Fish replicas
are an excellent alternative for a fish mount for many
reasons. In some cases, replicas are the only way
to go.
* Catch and release fisherman
Now you can have a visible reminder of the BIG one you
caught and let swim away
* Decorating your house and cabin
More durable, easier to clean and not affected by
humidity or temperature fluctuations makes replicas the
best choice for cabins, boathouses, bars &
restaurants
* Gifts for Sportsman
A beautiful fish reproduction makes a wonderful gift for
the angler in your life
* Remembering the BIG one you caught & never
mounted
Fish replicas let you exchange a fading photo and a
memory with a piece of wildlife art that has personal
meaning.
* Replacements or Duplicates
Maybe you got your big one mounted, but taxidermy even
15 years ago was not what it is today. Or you want
to have a duplicate of your trophy fish to hang at your
cabin or office. Replica's are the answer.
* Saltwater fish, catfish & sturgeon
Many fish, like catfish, salmon, and most saltwater fish
contain large amounts of grease in the skin and
fins. Others, like sturgeon, paddlefish
& sharks are almost impossible to mount with
conventional methods and have a mount that will
last . For these fish, reproductions are the only real
solution.
* Faster completion time
Reproductions are usually finished in 1 to 6 months,
depending on my current backlog, the manufacturer and
when you place your order.
* Vacation Trips
Caught a big pike on a fly-in trip in Canada OR a
sailfish while in Mexico? Sometimes, it's impossible to
bring a trophy fish home for mounting. And getting
a finished replica shipped from a foreign country can be
VERY expensive.
For all of these reasons and more,
fish reproductions are the perfect solution.
Why order
your replica
from
Simpson Taxidermy Studio?
*
Selection - By working with numerous
manufacturers all across the country, I can select
from thousands of replicas to find the closest match
to your fish. Nobody has a greater selection of
species and sizes for fresh or salt water
fish. I don't make the replicas, I make
them beautiful!
* Experience - I've operated a professional
studio in Winneconne since 1987 and I've worked in
taxidermy for over 30 years. I've painted
thousands of fish and that knowledge goes into every
replica I do. My experience is what can turn an
average replica blank into a beautiful piece of custom
wildlife art.
* Individualized - Every replica I do is a
one-of-a-kind created just for you - there is no such
thing as an "assembly line" paint job. Using your
photos or descriptions, each replica is painted as
close as possible to look like your unique fish.
* Craftsmanship - Not a word that is used a
lot anymore, but pride, craftsmanship and attention to
detail is something I put into every piece of work I
do, it's my signature.
* My Guarantee - 100% satisfaction for all
clients. If you are not
completely pleased with a replica we do for you, we
will give you a full refund. (shipping charges
are excluded)
* Experienced Shippers - We have been
shipping fish mounts and replicas across the USA and
Canada for the last 20+ years. We know how to
get it there undamaged. And just in case, every
mount is fully insured.
What
you should know
answers to FAQ's and common misconceptions about
replicas
All
fish replicas are cast from actual fish.
Most are cast from molds made using freshly caught
specimens, some are cast from molds of previously
mounted fish. The replica "blank" is then made
from some form of resin gel coat with fiber layers
added for strength. There is NO such thing as a
"graphite" replica. More information on the
different types of replicas can be found here. Since
only 1 mold can be made from each fish, there is
usually only 1 pose available in each size from each
manufacturer.
Nearly every species of fresh and salt water
fish is available as a replica.
However, there is a much bigger selection of some
species and sizes than others. Very large
specimens (record class fish) or species that are
uncommon may not be
available in some cases or selection very
limited to just a few.
A
replica is not made to match the measurements of
your fish.
Our goal is to match the measurements of
your fish to an available replica. By shopping
the inventory lists of many different manufacturers,
I can usually find a match or near match to your
fish. However, fish are very unique and it may
not be possible to precisely match the length AND
weight AND girth of your fish.
The quality of a FINISHED replica is largely determined by the knowledge,
experience, artistic ability and craftsmanship of
the taxidermist. Defects in the molding and
casting process must be repaired, fins attached and
a mouth sculpted in. And of course, the
replica must painted to match YOUR fish. This
is where ability of the taxidermy artist you chose
is really apparent. Choose wisely.
HOW REAL DO THEY LOOK?
Fish vary in coloration from lake
to lake and even with the same lake.
If you provide a good color photo of
your fish, I can get the coloration VERY
close. I have built my business on attention
to detail. If you have no photo, I will paint it as
"typical" for the species unless you can provide me
with some guidance. Many of the newer
reproductions have flexible fins and are difficult
to tell from the real thing. See for
yourself. Check
out the photos on the photo
page
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Most reproductions are completed in 1 to 6
months. It depends on the time of year you
place the order, current backlog and the company I
obtain the repro from. Many companies
manufacture only upon receiving order and keep no
inventory. Some sizes may be custom orders and
may take a little longer. Click here to check
my completion schedule
WANT SOMETHING EXTRA?
All replica's come ready to hang on your wall.
However, many people like the look the panel gives
to a mount, so I offer several types of
background.
