11 



Repairing Fish Mounts 



Although it is usually only the broken fins that require attention 

 on a mounted fish, it is possible to do a major repair job on any 

 part of the trophy. Skin mounts always need repair after being 

 up on the wall, even though they may not be damaged from 

 force. When the skin shrinks it cracks; grease will ooze at the 

 base of the fins and tail. If the fins are artificial but the body 

 skin original, a space will develop where they join. A cast of 

 a fish, regardless of the kind of medium, will demand least 

 attention over the years. As a matter of fact, a cast requires 

 repairing only when physical damage occurs. 



Fins 



Fins with pieces broken off should be removed entirelv and 

 replaced with a new set. If the trophy is a skin mount, obtain 

 fins from another fish, position them between two pieces of 

 paper board, and keep together with paper clips until dry. 

 The bases to accommodate the fins on the mount will have to 

 be cut or drilled out. Wrap a thin layer of cotton, more if 

 necessary, around the base of the fin and dip it into a good glue. 

 The drilled hole in the mount may also require cotton dipped in 

 glue. Brace the fin in position until the glue has set. If the 

 mount has a wooden body, a few brads will hold the fin; but 

 remove the brads when the glue has set. The cracks where the 



200 



