make self effort. 3. Genuin problems, often with youngsters who have literacy problems. I help all I can.
faith6651 6 months ago
Glad you enjoyed - formaldahyde 50% to water. Please read all questions and my replies below, this and far more already there.
faith6651 7 months ago
nice video, what is the name of the liquid that you inserted into the fins of the fish. Thanks
toualuvsme 7 months ago
Formaldahyde 50/50 to water
faith6651 6 months ago
Hi - thanks for your notes here, yes I have mentioned the use of foam bodes in my replies below e.g. for someone in Africa who needed an easier way than seeking out sawdust! :-) Not sure what mod podge is - pehaps something you get in the USA there, if thats where you are? Sounds a very useful material though? Care to tell us more about it? Thanks - Peter
faith6651 7 months ago
Nice i like the video. Just a tip: fish can't move there tails upward like that an tissue paper is good for fin repair with mod podge instead of glue. also carving a foam body is more efficient, but i like the video thanks for sharing.
NightandDayTaxidermy 7 months ago
...*POOR FISH*...*JK THATS COOL*...*I WAS REALLY CURIOUS ON HOW THIS WAS DONE AND FINALLY GOT TO SEE IT*...
lsk632 7 months ago
There are many ways to do this. I only show a simple one the old way - you will find many others on youtube.
faith6651 7 months ago
this was sooooo coool!!!
pbul7306 7 months ago
Thanks - another point is that this was done 3 years ago and still looks as fresh on the wall of my studio as it did then! It works! :-)
faith6651 7 months ago
I would like to know more details how to do it, can you explain it by email? I will be grateful. Because I love to do that, but there are words that I can not understand.
email dcjanilson@hotmail.com
Thanks
dcjanilson 8 months ago
Although I may be contacted via my website email address I cannot explain any more clearly than here where I actually demonstrate using a film? If there are some words you do not understand, firstly please read all of the other peoples questions below all of my taxidermy films and my replies and then write your question about the words here and I will reply and try to help?
faith6651 8 months ago
this is very interesting thank you for this video it will definitly help me for when mount my fish
andrewwolf21 9 months ago
Thanks - remember this is the old way and there are body formers plus new chemicals now that may cost but make it much easier!
faith6651 9 months ago
Very interesting!
CotonCandyRobotJuice 9 months ago
It was tasty as well! :-)
faith6651 9 months ago
What should i do with the fish after i catch it and want to stuff it. Caught a big 14' crappie today and wondered what to do with it.
Iglithion1 9 months ago
1. Freeze it. 2. Please see the rest of my films on taxidermy and read ALL of the questions and answers I have given below as this and many you will have are answered there already :-) If not, of course I will always help :-)
faith6651 9 months ago
This is fascinating! Thank you for going step by step on how to do this! I've always wanted to preserve my fish now I can try it out!
jennyxno2 11 months ago
There are new methods of course, some you may find even easier such as using a pre formed foam body and smply soaking the fish skin in a solution, but this one works, even though basic. This fish still looks as good now. years later, as to when it was first done.
faith6651 11 months ago
Very well explained, great tips for an ameature artist. Keep up the good work!
marker2034 1 year ago
If you remove all flesh completely right into fins etc. then no. Use plenty of the borax to all areas inside. Also please read my other replies here and on my other taxidermy films where I reply to this earlier and other questions you may have saving us both some time? :-) Otherwise good luck and get back to me if you get stuck?
faith6651 1 year ago
do u have to use the formal
zippolighters9 1 year ago
Please take time to read questions & answers I painstakingly reply to both below & on my other films re taxidermy etc. you will find this and many others you may have? Here is a part copied and pasted for you from below - "50% / 50% water to formaldahyde" Your question - spray paint - yes good one. Once the fish is totally dry & completed you may use any paint you wish to get effects you want. Silver from cans, airbrush, simply be aware that you may paint oils over acylics not other way around!
faith6651 1 year ago
what is the liquid you are injecting into the head?? can you use spray paint for painting the fish??
megaretriver 1 year ago
Hi i think ur video is excellent...i attempted 2 stuff 2 fish and i followed ur video with the borax powder and formal but the fish both shrank...any advice??
ldoherty1991 1 year ago
You will have either or both - 1. Not packed the fish tightly enough with the sawdust. It really has to be rammed in and careffully shaped. This would not allow shrinkage then. 2. I do say on the film - do not dry it too quickly. Needs to dry in normal temps. slowly or it will shrink. You are bound to get some shrinkeage anyway esp. cheeks unless you have stuffed them. These will need filling as on my films? Always worked for me :-)
faith6651 1 year ago
great vid, well explained, thanks
foxy358 1 year ago
can you do this with a bird
ziyadiah215 1 year ago
Please see the rest of my films - specifically mounting a woodpecker? Please also - before it possibly happens - read the questions and answers on all my taxiderrmy films which may well save us both time? Then by all means get back to me if you find any new problems? :-)
faith6651 1 year ago
dosent the skin smell even when you clean it?