Habitat,
or scenery bases, are also popular.
These usually include some sort of
bottom (sand, muck, etc.), a piece of driftwood and
underwater plants. They may also include a
water surface and/or lily pads. Because each
base is unique, they are individually priced
depending on size and complexity - inquire or check
the current price
list.
Nameplates
allow you to display the date of your catch and it's
real weight and length. They vary in price
according to style and size. They are
available in several colors of plastic, brass and
aluminum with as many lines as you want.
Cost - see price
list
Wholesale cost of the blank (w/ shipping*)
+ $7.50
per inch Labor (Average total price starts around $13.50
per inch)
Minimum
Price - $200 any replica 13" or less.
NOTE: Sales
tax for WI residents and shipping the finished
replica to you is NOT included.
For many years, all replicas were made
from fiberglass and the wholesale cost for a blank
from most manufacturers was nearly the same. In
the last few years, new companies, newer molding and
casting techniques and new materials used by some
companies have resulted in some really excellent
replicas with thinner fins & greater scale
detail. But they often come at a significantly
higher cost - sometimes as much as 50% more than the
same size/species blank from other
manufacturers. However, since many of these
companies are new, they do not yet have the wide
selection of species and sizes that many of the older
replica manufacturers do.
The Different Quality Levels of Replicas ~
There are 3 basic
quality levels for all replicas that I can get from
the 12 different manufacturers in the USA and
Canada. There is a "premier" line that has
excellent detail on the back and belly, fins that
are thin, semi-transparent and detailed and
unbeatable mouth & gill detail. Once finished
you can't tell these from skin mounts. Only 1 or 2
companies make this kind of replica, so selection is
limited and they are the most expensive. They
are also the ONLY replicas I will use for a pedestal
mount as both sides are always good.
There is a "standard" replica that has some
of the features of the premier line, but less detail
overall, especially in the belly, back and mouth
areas. The majority of replica fall into this
category. These are excellent replicas and
used to be the "top-of-the-line" before the premier
replicas came on the scene.
And there is an economy line - the older
companies have a lot of molds and selection of sizes
and species, but the replicas lack scale detail on
the back & belly, the fins are thicker and solid
and there may be some loss of scale detail in the
body. These make great replicas at a lower price,
and with the painting techniques I have developed,
clients are very satisfied with them.
Why I don't charge "per inch" for
replicas -
As you may have read on
my website (and can see from the differences in the
wholesale cost of your replica blank) - often there
is a huge disparity in the prices charged by various
manufacturers for a similar size blank. This
required me to restructure my method of pricing
replicas, in order to be able to offer the newest
replicas at a fair price and still not
over-charge for less expensive blanks from the
older companies. Charging "per inch" for labor to
prep and paint and charging you only for the cost of
the blank, allows me to offer you every replica
available at a fair price. And my experience
allows me to put the same quality paint work into
every replica I do, no matter what the cost of the
blank.
Other
FAQ's ~ Prices quoted are good for at least 30
days.
Prices DO NOT include shipping of the finished replica
to your home or business.
Replicas come with a hanger, ready to go on your wall.
Driftwood or a finished panel are extra, and I can
provide several different types or you can put them on
your own. Ask me for more info.
Replicas are
painted as "typical" for the species, sex and time
of year unless you provide a color photo. With a
good quality picture, I can make your replica look
as much like your actual fish as possible.
Down payment is 50% of the FINISHED REPLICA price
and can be made by check or credit card. At this
time - I no longer accept credit cards over the
phone or in-store, however I can send you an invoice
thru PayPal and you can use a credit card, your
PayPal account or pay by debiting your checking
account (your choice). You don;t need a PayPal
account - just an e-mail address.
(call toll-free - 1-877-582-7005 with any
questions).
Completion time is generally 2 - 6 months, depending
on the manufacturer backlog and my own schedule.
And like all my work, I offer a 100% money back
guarantee. If you are not happy with the finished
replica, simply return it and when I receive it
(undamaged, of course), I will refund the amount you
paid for the replica - excluding shipping costs.
* Shipping refers to the cost of
the manufacturer shipping the unfinished blank to
Simpson Taxidermy Studio in Winneconne, WI. For
convenience, this shipping cost may be calculated
at 15 - 20% of the wholesale price for most replicas,
but in the case of large replicas that have to be
shipped via truck, the actual shipping charges are
used. Other fees, such as crating or insurance or
import/export duties are NOT included in the price.
We
can add 1 fin and extra body length to any
replica head like SH-12 above for $125
extra - 2 fins for $200 extra.
OTHER OPTIONS
Custom casting of
your sturgeon head - $300 w/o fins With 1 fin -
$425 ~ With 2 fins - $500
Drop the mouth tube on any replica
head - $100 extra
These
heads are cast at Simpson Taxidermy Studio from Lake
Sturgeon harvested from the Lake Winnebago system .
The replica is made from a rigid casting latex
or plastic & filled with foam and finished
at Simpson Taxidermy Studio.
