Fish Replica By Murphy's Fish Taxidermy

Well, I mentioned that Murphy's Fish Taxidermy would post my progress regarding molding and casting my first fish replica, so here it is.  I can say that I'm very pleased with how it went over the weekend. Just a couple disappointments.

I didn't get a big enough walleye last week in the Detroit River, so I headed out Saturday to a private pond to see if I could get a bass that would be acceptable.  It didn't take 20 minutes, and I had a decision to make.  I decided it was barely acceptable, but an 18" largemouth would be molded as my first fiberglass replica.

Within minutes, I put the fish in a cooler filled with water and 2 bags of ice.  The cold water would help keep the fish calm during transportation and later while it was being handled.  Once home, I prepared my resins, rubbers, catalysts & bedding material.  I was fully committed.  First, I prepared the fish to pour a cast of the interior of the mouth.  First mistake; next time I will seal the esophagus closed with glue.  I wasted expensive rubber that filled the stomach cavity of the fish.  (more detail than I needed). Once setup, the rubber mouth plug was easily removed, and from what I could tell - it looked perfect!

Next, I thoroughly washed the fish with borax to remove the slime.  I dried the fish and positioned it, with mouth plug in),  in the high fiber bedding material.  I was a little concerned how the mouth plug blew out the gill rays and operculum more than I hoped.  Once clean and dry, I sprayed a light coat of acrylic gloss over the fish to seal it.  The Bondo:Resin mix was catalyzed and poured.  I was glad to see it start to set up and do what I thought it was supposed to (I was guessing with the proper amount of cream hardener).

I finished one side, flipped it, and did the other.  Mistake #2; I forgot to set side #1 in bedding material before I poured side #2.  ( At this point I was convinced the outside edges of the mold would bond, and I would have a permanently encased fish in a cocoon of Bondo and resin).  To my surprise, after trimming the outside edges of the mold on the band saw, I was able to split the mold open with ease.

I removed the fish, cleaned the mold with soap, and a bristled brush under cold.water.   It was very pleased with the shape and the detail, except for the leading dorsal spiny ray.  It was tucked behind spiny ray #2, and I didn't notice, duh.  I think I can alter the mold and make it work.

Now, Its time to cast the fish this weekend.  I ordered "UnWaxed" Gelcoat and a specialty, translucent resin for the fins.  Maybe this weekend I will finish this project up.  I've got to thank Dave from Envisions 3D for his enlightenment, Gary Brusch for his informative articles in BreakThrough Magazine and a company named, Brick In The Yard  - for their help selecting resins. 

I will keep you posted.