Tips on Mounting Your Prized Walleye: Taxidermy Techniques, Fish Handling

Tips on Mounting Your Prized Walleye: Taxidermy Techniques, Fish Handling and Advice on Finding the Right Taxidermist

A good-sized walleye (a fish sized between the legally permitted length to about 30 inches or so) may sometimes be too good to end up getting filleted and fried. Anglers who catch this beautiful fish often prefer to have it mounted instead of having it end up in the pan, primarily because walleye are beautiful fish, capable of reaching impressive lengths and weights. So if you get lucky with a 25" beauty, consider mounting it by using taxidermy techniques.

What is taxidermy?
In Greek, 'taxis' means arrangement and 'derma' means skin. The art and science of taxidermy involves preserving and mounting animal specimens (mainly vertebrates or those with backbones) to be used either for study or for display.

If you think taxidermy or mounting of your prized walleye is just simple 'stuffing' of the fish, you're wrong. A beautiful fish like the walleye needs so much more than just stuffing in order to be put up for display. Remember, you will be mounting the fish for display and not preserving it for future use as food. Techniques involving each differ greatly.

Procedure and cost of mounting
If you're curious about what happens to your prized walleye once it reaches a taxidermist, here is a breakdown of what the procedure of mounting involves:

Materials preparation
To mount your prized walleye, different tools are used, including knives for making incisions, modeling materials to make the body and chemical solutions for preserving the skin. The fish is then measured carefully and its external features are noted. Most taxidermists may even use cameras or drawings in order to record the unique physical characteristics of your walleye.

Skinning and tanning
The skin of the walleye is removed and treated with chemicals to preserve it. This takes a while but it's a necessary process to ensure that the skin doesn't rot or become brittle later.

Molding the body
Depending on the taxidermist, a plaster cast or foam mannequin may be used to represent the body of the walleye. This is where the measurements will matter because the skin has to fit the mold perfectly. The eyes are also replaced with glass or plastic to mimic the real walleye.

As for the cost, it can range from about $350 to $700 depending on size and the work that has to be done. A large-sized walleye may cost more.

Handling your prized walleye for mounting
Before you go to a taxidermist to have your prized walleye mounted, make sure you know how to preserve your fish well. Make sure that the body of the fish is well taken care of.

Try to be gentle with the fish during the struggle and avoid damaging the body. Lost scales, damaged fins and tails won't look well on the mounted walleye. For this, you might have to use a fish net to protect the fish. Never, ever club the fish on the head. You will ruin its shape, making it difficult for the taxidermist to repair.

Have it photographed. A colored photograph will be a good reference later on because the fish's colors will fade after it's taken out of the water.

Next, store your walleye. If you don't have ice, cover the fish with wet burlap, cloth or newspaper and keep it away from heat and sunlight. If you have a cooler, keep the fish in ice. Unless you can find a taxidermist immediately, best keep the fish refrigerated for about five days. Anymore than that and you'll have to freeze it.

Choosing a taxidermist
Look for references, if possible. Friends and fellow anglers can recommend a good taxidermist and you can even view evidence of their work. If not, ask for a certification as proof that you are dealing with a professional.

Not all taxidermists mount fish, so be sure to ask. Make sure that the mounting shop you bring your fish to will do the actual work. If mounting involves a third party, it will cost more.

If you want the best deal, ask around and don't just look at the price tag. See if the quality is excellent or at least satisfactory and up to your standards. If the work is bad, take your fish elsewhere.

How long do you have to wait to earn your trophy?
That depends on how many jobs the taxidermist still has to complete before he takes care of your fish. However, a waiting period of at least a month is reasonable enough. Remember that tanning the skin takes time and once mounted, the walleye has to be completely dry.

Be patient. Some taxidermists may even work on your mounting for 6 months or more.

Should you DIY?
Never try to mount your prized walleye yourself if you have no experience as a taxidermist. Taxidermy is an art and a science and has to be exact and creative at the same time.