If you
catch a fish that you want to release (or fillet) and
would like to have a replica of it to hang on your
wall, you need to get as much information as you can
as quickly as possible.
1. Length - Measured from the nose to the tip of the
tail, with the mouth closed and the tail spread out.
2. Girth - Measure the girth at the largest point
around the fishes body
3. Weight - if possible
4. Sex - Male or female in spawning color, swollen
belly, special colors, etc.
5. Photos - Take several good color photos of the FISH
(not you and the fish) from different angles.
Use a 35 mm or a good digital camera set at high
resolution. Try to get both sides as well as
close-ups with some multi-colored objects in the
background. This will help your camera and the
developer get the right tints to the photos.
Avoid flash photos or photos in direct sun (too much
glare off the fish) or deep shadow and night
pictures. The better the photo, the more
accurately I can match the characteristics of your
individual fish.
While any photo will help me, it is not necessary to
produce a beautiful replica. These fish are usually
painted as "typical" for the species.
First - Let's see if we can find a match to your fish.
Contact me in any 1 of 4 ways:
1. Stop in during business hours
2. Call the toll free number - 1-877-582-7005
3.
Click on the e-mail icon with as much of the
following information as you have:
Species of fish
Length - in inches
Girth - circumference around the belly, in
inches.
Weight - in pound & ounces
Sex - Male or female in spawning condition
Other information - date or time of year it was
caught, etc.
Shipping information - if you are not picking up the
replica, I'll need your city and state (or province)
to give you a price for shipping. (including
packing & insurance)
Then I'll
shop the listings of all the replica manufacturers to
locate as many matches or near matches to your fish as
possible. I'll get back to you with a selection
of replicas in different sizes, poses and price
ranges.
You choose the replica you want and any extras
(driftwood or habitat, etc), you will be given
finished price quote. Price quotes are
guaranteed for 30 days minimum.
A deposit of 50% of the total is required to start
your order . You can mail a check, pay in cash
(local customers only) or use a credit card thru
PayPal (Sorry, I do NOT have secure internet
ordering) Send any photographs you might have of the
fish by mail or e-mail at this time. Please tell
me if the want the photos back. I will mail a
receipt and a copy of your Work Order to you.
The balance is due upon completion and can also
be paid by cash, check or credit card thru PayPal.
There are 3 basic quality levels for
all replicas that I can get from the 12 different
manufacturers in the USA and Canada. There is a
"premier" line that has excellent detail on the
back and belly, fins that are thin,
semi-transparent and detailed and unbeatable mouth
& gill detail. Once finished you can't tell
these from skin mounts. Only 1 or 2 companies make
this kind of replica, so selection is limited and
they are the most expensive. There is a
"mid-level" replica that has some of the features
of the premier line, but less detail overall,
especially in the belly, back and mouth areas. The
majority of replica fall into this category. And
there is an economy line - older companies that
have a lot of molds and selection of sizes and
species, but the replicas lack detail, the fins
are thicker and solid and there may be some loss
of scale detail. These make great replica at a
lower price, and with the painting techniques I
have developed, clients are very satisfied with
them.
As you may have read on my website
(and can see from the differences in the wholesale
cost of your replica blank) - often there is a
huge disparity in the prices charged by various
manufacturers for a similar size blank. This is my
reason for going to a "Labor + Material" method of
pricing and away from the old "per inch" pricing
method. Prices quoted are good for at least 30
days & DO NOT include shipping of the finished
to your home or business. Replicas come with a
hanger, ready to go on your wall. Driftwood or
finished panels are extra, and I can provide
several different types or you can put them on
your own.Replicas are painted
as "typical" for the species, sex and time of year
unless you provide a color photo. With a good
quality picture, I can make your replica look as
much like your actual fish as possible.
Down payment is 50% of the FINISHED REPLICA price
and can be paid by check or credit card. However - I can no longer swipe
credit cards at my shop or accept
them over the phone. The charges
from my card processor were getting outrageous,
so I dropped them & I switched to PayPal
processing.You can still pay with a credit card, or
direct debit, etc. using PayPal. For deposits or
final balances, I can send you an invoice for
the amount you need to pay. If you planned
to pay with a credit card, you can now pay with
your PayPal account, direct bank debit, or any
credit card you want. PayPal works
even if you do not have a PayPal account – all
you need is an e-mail address.
Completion time is generally 2 - 6
months, depending on the manufacturer backlog and
my own schedule. And like all my work, I offer a
100% money back guarantee. If you are not happy
with the finished replica, simply return it and
when I receive it (undamaged, of course), I will
refund the amount you paid for the replica -
excluding shipping costs.
Thanks again for your request and I look forward
to hearing from you. If you want to order or have
any questions, or need additional help selecting a
replica, please don't hesitate to call or send me
an e-mail.
Red Simpson
Simpson Taxidermy Studio*523
W. Main St.*Winneconne, WI 54986*studio@simpsontaxidermy.com Questions? - call 920-582-7004 Toll Free - 1- 877- 582-7005 HOURS - Mondays - THU – noon -6 pm. Closed
weekends
Why choose a Replica?
