36 How To Make Fish Mounts 



sewing the skin, turn the fish over carefully, and proceed to 

 model the fish to its original proportions. Use the outline tracing 

 and photos of the fresh fish. 



Either of two methods can be used to mold a fish indoors- 

 choice is a matter of personal preference. One way is to build a 

 temporary, shallow, rectangular box, about the height of a 

 mold. Grease the inside of the box or line it with wax paper so 

 that the set plaster will not adhere to the wood. Pour the plaster 

 into the receptacle until it reaches half way up the sides of the 

 box. Place the fish on the plaster carefully. Press the specimen 

 here and there into the plaster until the plaster is forced to the 

 mid-line of the fish's back and the mid-line of the belly. Be 

 careful not to allow plaster to flow over the face-up side of the 

 fins and tail; if it does, the plaster can be scraped away when it 

 starts to set. As the plaster begins to harden, cut some round 

 conelike keys along the sides or the shelf of the mold. After 

 the plaster has set, apply the separator and pour the other side. 

 Pour the plaster slowly, starting at one end, and be careful not 

 to lock in air pockets with plaster. 



The other way of molding indoors is to construct a shelf 

 around the fish the same way as when working in the field. 

 Instead of sand or soil, however, use asbestos— a clean, pleasant 

 material which can be worked many times over and over again. 

 I use ground gray asbestos which is inexpensive. A 50-pound 

 bag will be sufficient for any trout, bass, or bluefish. Mix the 

 asbestos with water until it reaches a smooth consistency and 

 can be troweled. Do not mix too much water with the asbestos 

 or it will not stay put. Place the asbestos in a bowl, and add 

 water to it gradually while mixing it by hand. With a little prac- 

 tice the asbestos can be shaped perfectly around the fish ( Fig. 

 7 ) . When finished with the job, dump the wet asbestos in a 5- 

 gallon pail which has a cover. If the asbestos has dried after 

 being stored away for a few months, simply add water, let it 

 soak a while, and then work the asbestos with both hands until 

 it becomes soft. 



With a bit of care plaster can be used at home in the basement 

 or workroom without making a mess. A piece of glass on the 



