Has anyone in the Houston area had a replica of a sailfish done? I am looking at possibly getting a replica of a good one I caught in Costa Rica but I am not sure who I can trust to do a good job and not rip me off. See below for rule #1.



[This message has been edited by fishag04 (edited 1/13/2014 1:29p).]

[This message has been edited by fishag04 (edited 1/13/2014 1:30p).]

[This message has been edited by fishag04 (edited 1/13/2014 1:31p).]

Got one done in 2011. Place in Florida called Gray Taxidermy. Wasn't cheap (I think it around $1500-2000) as the shipping in a crate via ground freight isn't cheap, but they take great care to package it properly. I'm really pleased with it and it now hangs on my office wall. I get a lot of compliments on it.

Pic from the day of the catch:


Mounted and hung:



[This message has been edited by Ag in Jax (edited 1/13/2014 1:44p).]

Gray's is who most of the charter outfits try to get you to use. I believe they work on commission. I would prefer not to have to pay $500 to have it shipped from Florida.

Fish mounts are kind of funny. The taxidermist just paints them whatever color he feels like and it just looks like every other fish of the same species. A majority of the fish mounts I've seen don't even look like the fish that the person is holding in their picture.

The coloring did change on mine from the hanging photo I posted and when it originally came onboard. 3-5 hours in the sun and heat doesn't help, even with attempting to keep it wet and covered.

Oh, I've got two fish mounts of my own (steelhead trout and redfish). I wasn't trying to be negative. Just stating that basically whatever taxidermist is the best painter is typically who is the best guy for fish. I had mine done by Advanced Taxidermy in Canada and they did a great job (of painting).

http://www.advancedtaxidermy.com

[This message has been edited by txaggie02 (edited 1/13/2014 2:22p).]

Might look at New Wave. I don't know how they are priced but they do pretty good work. Here's there thread from 2cool.
http://2coolfishing.com/ttmbforum/showthread.php?t=436968

My friends Jason and Clayton at Lake Fork Taxidermy do a great job on everything that swims.
http://www.lakeforktaxidermy.com/salt_water_species.html

That work done by New Wave looks incredible!

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Got one done in 2011. Place in Florida called Gray Taxidermy. Wasn't cheap (I think it around $1500-2000) as the shipping in a crate via ground freight isn't cheap, but they take great care to package it properly. I'm really pleased with it and it now hangs on my office wall. I get a lot of compliments on it.

Pic from the day of the catch:


Mounted and hung:



[This message has been edited by Ag in Jax (edited 1/13/2014 1:44p).]

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I used them as well with a dorado I tagged in cabo. 89 LB bull. The work and color was worth the price.

I've used Gray's and King Sailfish mounts.

I prefer King Sailfish as I believe their work to be superior. Also, Gray's was a bit more of a hassle.

http://www.kingsailfishmounts.com/

King Sailfish does the mounts for the IGFA. Really good quality but again I don't know how they are priced. With New Wave if you're a 2cool member they will throw in a baitfish mount for free and post pictures of the progress.

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King Sailfish does the mounts for the IGFA. Really good quality but again I don't know how they are priced. With New Wave if you're a 2cool member they will throw in a baitfish mount for free and post pictures of the progress.

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This is good to know! Looks like I need to join 2cool before my next trip out.

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King Sailfish does the mounts for the IGFA. Really good quality but again I don't know how they are priced. With New Wave if you're a 2cool member they will throw in a baitfish mount for free and post pictures of the progress.

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This is good to know! Looks like I need to join 2cool before my next trip out.

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How are you not on 2cool already?! It's a great forum. You need to get in on the action!