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.

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.

Molding and Casting a Starry Flounder for Reference

May 07, 2023 in reference cast, studies, molding and casting

I caught this small Starry Flounder while Surfperch fishing. It was hooked deep and wouldn’t have survived if I had released it, so I decided to keep it and make a half cast for reference.