Coho Salmon Reproduction

August 16, 2026 in reference cast, Taxidermy, fish reproduction

A fiberglass reconstruction of a small Coho Salmon, otherwise known as a jack (a male fish under 20 inches), from a ridged two-piece mold. I started this project in June of 2025. Previously, I have only been able to accomplish making half molds and reference casts with varying degrees of success. This is my first successful replica made by molding and casting two separate halves of a fish and joining them together using gel-coat resin and fiberglass. A multi-disciplinary project that truly incorporated everything I know about molding, casting, sculpting, color, painting and a lifetime of observing fish.

Attempt at a Full Body Fish Cast

July 17, 2025 in Fish Mounts, molding and casting, Process, reference cast, Taxidermy

My first attempt at a two sided, full body cast of a chinook salmon jack. The molding went well, but it completely fell apart during the casting process. For whatever reason the two halves did not bond. I am not sure if it was due to the sloppy shelf or inadequate curing time. However, the mouth plug and fins did come out well, and I consider that a small success.

Coho Salmon Replica

June 28, 2025 in molding and casting, Process, reference cast, Taxidermy

A handsome coho salmon I molded, then cast in resin. The eyes were set, and after minor sculpting, it was painted with an airbrush using acrylic paints, opaque and iridescent. I colored it as it would look migrating from the vast salt ocean to its final destination in a small coastal stream.

DIY Fish Head Mount

December 08, 2024 in photography, DIY, Taxidermy, Fish Mounts, Reference

Borax + water and a lot of drying time yields a pretty nice, do it yourself head mount with a lot of personality. Another nice ling out of Depot Bay, Oregon.

Images on Polaroid film.