Steelhead mount

[Dr. IceGeek]

Here's a steelhead I recently completed in my basement.  It's my first attempt at one.  Mounted up this female in spawning colors.  It's a skin mount but I custom molded and cast a head for it as well as made molds for the fins.  Now that I've finally got everything set up in my new house I figure I can get back to mounting a few fish every now and again.  It's not the best mount, I know there are somme flaws but I think it's acceptable for the most part especially as it was my first attempt at one.  Anyways just thought you all might like to see it.
Thanks for looking
-Bob

[Fish Farmer]

Thats a nice looking skin mount. I think the colors came out fantastic!

[sallyfontanally]

So when are you gonna open for business????Your "amateur"mounts are nicer than some of the pro's in my neck of the woods...very nice,you should consider mounting for clients.

[Dr. IceGeek]

Sally...thanks for the kind words.  Really though my day job keeps me plenty busy.  It would certainly be nice to do a few on the side, but I'm afraid it might take the fun out of it. Who knows what the future holds though. 

[pikemaster789]

Great job Icegeek, skin mounts can be pretty tough, did you use a form or mache for the inside? Ive been thinking about doing a steelhead too, if I can catch one. I always have a problem getting a fish to fill out correct with mache. So I was wondering if I should give a form a shot.

[Dr. IceGeek]

Pikemaster,
  I carved foam to make a form to fit.  I have never used the mache method so I cannot comment.  I also used clay in places over the form to fill it out to get a good fit.

[BottomDweller]

excellent work.  good first steelie

[pikemaster789]

Pikemaster,
  I carved foam to make a form to fit.  I have never used the mache method so I cannot comment.  I also used clay in places over the form to fill it out to get a good fit.

thanks that helps alot, I have been thinking about trying the foam too. The mache is just a cheaper way than they clay

[taxid]

Icegeek,

Very nice. Pec fin base a little exaggerated but still darn nice expecially for your first one! 

[Dr. IceGeek]

Thanks Taxidermist!,
   I did have a bit of trouble with that fin, but the important thing (I think) is that I learned something from it and hope to avoid it the next time.  I lost a couple of scales too, here and there, but overall, I took my time, looked at reference in terms of the painting and tried to do a good job.  I really appreciate your feedback.
Thanks again,
Bob

[taxid]

Just remember you can only get better with that attitude. Just don't forget your taxidermy friends when you become world champion. 

[salmon-egg]

Nice looking first mount. Looks as good as the local taxidermy shops

[BAZOOKAJOE]

Not bad for a first try skin mount...i'd put it up on my wall.  How do you like syracuse so far?  I just moved to Liverpool from Auburn.  Shoot me a PM if you need a fishing buddy.  I love fishing for steel!   

[trapper2003]

i live in oswego fish the steelies every day i can nise mount ever wanna fish oswego let me know!

[Dr. IceGeek]

So far I like Syracuse...we are getting used to it. The job keeps me pretty busy, but overall I really like it.