SKINNING, FLESHING & MOUNTING A LARGEMOUTH BASS (FILL METHOD)
by Second 2 Nature Taxidermy Supply with Dan Chase 1 ½ Hrs
Dan starts by talking about some of the tools he will use. He determines the show side and then removes the Pectoral fin on the back side and saves it for later. He removes the eyes and cleans out the cheeks. He puts Dry Preservative in the cheek pockets. An incision is made down the back side of the fish from the tail to the gill collar. He skins the fish. The skin is then scraped clean. He cleans the head out. Dry Preservative is applied to the skin and then the fish is put in a solution of water and Dry Preservative to soak. Dan then discusses more tools and materials needed to mount a fish. He uses Fish Filler to pack the cheeks, eye sockets, brain cavity, head, tail and around the fin bones. He begins to sew up the fish from the tail and continues packing the entire fish with Fish Filler as he goes. He positions the fish, cards the fins, separates the gills and lays the fish in a “cradle” to hold position. The sail fin is pinned open and the mouth is propped open.