Dharkhaze17 1 year ago
No - there is of course a very slight smell of fresh fish as you are doing it - bound to be? I mean you would not mount a rotting fish? :-) But if you have cleaned ALL meat off and out of the entire fish and used the chemicals - then there will only be a very slight odour if at all. Once dried, painted and varnished, it is also sealed and no smell whatsoever!
faith6651 1 year ago
The fish only smells of fresh fish as you prepare it as expected - unless you use a rotten one - not avised LOL ! Only a very small amount as it dries - and nothing after full preparation.
faith6651 1 year ago
very educational thanks for sharing
silverado88888 1 year ago
i already did ok ill get some paint
annabelle1010100 1 year ago
Thats brilliant ! Well done. :-) So you need acrylics and some clear picture varnish. Will you be sending me a photo of the finished fish by email? Are you pleased with it so far? Remember before you paint to be sure its really dry!!!? Were the fins splitting a problem?
faith6651 1 year ago
Just one more Doubt.
Are there any problems in go with your procedure in saltwater fishes??
Any different tip?? Or i´ll do the exactly the same?
Thank you in advance.
Sparus82 1 year ago
Another question from you before replies to my two? Hmm . OK yes the methods are the same - the only problem you may have is the thiness of the skin on a sea fish - what fish are you intending doing? It is important to remove all of the flesh but not cut through the skin. With some sea fish it may even be easier to cast a mould in plaster and make a fibreglass cast and paint that - say for a tuna?
faith6651 1 year ago
Hello Mr Faith6651. I am From Portugal and i catch a lot of fishes in our Atlantic Ocean. I am 28 years old and since i was 12 im completely fanatic of fishes.
First I have to congrat you for all your patience replying all those repeated questions from those lazzy ones that dont really read all your comments or moovies. Your work and lifestyle really impressed me CONGRADULATIONS!!!!!
Sparus82 1 year ago
Hi - what an inteligent comment and most welcome! :-) Glad to see you note my problem at times, am always willing to help and make time for all this FREE stuff, but do have other things to do and some could make my life easier eh? :-) None the less I seem to be helping a lot of people! So you fish in Portugal, if you want to take this coversation further please write me an email via my website? I nearly moved to Portugal, Lagos 8 years ago! Would love to exchange a fishing holiday with you? :-)
faith6651 1 year ago
hey on more question do u have to paint any fish if i were to do it
annabelle1010100 1 year ago
YES. Do not rush drying the fish - it may take weeks. If you rush it it may shrink and deform. Make sure it is in a very dry place. When done it will loose colour and be very brown, so requires the artwork and finally varnish to give it that wet look. See my film painting a perch?
faith6651 1 year ago
thanks -brandon
annabelle1010100 1 year ago
all right then when i get one ill let u no
and where can i bye the eyes at
annabelle1010100 1 year ago
Check out the internet - type into google - taxidermy supplies - and you will find masses :-) Cheapest way is to bye just glass eyes with black pupils and paint the rest on yourself. You will need to have a set of acrylic paints for this and painting the fish later. Good fishing - Peter
faith6651 1 year ago
i havent gotn a big of nough size fish but most likely it will be a bass or pike
but i was just learning it all now so that when i do catch a decent size fish then ill have all the materials ready and by the way where do u get fish eyes from. and the gloss u use after words is it just any type of it. thanks
annabelle1010100 1 year ago
Yes that maked good sense, well done! My advice would be to start with the bass. If you get a good Pike you can always freeze it whole until you ready?
faith6651 1 year ago
ok thank u do u need to have formaldahyde b/c i have borax but not that
annabelle1010100 1 year ago
Borax is perfectly harmless and will hopefully do the job. The main thing is to remove ALL of any flesh and the only reason for requiring a 50/50 water/formaldahyde mix is to inject if you cannot quite reach small parts in the fins, tail or head. If you clean all meat, brains out well enough and coat all interior with the borax you should be OK ! What fish are you trying? Do you have the eyes ready? Plasic cut to stretch fins, pins, fibreglass wool? Needle and line to sew up, dry sawdust.