It also requires that you know techniques used in dissection, have a little background on anatomy (at least fish anatomy), tanning and sculpture. Learn about mounting first and practice the art. Once you've perfected it, then you can try mounting your prized walleye.

Ice Fishing

When it comes to fishing for walleye, you don't need to wait for spring, summer, or fall to come. You can fish right through the cold, hard ice.

What Ice Anglers Do

If you are truly a serious ice angler, you should watch out for the early formation of ice. You should also be religious enough to watch it transform slowly into ice. Once it happens, you need to wait a little longer, perhaps a couple of weeks, before walleye will start to gather underneath. Normally, their bite will soon disappear and the oxygen level will disappear. Your best solution will be to look for where the fish move and get to them.

Factors that Affect Movements of Walleye

There are many factors that can affect the movements of walleye during the winter. For instance, they have the tendency to move into deeper water. This may be due to the dropping water temperature. They can fall into the preferred and the maximum temperature of 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

There is also shortened daytime coupled with snow cover and ice. This will tremendously destroy aquatic vegetation. It will cause the weeds to turn brown until they wilt and die. The elimination of weeds can mean the loss of their food source and protective cover.

Walleye also tend to move deeper when they are bothered by different types of fishing traffic. This includes the passage of snowmobiles, cars, and noisy trucks. Any ruckus happening on the top of the lake will force the walleye fish to dig deep.

How to Find Them

So you can truly succeed with walleye ice fishing, you should know when to hit the iced water. In fact, you may have to settle for a late trip during the winter. At this time, walleye fish will be preparing themselves as they are about to spawn during the spring.

The challenge, however, is ice fishing in the middle of dead winter. You will have to think of the water below as well as the movements of the fish during the day. What makes it worse is that even if there are predators, walleye fish may not be active at all.

Your best solution is to be truly flexible in locating the walleye when you are ice fishing. You should permit yourself to move from one location to another. This is because the fish do move all throughout the day, and you should be able to follow their path.

Know Where They Will Likely Spawn

When late winter starts to set in, walleye will travel. They will be looking for specific locations where they can spawn. If you are aware of their migration routes, you can start digging the holes and wait for the walleye to come.
If you know where they will likely spawn, it will be very easy for you to catch them. This is because once the water temperature starts to heat up and they began moving into the area, they are usually hungry and will be happy to take a bite of your bait.

When Is the Best Time to Fish?

The best time to ice fish for walleye is during late evening or early in the morning. The reason may not be mainly because of the walleye but because there could be so many anglers during the middle of the day. You need to ease out on the competition.
You will also be extremely helpful if you can dig holes in different locations and in varying lengths. You shouldn't expect that you will be able to get them when you settle for similar levels.

Equipment to Use

Don't use a lighter line. This is because when you cut a hole, you may be creating jagged edges. This will make your line very susceptible to breakage. Heavier line will work best even if you're seeking average-sized walleye.

Many anglers use the jigging technique to attract walleye. And because they will be extremely hungry around this time, they may be somewhat aggressive during their feeding frenzy. It's wise therefore to make use of a bait and a lure that possess flash or vibration.

A Beginner Angler’s Guide to Hiring a Guide

Fishing can be a very relaxing and enjoyable activity. However, for newbie's, it can be quite challenging to find the right spot. Hiring a guide will help you enjoy your fishing trip so much more by taking care of the details of your trip. But do you really need one? And if you do, how do you go about hiring one?

Why you need a fishing guide
Unless you have a secret fishing hole that you don't want to tell anyone about, you'll appreciate the help of a fishing guide. A fishing guide can offer you helpful tips about where to find the perfect location. They can also tell you what time of the year or day is best for a fishing trip.

If you're new to the area, a fishing guide can show you where to go, what to expect and what laws you'll need to comply with. If you're a beginner, hiring a guide will also be beneficial, particularly if you can't make heads or tails about choosing the right fishing gear.

