Every angler looks forward to the day they catch a monster fish so they can get it mounted and hang it on the den wall. Unfortunately very few anglers ever plan ahead enough to bring the right stuff. Here are some suggestions on how to be prepared to get that fabulous trophy fish worthy of being mounted.

The biggest problem with keeping a fish to get it mounted is care for the fish. Most fishing enthusiasts know they should keep the fish cool and wet. Almost every angler worth the price of rod carries a cooler. The usual course of action would be to put the large fish in the cooler with the ice, soda, and beer. Unfortunately the can imprints on the fish and the messed up scales may totally ruin the fish.

Very shortly after a fish is caught its colors begin to fade. The bright hues are diminished. This makes is impossible for the taxidermist to reproduce the fish you want to see. This is why it is important to take pictures of the fish quickly, before the colors fade.

If you want your fish to be mounted here is what you need to do. As soon as the fish is caught take several color pictures using something dark as a background so the colors will look bright. Second, wrap the fish in plastic freezer wrap. Make sure the fins and tail are all smooth and in a natural position. Then place the fish in a black plastic trash bag and roll it up smoothly. Third, remove all the stuff from the cooler except the ice and put the fish carefully in the cooler. Now quickly take the fish home and put it in the freezer. As a side note, never gut a fish that is going to be mounted.

Once you commit to keeping a trophy you should be finished fishing for the day. In some places the law declares you’re finished fishing. In Alaska it is illegal to continue to fish while you’re in possession of a trophy fish if the bag limit for that species is one, such as a King Salmon.

Your next item of business is to find a reputable taxidermist. This is not as easy as it sounds. It is best to get a referral from a friend who has used the taxidermist. If that’s not possible talk to the people at your local fly shop. They can usually steer you towards a good taxidermist.

The best way to get a trophy fish mounted is to use a reproduction blank. That way you can release the fish. To do this, as soon as you catch the fish take many pictures, close up pictures, from all angles. Then take all the measurements of the fish. Measure the total length, the distance from the nose to the dorsal fin, the length of the dorsal fin. Measure the girth in at least four different places. Remember the fish is out of water at this time and you must hurry. With this information a taxidermist can create an exact replica of the fish without harming the fish.

Looking online for fishing tips, fishing contests, or fishing maps? Then check out the World Fishing Network at www.worldfishingnetwork.com and get information about everything related to the great sport of fishing!

Looking online for fishing tips and fishing maps? Then check out the World Fishing Network at http://www.worldfishingnetwork.com and get information about everything related to the great sport of fishing!
http://www.worldfishingnetwork.com

Author Bio: Looking online for fishing tips, fishing contests, or fishing maps? Then check out the World Fishing Network at www.worldfishingnetwork.com and get information about everything related to the great sport of fishing!

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