Skin mount or fiberglass?

[Frightnight]

OK, again, I need everyones help here. I recently caught a 34 pound striper, and since it was my first, and probably last 30 pounder, I took it to a guy that mounts them. I had two options....skin mount or fiberglass replica.
I know the fiberglass lasts forever, but to me, it does not look as real as a skin mount. It was my impression that, with the new techniques, the skin mount would last 20 or 30 years. I think I can still change my mind at this point, but, at the moment I choose the skin mount, because..... It would mean more to me being the actual fish, than a replica of it. The spot I have for it has virtually no sun light, air conditioned in summer, and heated in winter. My nephew has just burst my skin mount idea, with things he has read, like... too much oil in big stripers heads, so they will not last, and so on. The skin looks flaky, and things like this. Does anyonre have any knowledge of this, or opinons to help guide me to the right direction? I also though, if the skin mount does not hole up, then I could always get a replica of it later? OK,, lets hear from you all on what you think about this.

[scottw]

Chip, judge it based on the guys work, if he/she paints a great striper then go w/the fiberglass...some of the replicas are beautifully done, these guys use custom stencils and paint schedules for stripers and there's a lot of paint on a skin mount anyway....eat the fish and hang the plastic...it'll be around forever...

[arden]

Originally Posted by Frightnight

OK, again, I need everyones help here. I recently caught a 34 pound striper, and since it was my first, and probably last 30 pounder, I took it to a guy that mounts them. I had two options....skin mount or fiberglass replica.
I know the fiberglass lasts forever, but to me, it does not look as real as a skin mount. It was my impression that, with the new techniques, the skin mount would last 20 or 30 years. I think I can still change my mind at this point, but, at the moment I choose the skin mount, because..... It would mean more to me being the actual fish, than a replica of it. The spot I have for it has virtually no sun light, air conditioned in summer, and heated in winter. My nephew has just burst my skin mount idea, with things he has read, like... too much oil in big stripers heads, so they will not last, and so on. The skin looks flaky, and things like this. Does anyonre have any knowledge of this, or opinons to help guide me to the right direction? I also though, if the skin mount does not hole up, then I could always get a replica of it later? OK,, lets hear from you all on what you think about this.

my recomendation is to head down to edge...look at a few of the fiberglass and skin mounts down there for perspective, and then after considering the guys skill make a choice

[Frightnight]

Excellent Idea. I was just in there, and did not even notice. I am narrow minded with tunnel vision I guess. I have contacted the guy,,, he says he makes a fiberglass/bondo mis cast of the head? I guess then it is not the original head? And uses some special chemical to degrease the fish, and assures me that I can show this to my great grandchildren? He did come recommended by another taxidermy place that I origianlly called. And he has been doing it a long time, and has two 50 pounders he is doing for someone and one is from a repeat customer?

[scottw]

maybe he can also cast a pogy head w/ a hook in it so you can hang it from the lip for historical accuracy?

[Frightnight]

wow.... that was a nice dig. I feel some bitterness in the air? Ok, Scott,,, lets hear it,,, something has you panties in a bunch. You have to talk out about it or your uterus may expolde!!!!

[boogieman]

Hey chip maybe you could find a broken rod tip somewhere and hang that up with a line running to that pogy head? maybe somebody has one you can get...I here "Vagisil" now comes in 5 gallon buckets with a pump for easy application!!! Play nice Boys!!! Oh well thats just a thought i had anyway...Sorry to hear about your recent break up...LOL

[scottw]

Chip, no dig man...you were talking about hanging the plug from it's lip, thought you'd go w/ the pogie...sorry if you thought it was some kind of dig, absol;utely none intended...I fish pogy heads while chumming the rest with good success....but the bucket gets very heavy and i just end up staying out on the rocks all night and not recovering for days.....panties and vagisil and uteri ? haaaaa someone need to go fishing....favorable winds, weather tides and moon coming...I predict some nice fish in the next week or so!

[scottw]

just picture your bass with a pogy in it's jaw, very nice...I might carve and paint you one myself just for getting cranky w/ me... need to get some work done so I can fish tonight

[Frightnight]

hahahah i love this place!! Not cranky Scott,, just jealous cuz I will not be here for your fish prediction next week. I am off to South Carolina, to get skunked in multiple states. If I catch anything I will post it, but have my pogie head ready when I get back Scott...lol. OK,, take care Scott, Ray, and everyone else, and I will be on the internet still when I can. Later guys.