Fish Mounts versus Fish Replicas in Michigan

Fishermen have several options these days when it comes to commemorating the catch of a lifetime.  Fish mounts (or fish skin taxidermy), may not be as common as it used to be, since fiberglass replicas have become so incredibly realistic.  Another option is a hand-carved fish replica, sometimes carved from urethane foam or wood.  So what is the dilemma when making your decision?  Do you keep the fish or release it?  Is it expensive?

Certainly, catch and release is an honorable thing to do however, how many fish do you catch that are actually mountable?  What can you afford?  This can be a tough decision for some, so what is the cost of a fish reproduction vs. a fish skin mount?

Here is what has happened in the fish taxidermy industry.  Some 20 years ago, a quality taxidermist could charge $8-$12 per inch (for a skin mounted fish), and make a decent living as a full time taxidermist.  Today (20 + years later), a quality fish taxidermist is still only charging between $10-$15 per inch, and struggles to make a living if at all.

Fiberglass fish replicas have much better detail with the new molding/casting materials available, but it has added an additional expense to both taxidermist and customer.  Many taxidermists will charge between $13-$20 per inch for a replica. For the customer, that might mean a 20 inch bass could cost between $325 to $400.  Wow, that's expensive!  Due to the expense of the fish mold (or blank), there is not much profit left for the taxidermist to make a living.

Fish carvings are very artistic and they often look incredibly realistic however, most carvers will charge a premium because each fish is a work of art.  It's so expensive to get a fish reproduction anymore!

I suggest you ask around and find a talented taxidermist, such as Murphy's Fish Taxidermy in Howell, MI.

Many talented taxidermists/artists now have full time jobs outside the home, and taxidermy is just a hobby.  What does this mean to you?   It means prices can still be affordable for a skin mount.  Fish mounts for $10 per inch and fish replicas for $13 per inch is affordable to most.  The quality and talent out there is more available than ever. Visit http://www.Murphysfishtaxidermy.com, you can still get that fish of a lifetime on the wall - without breaking the bank.