faith6651 1 year ago
hey u made it real simple but what type of chemicals do u use?
annabelle1010100 1 year ago
See point 54.10 on the film where I say formaldahyde for injection and borax for coating and drying. please? Also, to save us both time, please see all of my taxidermy films PLUS look at the questions and answers below and on others as you find most things you may wish replied to there? If not then by all means write to me again? Good luck - Peter
faith6651 1 year ago
@faith6651 ok thank u and by the way nice video it taught me alot cause im only 14 but iv been wanting to be a taxidermist so ill let u no how it turns out.
annabelle1010100 1 year ago
Excellent, well done - glad you wrote then ! :-) Yes do let me know how it goes. I have helped a lot of youngsters recently and they seem to have completed their fish well and are happy. If you get stuck write and I will reply as soon as I can? Remember to prepare well before hand, keep the fins wet, have all your materials ready. Be VERY careful with chemicals especially the formaldahyde if you have it - Hope that your parents are assisting with this? Use it very sparingly if at all. Good luck
faith6651 1 year ago
After it's all done how do you stick it to a wooden plack ??? Ps great video really help full
gstarbidder 1 year ago
Again, I thought I showed that I placed a peice of wooden batton into the fish as I packed it with sawdust and sewed it up? All one does then is screw through a backing board into this? :-) Easy as that. Glad you found all helpfull - good luck with your final work now and maybe see my film on painting a perch to follow up?
faith6651 1 year ago
ok where can you buy formaldahyde at? and could you just take borax and water so the borax is a liquid and just inject it with that
seth1395 1 year ago
Hi - making time to reply, quickly, but PLEASE use advice below and do read all the questions and answers on all my taxidermy films - most of yours will be there already? It will save us both time? Please don't take me wrongly, happy to help everyone, free! Your second part, asked already in other ways. Part of taxidermy is experimenting to solve problems. Borax is also to dry the skin. This way works, your choice to experiment. The formaldahyde, brought at any pharmacy, only for awkward parts.
faith6651 1 year ago
i couldnt hear what you said you were shooting the fish with in the serenge can you tell me what i have to give it a shot of
seth1395 1 year ago
Hi there, ok sure - its a 50% / 50% water to formaldahyde. I do show a close up of the chemical bottles on my films and it is mentioned in most of the questions and answers lists, also below and on my other taxidermy films ( as my reply below, please look at these as they may help you with further questions and it will save me much time ? :-) Thanks - P
faith6651 1 year ago
very nice!
909beats 1 year ago
how do you remove the eyes and brain, im just wondering if theres a special way to do it or somthing
revengeboy123 1 year ago
Hi - everything is covered in my films - please take a look at all taxidermy ones and the questions and replies which will help you - you need to look at my mounting a pike's head film. I do show removing eyes in this one here also? If you are still stuck after doing so then by all means write to me again?
faith6651 1 year ago
Please could you possibly tell me what dry freeezing is?
MRCHUCKY198 1 year ago
I am sure that you may find far more out about this by simply typing in "freeze dry" into GOOGLE? But in order to help and give basics. It is a method where fish or animal matter are fast frozen in a special freezer unit and all water is removed. I have heard of even animals as large as bears being freeze dried into a mount position, whole!
faith6651 1 year ago
hi there, i have a question about taxidermy. well, i'm 19 but have been fishing ever since, and sadly enough, i had a lot of times i had to throw my fish away because in my country (belgium) there are little taxidermists left, and they are very pricey. now, my question was, would it be possible for me to try my very first taxidermy on a store-bought fish? so i wouldnt have to ruin a beautifull fresh caught one. thank you.
glenn55555 1 year ago
Good points, I will reply on both. Firstly - "Throw your fish away"? I do hope that you return all possible unless to eat a limited amount or occasionally ( and many would hate this also ) take a specimen to mount. But never to trash? Perhaps you do not mean this :-) Yes very good idea to try on a fish shop specimen first - and then pretend you caught it?! LOL BUT the skin on such fish such as trout or salmon is thinner than many coarse fish and so far more difficult!
faith6651 1 year ago
Deep freeze a specimen at present - rather than dump it if not returning it?!? Until you are good enough? Remember you may still eat the meat, as well, if you skin it carefully as I show? Good luck, show me a photo later once you succeed?
