wall or not

[rooster]

wasnt sure where to put this one but any ideas on keeping that one special smallie? i have released several 18"-21.5" but have always thought of a mount but have never done it. i have a friend whose dad is a taxidermist and says he is waiting. i have pulled out two special fish around 20" out of creek one was a beautiful gold and the other was very green. both were coaxed out of their lair after 30min of literally aggravating them to strike. i only fish creeks and they have been true trophys. i seem to be having second thoughts on keeping one. thoughts of someone else will or has the fish lived out its life?, natural causes. one of those things that make me go hmmmmm.

[kokofisher]

Measure the length and girth and take a picture. Some taxidermists can make a replica from that. If your buddy can't, let me know and I can get the name of someone.

[ecoangler]

Rooster,
I have a mounted Fish Ohio Smallie from September, 1983. Skin mounts were great for that special fish, but that time can be better remembered with the newer composite mounts. They are now airbrushed to the color, specs and photo quality of the prize you landed.
The excitement of the catch might be shared because you returned the fish to its environment for a future memorable day for another angler.

Spend a couple bucks on a sewing tape rule, modest camera and a composite mount.

Oh! Nice catches!

Rick

[Kyle Kochheiser]

I have a Lake Erie smallie mounted. My uncle took me on my first charter when I was 10 years old and I caught a 17.5" smallie which turned out to be the biggest fish of the day. He got it mounted for me. That's the only smallie I have ever taken out of any body of water.

Kyle

[ecoangler]

I take a couple smallies for an annual (once a year) sandwich.
Its a managed harvest I practice.

I never harvest trophies!

Rick