I have always loved mounts....I think even before I started fishing. Whenever I walk into a fishing store the first thing I do is scan the wall for a 'trophy'. The annual trips to the fishing/outdoor mega stores see me wandering around the outer perimeter of the place staring up at the the lacquered up hogs in awe like a child.
Usually these are replicas...and that is a good thing for sure.
The replica is the answer for me. Instead of being the 'end' of a fish it becomes a glorification of him...a man-made guilt-free monumental gesture to honour his greatness, and the greatness of the moment you touched him....and still he swims.
I've got one.
I always wanted one and was willing to pay for it even back before I recognized the benefit of releasing fish. It is a good thing that the skills required to land the occasional big fish have been accompanied by the good sense to let it swim when done. In my most superstitious moments I wonder if this isn't by some sort of devine intervention.
What to mount?
I have a fetish for certain species.
I would like to have fresh-run winter Steelhead ( and I do!), a silver winter Brown,a burnt butter buck river Brown with some red spots, a double striped winter male Steelhead, a tomato red male Coho, a Labrador Brookie, a Pumpkinseed and a Bluegill.
The replica Steelhead on my wall is from a New York fishing trip to a river that most people know about. The fish was a beautiful 32" tank that really put the boots to me.
The battle was epic and I'll never forget it or the trip itself. On the drive home I decided it was time. This was the one for which I was to get off my wallet.
A few years back while visiting the Toronto fishing show I stumbled upon the Advanced Taxidermy exhibit. I was amazed by the realism of their mounts and I was astounded to learn that all of the mounts that were displayed were replicas. I made up my mind then and there that I would have at least one of the fish that I catch over my lifetime replicated by these people.
10 years later.
That day in New York my usual fishing photographer had abandoned me in search of better water and as a result not only missed the whole show but had me begging a flyfishing stranger to snap a quick photo.
Useless.
Although I was extremely grateful I can only hope that this feather flinger is better at fishing than photography. I managed a quick length measurement and then back it went.
When I contacted Advanced Taxidermy I was forced to admit that I didn't have much to work with but I was quick to add that what I was looking for was more of a symbol of a great season more than a great fish and that a 32" fresh-in Steelhead with NY/Lake Ontario body type would do nicely.
No problem.
The day I picked it up I was fortunate to time my arrival with the completion of a bulk order for one of the Mega stores.I was surrounded by cool mounts that were all worldclass! The show room in their store is worth the drive alone. The guy who greeted me was kind enough to take me on a tour through the workshop. It was very cool. I had a chance to see the reproduction of the 40lb monster record breaking Steelie that was caught out of Georgian bay recently. What a freaky beast!!
My Wife doesn't share my enthusiasm. I would love the mount to be placed in the family room above the fireplace. This seems like an obvious choice to me but I suppose I should be glad it didn't end up in the weight room or garage!! lol
I have it in the basement next to my flytying rodbuilding area...and it seems awful lonely.
The pictures don't really do it justice. Somehow they managed to create it so that when you tilt it in the light the red band appears and disappears just like a real fish. Unreal. When the river unlocks I may go and try and release it. :o)
I am very aware that to most people ,fisherman included,this type of thing is a pointless waste of money but I have never been more happy with a purchase.
It is hard for me to walk by the thing without looking at it and smiling. I am instantly transported to the riverbank and I can feel my bloodpressure dropping once I'm there.
Christ when did I get so weird.
BTW-I went to the outflows today. The wind had pushed the ice in and it was impossible.
Ah well?
7 comments:
"What to mount?"
"I have a fetish for certain species"
...I should probably proof read these friggin things! lol
I won't be editing that one...thats gold! lol
...Maybe its a cry for help?
only because I'm the first to chime in...
Man I would really love to mount your wife, but I can assure you it would be a skin mount.
'Thanks'?
:-/
Hows the nations capital?
If you see any of my money lying around could you reclaim a couple grand for me?
..I am a little shy at present.
Well ya opened your self up there G
;0)
B
In our custom home, we build a den with a glass door on the 2nd storey, and that is where my fish will be displayed. My goal is to have a Rainbow, Coho and Chinook on display, hopefully all from the Great Lakes. I will most likely have traditional skin mounts done, their is a fellow in Mount Forest named Mike Thorpe who does the finest work I have ever seen, bar none. The fins on his fish are translucent, and the spots are handpainted exactly as they appear on the skin. Some would argue that the longevity of a replica is longer, but I am sure that the fish on the wall will outlast me, hopefully.
If you ever want to see an example of his work, check out the fish at the Falls Reserve Ranger Station, Benmiller.
I have also seen some nice wood carved replicas. It would be cool to have one of those.
I'll be sure and check out the mount you mentioned if I ever fish that section of the river again.
You have proven with this post that the term "Fish Fornicator" that I have given you is quite accurate considering your true love and passion for mounts.
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