faith6651 1 year ago
@faith6651 yes yes, thats what i meant, throw it back in the sea, instead of the trash, of course. and maybe you are right, i can freeze them, didnt really think of that, since normally i eat them and just throw the skin away. so thanks for replying, i'll make shure to put a picture online when it's finished. keep up the good job mate
glenn55555 1 year ago
Ah - thats clearer now ta :-) I was not sure if you were talking coarse, sea or game. It is also possible to freeze just the skin and head ready to complete it later - BUT biggest prob are the fins drying at all times. If a flatfish or skate sometimes making a plaster mould and using fibreglass an easier way!?
faith6651 1 year ago
ok nice 1 i just wanted to stuff my 3 piranhas that i lost a start of the year there been in my freezer ever since
mosschops1982 1 year ago
OK, I understand, may I suggest an easier alternative for smaller fish such as this? Find a local taxidermist with a freeze drying unit who is willing to do them for you at a cheap price and you then simply paint them and add the eyes afterwards? Quicker, less hassle :-) Otherwise good luck with the project. Peter
faith6651 1 year ago
hi mate where can i get hold of all the chemicals in the UK can you spell list them for me cheers mate
mosschops1982 1 year ago
OK - where to get items - pharmacy = chemist - powdered borax and also formaldahyde 50 % to water. All questions already on the videos ( see close ups of bottles? ) and questions and replies here - see all my films on taxidermy may help you with further - but if you get stuck, then of course write again? See taxidermy supplies on net for eyes etc.?
faith6651 1 year ago
to all the people who had never watched this video, this video gives great advice on how to taxidermy a fish at home. I was able to taxidermy a 36 inch muskie myself and i am quite happy of my results. so thankyou faith6651 for providing me and all the youtubers for this video!!
sengx 1 year ago
Hi, thanks for this and am glad you succeeded.
faith6651 1 year ago
after a rather long time i have finished my muskellunge!!! where do i post the pictures for you to see?
sengx 1 year ago
Yes I would love to see your photos - please go to my website where you can use a direct email link to send them to me. I cannot write it hear or they block all my replies!!
faith6651 1 year ago
wow it seems so hard, i envy you, and hope to be as skilled as you one day.
Sagomekitsune124 1 year ago
Thanks - thats very kind of you - but please I am only an amature sharing what I have been taught. If you said the same about my painting I - well then I would be even more proud! LOL :-) Anyway - these methods seem to work so all it needs is practice?
faith6651 1 year ago
You have helped me so much! Thank you
BroncoBoy54 1 year ago
Thankyou for writing youre appreciation - good luck with the fsihing and mounting that big one?!
faith6651 1 year ago
what is in the syringe??????
Hornadayfan 1 year ago
I will assume this is a genuine question and not one to just wind me up? After all I give much time and effort to responding to the hundreds of questions I get asked and do so with pleasure to help - but it is time consuming and free to you !! I clearly tell you in the film and also many times over in the questions and replies here and on my other taxidermy films? As below - formaldahyd 50% to water.
faith6651 1 year ago
If you get genuinely stuck and need help - do ask - but please, firstly watch properly and read others questions here as almost certainly someone else will also have asked before? :-) This will also help me - my thanks, Peter
faith6651 1 year ago
Hello, sorry i have put the wrong question down.. i was ment to ask if FORMALIN is absolutely needed thanks again By the way your videos rock
MRCHUCKY198 1 year ago
No worry - always ready to help any genuine confusion and assist you to enjoy and succeed! :-) The formaldahyde is only needed as an extra failsafe - if you really clean up the fins inside, tail and head and get borax well into all and there is no meat left at all anywhere the borax will do the job - or by a dry freezing unit and you dont need to use anything LOL :-) Now go catch a big one - cut it carefully, eat the meat and mount the rest ? Good luck - Peter
faith6651 1 year ago
hi, i catch alot of fish but id like to do something else rather then eat them. The only thing i need to know is wat chemicals i would use to preserve the skin ect, please help :-)
MRCHUCKY198 1 year ago
Hello - I see that you have now noticed that Formaldahyde is used, but as for asking me if is really needed. There are many ways to mount a fish and many chemicals on the market. My way is traditional and simple. It works for me and others who have tried my way from here. Borax is the other "chemical" but beyond that please WATCH my films carefully PLUS read all of the questions already replied to by me and you will have all you require.
faith6651 1 year ago
hey every one. i have a question about taxidermy. if i bring the deer to the taxidermist can they do the following for me. shoulder mount, deer hoof gun rack. and can they do anything with the coat for me? thanks for your time.
