Frequently Asked Questions About David R. Campbell's Custom Fish Taxidermy
I work in both accepted standards or mediums of fish taxidermy, and often combine techniques from each method for a particular piece. Depending upon the species of fish, I can give several options and recommend one that I believe is ideal for your project.
Skin mounts are the traditional form of fish taxidermy and utilize parts of the natural fish such as the skin, head, teeth, and fins. Because natural parts of the fish are used, skin mounts will not last "forever." However, if adequate craftsmanship and special techniques are relied upon and proper care emphasized after the project is complete, the finished work should be able to last a lifetime, even though the piece will never be as stable, indestructible, or as easy to keep clean as a reproduction cast. If you have kept a fish that can be feasibly done using natural parts and want "your fish" instead of a generic copy and like the idea of designing a truly custom piece, a skin mount might be the way to go.
Reproduction casts originated as a museum technique for longevity and stability and thus do not utilize any parts of the original fish. For a mandatory or elective "catch and release" scenario, reproduction casts are the only route available. For very oily species or very large saltwater species, they are the very best route to take. With the selection of casts available, a finished cast portrayed in an artistic manner with an enhancement habitat is still a custom piece that is very pleasing.
Occasionally it may be necessary to custom mold your fish if it is kept but a skin mount is not desirable, and if an existing cast cannot be found.
I insist on working at a level of quality well above average. It is a special grade of fish taxidermy that is very accurate in regards to anatomy and color such that it can be deemed to be of scientific value and will give the viewing public an idea as to the true nature of the species.
Prices vary depending upon the species, its size, the method used, and degree or lack of habitat work. I provide a premium product and the prices are reflective of that level of quality, just as with any other line of retail goods. I would be happy to quote you a price on the particular piece you have in mind with various options allowed for. Keep in mind that the price of my work realistically starts at double or triple the cost of what is typically considered quality work.
I require 25% down when the work is contracted, an additional 50% when the work has began, and the balance of 25% when the work is complete. Additional details are provided on my contract.
I generally run a fairly lengthy backlog. Please inquire specifically at the time you are interested. An expedited service is available at additional cost.
To ensure the best skin mount, do not gut or otherwise cut or damage the fish. Wrap the fish in a very wet towel, seal in a plastic bag, and freeze solid. It is okay to leave the fish on ice for a day or two before bringing it to a taxidermist. Color pictures are helpful for the painting process.
The reproduction process, in relation to anglers, is somewhat of a generic approach. Essentially, measurements are taken of the original fish before releasing it back into the water. These measurements, mainly an overall length measurement and a girth (circumference) at the largest part of the body (usually in front of or within the dorsal fin area), along with a photograph, are used to select an existing cast from a wide selection of molds. In the case of reproduction casts, photographs are very important because the paint is applied to a blank surface.
The tackle of a "catch and release" angler should include a soft
flexible tape measure and a camera capable of taking pictures of the overall
fish as well as close-ups. Digital cameras are ideal both for their ease
of storage and ability to capture detail. If you find yourself in the
field without a tape measure, simply remove two adequately long sections of
fishing line from your reel or stash of extra line (as quickly as possible to
minimize stress to the fish) and cut one piece to match the length of your fish
and one piece to match it's girth. These two pieces of line will represent
the fish's critical dimensions and can be safely stored in a pocket to be later
measured at your leisure.