Why you might not need a fishing guide
Hiring a fishing guide isn't necessary if you're experienced and prefer to work on your own. If you'll be fishing with a group and some of your friends are experienced, you don't really need a fishing guide. Hiring a fishing guide can also cost a lot of money and there's really no guarantee you'll catch fish.

However, if you prefer the convenience of having a fishing guide, here are some tips you can use:

Find a local guide.
A guide who operates in the locality where you want to fish will be more knowledgeable than a guide who doesn't come from the same area. They are also a lot cheaper since you don't have to pay for extras.

Look for a fishing guide by asking other anglers for references. They could recommend a good fishing guide for you to use. Plus, you'll have a better idea what to expect since these people have firsthand experience of how the guide performs.

You can also check with online sites that let you search for guides by area or locality. Check out fishing forums. Many fishing guides participate in these discussions and some members may even give you some recommendations. If you prefer, you can even join online fishing groups with activities in your area.

If you still can't find a guide, ask your local fly or fishing shops. They should be able to help you with great references.

Look for a licensed and insured guide.
When interviewing your fishing guide, it's important that you work with one who is licensed. Fishing, especially for game fish, requires that you follow certain state regulations and rules, which an unlicensed guide will know little about. To make sure you don't do anything illegal or unethical, work with someone who has a license.

An insured guide is also safer to work with because he's covered in case anything happens. He should also have a permit to work in the area where he will be taking you.

Ask for experience.
Talk to the guide yourself. You'll have a better idea of how well you'll work together during your interview. Discuss the type of fishing you want to do and what type of fish you're interested in catching. Look for a guide who has a good experience. Of course, you'll have to pay more but it will be worth it.

Determine your budget.
Fishing should be fun and relaxing so when you receive your bill, it shouldn't leave you shocked and upset. Before hiring a guide, find out how much the fees are, since they can vary. Most guides will charge you about $150, with a maximum of about $500 a day. The fee will cover 2 to 3 anglers.

If you prefer a chartered trip, a boat with crew will charge about $500 to over $1000 a day, which should cover 5 to 6 people. If you want something cheaper, get in touch with fishing boats that offer public outings. You can enjoy fishing for as little as $30 to $80 a day, although you'll have to share the trip with at least 20 other people, sometimes more.

What about the tip?
Most guides don't work for tips. However, a tip is a token of gratitude and a nice touch especially if your guide has done a great job. Give your guide about 10 to 15% of the fee. If you're really generous, a 20% tip is a nice gesture and will make him even more enthusiastic about your next fishing trip if you choose to hire the same guide again.

Fishing Tips for River and Lake Walleye

Walleye are one of the most sought-after fish in North American waters. Also known as dore, jackfish, pickerel, walleyed pikes and marble eyes because of its distinctive gold and olive green eyes, walleye are characterized by their spotless fins, black rear, and white-tipped tail. Walleye may be found in rivers and lakes.

Fishing Tips for River Walleye
If you're lucky, the river you frequently fish may have walleye swimming in them throughout the year. This is especially true with bigger rivers. Nevertheless, it's best that you ask local authorities regarding walleye seasons. In some instances, walleye only enter rivers to enjoy better water temperatures at a given point in time or for spawning before returning to their lake origins.

The best places to ask are Conservation and Natural Resources offices and local fishing and bait shops. It's also prudent to ask if they have walleye fishing seasons and if so, what the requirements are regarding sizes and so forth.

For rivers with considerable depth, you'll more likely catch walleye swimming around twenty-five feet below the surface. They could even be swimming deeper than that in the larger rivers or in winter or fishing during mid-summer. In shallower rivers, however, you have a good chance of catching walleye at just 10 feet below.

For some, the best fishing technique or tactic to use for catching fish is by utilizing lead head jigs. Consider the casting distance when shopping for jigs because you'll want to cover the greatest possible area with every cast. Colors are also important, and you'll want something easily spotted even underwater. Buy something that will best resemble the fish they feed on.

If you notice a current, make sure to cast your jig upstream. Let it go slowly reach the bottom then pull it up just as slowly. Exert light effort because walleye are more vulnerable to subtle approaches. Expect to lose a good number of jigs each fishing trip; it's a given when it comes to walleye fishing.

