by Second 2 Nature Taxidermy Supply with Ben Haden 2 Hrs
Ben starts by measuring the fish. He removes the eyes, cleans the cheeks and makes an incision down the back side and begins to skin the fish. Then he fleshes the skin and cleans the head. The skin is soaked in a solution of water and Dry Preservative. After removing from soak, he applies Dry Preservative to the skin. He uses Paper Mache to fill the cheeks, head and around fin areas. The skin is put on a urethane form and the seam is stapled. Ben cards the fins, separates the gills and props the fish up to dry. After drying – the carding and pins are removed. He applies masking tape to one side of the fins, then paints Epo-Grip Clear Paste to the other side. Next, he uses apoxie to cover the seam, set the eyes and rebuild the head between the eyes. Ben finishes this mount by painting it with Lifetone paint.