NYmosVids 1 year ago
Hi nymosvids - Peter here not everyone :-) Jees 59 years old today but even on my birthday I will reply to you! LOL - OK your question - taxidermists are the same as any artist or craftsman - we are all different and have different specialisms and abilities. There will be many who would do what you ask here yes.
faith6651 1 year ago
Firslty seek out some in your area and then ask them. I would advise that you see their work firstly though. I am in England now and think you are in USA - so I am of no use to you nor would wish such a commission. Hope this helps.
faith6651 1 year ago
and sorry i do ask alot of questions but, what type of glaze do i need, where could i buy it???? and the sewing, is it a specific technique??
sengx 1 year ago
For clear colours I use an aerosol spray artists picture varnish - if you paint with Acrylics then you need an acrylic varnish and if oils and oil varnish. For a dark fish such a bream or carp then a golden wood varnish can be effcetive. Sowing is up to you a locking stitch is good, but whatever - keep tightening as you go along!
faith6651 1 year ago
do you know any stores that sell borax??
sengx 1 year ago
Every chemist/ pharmacy can get it for you - you want powdered borax. Used to be called "washing soda" :-)
faith6651 1 year ago
@faith6651 thanks
sengx 1 year ago
PLEASE help just caught a huge muskie and wen i try releasing it, it died so we decided to taxidermy it ourselves, but help before he puts on the borax or white power inside the fish, what liquid did he spray with the syringe???
sengx 1 year ago
Seems like I had better reply even more quickly than usual then before you have a very smelly muskie! :-) Firstly, please do not, as one writer just did, take offence or think I am rude when I say - PLEASE read the questions and replies I give on all of my taxidermy films as you will almost certainly find what you wish to ask there plus more? It saves me replying to the same questions over again plus gives you a quicker answer? ;-)
faith6651 1 year ago
That said, and I do hope it helps, I did not "spray" anything on, I use only borax powder inside and some outside and INJECT some 50/50% formaldahyde/water in the very small areas I cannot remove flesh, fin joints etc. in your case. It is vital to remove all flesh. Also do you have eyes ready, plus have you got card etc. ready for the fins, do not let them dry out - goodluck perhaps send me a photo later? :-) Peter
faith6651 1 year ago
I just got me one of these. A different fish of-course but it is a Taxidermy.
dog5244 1 year ago
@dog5244 Hi Dog, not quite sure what you are trying to tell me here :-) But think you are saying that you have brought a mounted or stuffed fish of some type. Do you fish? If so ever thought of saving yourself the cash and doing your own plus the pride of attainment? :-) Thats what these films are here for if you fancy having a go? What did you pay and do you know yet what fish it is? Best of luck - Peter
faith6651 1 year ago
what would you reccomend using to make artificial gills
jrgthecardude1 1 year ago
Using formaldahyde / borax it is possible to keep the gills I have found, but if you wish to make / model your own there are many resin based pastes - self hardening clays etc. even car body filler can be used. Good to look at taxidermy supplies on the internet and see whats on offer - or conatct them, so much new stuff constantly coming on the market!
faith6651 1 year ago
you are very good
jrgthecardude1 1 year ago
Thanks - but I only offer you a simple basic way - there are far more superior methods using air brush etc. now.
faith6651 1 year ago
doesnt it rot?
whiteblade212 1 year ago
Hi - if you get time do read all comments and my replies on my taxidermy films - I expect that you have more questions plus this one and most will be there? :-) No they do not rot if done properly, not much point otherwise? LOL :-) I have many of my specimens from 20 years past as good as new. But of course you must keep them in dry and good conditions. :-)
faith6651 1 year ago
nice job
CKC008 2 years ago
This is awesome!!! I just taxidermied a finescale trigger and this was very helpful.
pkeshmiri 2 years ago
So glad to hear this - well done wish I could see it! :-) Have you painted it yet? Best of luck - Peter
faith6651 2 years ago
@faith6651 I have a question for you. I know this is a fish but you are the only one I have seen replying to messages. I would like to mount the had of a deer, first one ever shot kind of thing. Anything I need to do to the skin after I skin it? To me it seems it would rot if I just put the skin onto a base and left it like that.
sotik 2 years ago
A couple of things to help you - not enough space here to show all. You can buy a foam former to mount the skin on, make one or boil, clean and use the skull. I have done dear heads with my borax method successfully, simply rubbing it well in - but taxidermy supplies do provide many simple chemicals to either soak or tan the hide. There will be films on youtube to help you I know.
faith6651 2 years ago
Is borax the laundry detergent?
Pickerelpete63 2 years ago
yes - you will find this question and possibly more that you may have, already answered in the other questions columns of mine here ans my other films?
faith6651 2 years ago