Use live minnows as bait. Hook through the lips then make sure your bait works with the current and continues to be on display. If you see a walleye doing its best to go after your minnow but consistently falling short, try to re-hook your bait but this time pinning it through the dorsal fin. The latter will, however, make it harder for you to retain control of your bait in hard and strong currents.

Fishing Tips for Lake Walleye
Walleye may both be found in natural and man-made impoundment lakes. In most cases, the best time of the year to fish for walleye is during the summer not because they're easier to fish but rather because people have more free time to enjoy fishing.

Walleye are creatures of habit. The first thing to remember is that walleye prefer swimming in the most suitable temperatures (approximately 73 F) during the summer but at the same time, they may also swim where there's a lot of food for them to enjoy and when there are no bigger and predatory fish to worry about. Sunlight is also another thing they must absolutely avoid!

Again, save time by going directly to the local authorities and ask about the best spots for fishing. There are, however, a number of tips to remember where it's best to fish depending on the time of the day.

At dawn, walleye can be easily found between weed beds. Remember that they're nocturnal feeders so they're up all night eating. At dawn, they're just getting ready to leave their feeding places and go deeper to avoid sunlight.

When the sun is fully up, expect to find walleye in shaded areas. When there are no structures to provide shade, walleye could go deeper, anywhere between twenty and fifty feet. In areas with structures around like rock piles, walleye are sure to be in the vicinity because they also provide shade for them.

Walleye travel in schools like other fish. When you've caught a fish in a particular area, you're sure to catch more from the same area.

Ultimately, there is really little difference between fishing for lake and river walleye. As long as you're familiar with the routines of walleye, you're sure to go home with one or more excellent catches!

Fishing for Walleye in the Summer

Summer indicates numerous activities. For example, children are usually sent to summer camps right after school ends. It also means a time for great vacations to different states and countries. For those who are looking for some adventure, however, particularly fishing, they can venture to the rivers and lakes and look for walleye.

Get into the Sport

The summer months may be the best times to look for walleye, especially for any individuals who are into sport fishing. This is because walleye are much harder to catch during this season. In summer, walleye are usually found in sand bars. At night, they are seen eating on crayfish as well as minnows. That is why if you are trying to catch walleye, your best bet for live bait includes bottom bouncer rigs, worms, and minnows.

Movements of Walleye

Walleye also tend to move to cooler and darker waters as the rivers and lakes start to get warm. They can be seen attached to various structures including deep weed beds, islands, and land forms located under water. Once fall starts to approach, they go back to their spring routine that is they will frequent rocks and rubbles as well as shallow areas. They will also gobble on any kind of fish so they can store up energy and prepare for the coming of winter. Any angler should take note the months of July and August. These months may not be the best times to actually catch them.

Combination of Live Bait and Spinner

If you are fishing for walleye, make sure you combine a spinner and live bait. Spinners are known for their speed, which can catch up with walleye that are simply hard to catch. To the spinner to be appropriately place in the zone, you should also combine it with a bottom bouncer. The latter can allow you to manipulate the bait anywhere you want it.

Tips on Catching Walleye during the Summer

1. Study the walleye as well as their seasonal habitats.

Walleye fish are most likely to go deeper during the summer season. Moreover, they don't like to run after bait in very far distances. If you are catching walleye in natural lakes, you can start observing weed beds edges with the help of a finder. If they aren't there, you can proceed into their transition zones like the creek channels. If you are looking for them in reservoirs, you can search for structures and baitfish. They can also be present in large reservoirs.

2. Fish during the midsummer.

Walleye fishing is at its best compared to fishing during the spring or early parts of the summer. You also get to know the waters that they constantly reside. You may also need to look where the baitfish would usually settle. It's likely that walleye fish will find their way there.

