So, you’ve just landed the fish of a lifetime, and you’re already imagining it mounted on your wall. Before that dream can become a reality, it’s crucial to store your catch properly to ensure it arrives in the best condition to get mounted. Many anglers make common mistakes during this step, which can impact the quality of the final mount. Here’s a guide to help you avoid those mistakes and preserve your catch perfectly every time for your taxidermist.
- Improper Handling of the Fish
- Mistake: Rough handling or squeezing the fish can damage the skin, fins, and scales, which are essential for a high-quality mount.
- How to Avoid It: Handle your catch gently and support it with both hands. Avoid holding the fish by the gills or tail, as this can cause tearing or distortion. Never rub the fish, as this can pull scales off. If you plan on releasing the fish after taking measurements and photos, handle it as minimally as possible to avoid stress and injury.
- Delaying Preservation
- Mistake: Waiting too long to properly store the fish can lead to decomposition, discoloration, and loss of important details.
- How to Avoid It: As soon as possible, get the fish on ice or in a cooler to slow down the decomposition process. For the best results, freeze the fish if you can’t get it to your taxidermist right away. If the fish is dead, try not to let it sit in water for too long as it will turn white. Take photos as soon as you catch it for best reference.
- Freezing the Fish Improperly
- Mistake: Simply tossing the fish into the freezer without proper preparation can result in freezer burn, distortion, and damage to the skin and fins.
- How to Avoid It: Follow our guide on how to properly freeze your fish. Click Here For Instructions or Download our Free PDF to print and store for future reference.
- Neglecting to Take Measurements and Photos
- Mistake: Failing to record accurate measurements and detailed photos can make it difficult for the taxidermist to create an accurate and lifelike mount.
- How to Avoid It: Before storing your fish, take a few measurements—length, girth, and weight—and snap several photos from different angles. Make sure the photos capture the unique patterns and colors of your fish, as these details will help your taxidermist recreate it accurately.
- Not Consulting Your Taxidermist Early
- Mistake: Waiting until after you’ve stored the fish to consult with your taxidermist can lead to missed opportunities for better preservation.
- How to Avoid It: If you know you want to have your fish mounted, reach out to your taxidermist as soon as possible. They can provide specific instructions on how to store the fish properly and may even offer tips tailored to the type of fish you’ve caught.
- Ignoring Environmental Factors
- Mistake: Exposure to sunlight, heat, or fluctuating temperatures can degrade the quality of your fish before it reaches the taxidermist.
- How to Avoid It: Keep your fish out of direct sunlight and store it in a cool, shaded area as soon as you can. If you’re on a multi-day trip, use a well-insulated cooler with plenty of ice to maintain a consistent temperature.
Final Thoughts
Taking a few extra steps to store your catch properly can make all the difference when it comes to the final mount. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll ensure that your fish is in the best condition for your taxidermist to work with.
Whether it’s your personal best or a memorable catch with friends, proper care and storage is key to preserving those memories for a lifetime.
Need more tips on how to prepare your catch for taxidermy? Feel free to Contact Us —we’re always here to help!