Measure and Record Fish
30 minTake length, girth, and color photos immediately after catch before colors fade.
Field context
This workflow is part of 1 niche field
Learn fish mounting basics from scratch with a clear step-by-step workflow, recommended tools, safety guidelines, and expert tips.
Take length, girth, and color photos immediately after catch before colors fade.
Choose commercial foam fish form sized to measurements or carve custom body.
Carefully skin fish, preserve skin chemically, and drape over form securing with pins and adhesive.
Apply gloss coat, paint fading colors from reference photos, and install glass eyes.
Fish pigments fade within hours — reference photos critical before skinning.
Many tanning solutions toxic — gloves, ventilation, and no food in workspace.
Filleting knives slip on wet fish — cut-resistant gloves recommended.
Spoiled fish unusable — work fresh or freeze properly wrapped.