- Skin mount or replica — which should I choose?
- A skin mount uses the actual fish; a replica is cast from measurements and photos, letting you release the catch. Replicas hold color better over decades and are standard for catch-and-release trophies; skin mounts keep the real fish but need more long-term care.
- What does a fish mount cost?
- Expect roughly $15–$25 per inch for skin mounts and $18–$30 per inch for replicas, varying by species and finish work. A 20-inch bass typically lands between $300 and $600.
- What should I do with my catch before mounting?
- Photograph the fish immediately — full side view, fins fanned — and record length and girth. For skin mounts, wrap the fish in a wet towel inside a plastic bag and freeze it flat; never gut it. For replicas, the photos and measurements are all a studio needs.