About the Artist Greg Cassell
Greg Cassell, a native of Florida's Space Coast since 1966, embodies the coastal lifestyle both under the sun and beneath the waves. With a deep-rooted passion for marine conservation, Greg has dedicated his career to global water pollution control efforts, safeguarding precious waterways and shorelines.
As the founder of Florida Fish Mounts, Greg channels his love for the sea into his artistic endeavors, capturing and preserving the essence of each catch through high-quality airbrushing techniques. With an unwavering commitment to showcasing the true beauty of every fish, Greg ensures that each taxidermy mount is a masterpiece to be cherished for years to come.
Driven by a dedication to excellence, Greg meticulously crafts each saltwater and freshwater mount with meticulous attention to detail. Utilizing the finest fiberglass castings made in Florida (not China), he preserves every nuance of the catch, ensuring unparalleled realism. His intricate painting process, involving multiple meticulous steps and the use of automotive-grade paints and polyurethane clear coatings, guarantees not only lifelike accuracy but also long-lasting durability.
Whether showcasing on the walls of your home, office, outdoor bar, or any other space, Greg's fiberglass fish taxidermy serve as both a testament to the thrill of the catch and a unique decorative statement. With Greg Cassell's artistic touch, preserve your fishing memories in style and bring the beauty of the ocean into your surroundings. Reach out to us with images of your catch, and let artist Greg Cassell meticulously replicate it for your catch.
About Fish Taxidermy:
Live Skin Mounting & Fiberglass Replications
by Florida Fish Mounts
Historical Differences
Historically, fish taxidermy involved using the actual skin of the caught fish. This method, known as traditional skin mounting, required extensive preservation techniques to prevent decay, including tanning the skin and sometimes using preservatives. While effective, these methods were labor-intensive and often resulted in mounts that could degrade over time.
In contrast, modern fiberglass taxidermy, which gained popularity in the late 20th century, uses molds created from actual fish. These molds are then used to produce fiberglass replicas. This method preserves the exact size, shape, and details of the fish without using its skin, leading to more durable and long-lasting mounts.
Benefits of Fiberglass Taxidermy
1. Durability: Fiberglass mounts are more durable than traditional skin mounts. They are resistant to cracking, fading, and deterioration, which ensures a longer lifespan.
2. Detail and Realism: Advances in molding and painting techniques allow for highly detailed and realistic replicas that can capture the unique characteristics of the fish.
3. Catch and Release: Fiberglass mounts support the practice of catch and release. Anglers can take measurements and photographs of their catch and release the fish back into the water, contributing to conservation efforts.
4. Eco-Friendly: This method reduces the need to harvest fish solely for mounting purposes, helping to maintain fish populations and ecosystems.
5. Maintenance: Fiberglass mounts require less maintenance compared to traditional mounts. They are easier to clean and less susceptible to damage from humidity and pests.
Pricing
The cost of fiberglass fish mounts can vary based on several factors, including size, species, and the level of detail required. On average, fiberglass mounts range from $10 to $25 per inch of fish length. Customizations, such as unique poses or additional habitat displays, can increase the price. While this might be higher than some traditional skin mounts, the longevity and conservation benefits often justify the expense for many anglers.
Ecological Impact and Conservation
The shift to fiberglass taxidermy aligns with modern conservation efforts. Overfishing and habitat destruction have significantly impacted fish populations worldwide. By promoting catch and release, anglers contribute to the sustainability of fish species. This practice not only helps maintain ecological balance but also ensures that future generations can enjoy sport fishing.
Moreover, the production of fiberglass mounts does not involve harmful chemicals that were historically used in skin mounting processes. This further reduces the environmental footprint of the taxidermy industry.
Citation Page
1. "The History of Taxidermy." National Museum of American History. Retrieved from [americanhistory.si.edu](https://americanhistory.si.edu)
2. "Benefits of Fiberglass Fish Mounts." Fish Replicas by Lax. Retrieved from [fishreplicas.com](https://fishreplicas.com)
3. "Catch and Release: Conservation and Impact." National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Retrieved from [noaa.gov](https://noaa.gov)
4. "Pricing Guide for Fish Mounts." Global Fish Mounts. Retrieved from [globalfishmounts.com](https://globalfishmounts.com)
5. "The Ecological Impact of Fishing Practices." World Wildlife Fund. Retrieved from [worldwildlife.org](https://worldwildlife.org)