3. Pay attention to details.

You can use certain tools such as depth finder. This will help you mark areas where they can be a substantial amount of fish. You should also be ready any time walleye start to take on your bait. Thus, make sure that your lures can go in whatever direction you want it to go and that the hooks are sharp enough to anchor the walleye.

4. Choose your patterns and lure colors carefully.

You can complement the forage base to your lures. You can also choose fluorescent colors. You can start by using offshore planner boards coupled with crank baits. If this won't give you the kind of produce that you like, you can proceed to vertical fishing and jigging spoons.

Challenges to Walleye Fishing during Summer

Deep water walleye fishing has its own challenges, especially during the summer. Normally, those who have found their way into the deepest portions of the water will likely die immediately. This is because the walleye don't have much time to adjust their air bladders to any changes in body pressure. This is the usual scenario when the weather turns out to be very hot.

Sometimes to solve the problem, you can fish walleye during nighttime. The majority of the baitfish settle deep into the water during the day, but they will move in water columns at night. Once the sun has set completely, you can begin marking their areas with the aid of a depth finder.

Fishing for Walleye in the Spring

There are many things that you can associate with spring. For the spiritual person, it's a signal of a new life. Flowers start to bloom and ice starts to melt. For anglers, however, it means a time for great walleye fishing. During the spring, the temperature of the water turns from cold to warm and the walleye will start to move from their winter water habitats. The main purpose for walleye at this time is to reproduce; thus, they will move to customary spawning grounds. Their movements do differ. Others will cover a very short mile, probably finding themselves in reservoirs and lakes. Some of them may venture farther until they will reach the rivers of Mississippi. If you are seeking to catch the most number of walleye, you should be able to spot them before they start to spawn. They normally gather in their respective spawning sites and other barrier structures that generally stop them from moving.

When Walleye Start to Spawn

There are certain weather conditions that may be ideal for spawning. This includes the temperature of the water, how long the day lasts, as well as the rubble and rocky shore lines. The amount of light as well as the length of daylight can affect the feeding patterns of the walleye. The temperature of the water, meanwhile, plays an integral part during spawning and it can even determine how much they reproduce once they have completed the spawning activity.

The Best Temperature for Spawning

The most ideal time for spawning among walleye is 40 degrees Fahrenheit. They will usually end once the water warms up to 52 degrees. They will normally hatch their eggs among hard structures such as rubbles and rocks. The eggs should be properly secured among enclosed areas so they can be adequately protected from predator fish that love to feast on newly hatched eggs.

During spawning, there should be hardly any change in temperature. The water should slowly start to warm up. There should be no severe and immediate temperature swings, especially during the periods of gestation and hatching. The shorelines found in the east and the north become the perfect breeding grounds of walleye that are going to spawn.

Now, by nature, walleye fish really don't have any knowledge which direction is south, north, east, or west. The shorelines at these directions are the most preferred for them because they receive the most amount of sunlight all day. Thus, the warmest waters are those located near the shore.

Two Types of Migration

There are also two kinds of migrations that should be noted. First are those walleye that migrate from the lakes to their usual spawning locations. The second kind of movement that should be watched for is that of walleye fish that don't go to tributaries and rivers and instead settle in open waters as well as shallow reefs so they can hatch their eggs.

Spring Walleye Fishing in Wisconsin

Walleye aren't really the best trophies for those who are involved in sport fishing in Wisconsin; however, they are still highly sought.

The best time for anglers to fish walleye in the Great Lakes during the spring is in the month of April. This is because the walleye are undergoing a transition. They are going to move from pre-spawn to the spawning period until they can move on to post-spawn period.

Where to Target

If you want to catch the best kinds of fish, in their most number, you should target areas such as the rivers as they would frequently settle there. Moreover, catching them doesn't have to be difficult for you as you can access them even if you don't have a boat or a special kind of tackle at hand. Walleye that spawn in the river are usually found in deep holes in much narrow waters. They may stop once they encounter the rapids, dam, and other kinds of barriers. They will continue on as they are permitted to move.

Those fish that are found in the rivers deep holes are likely to be in their pre-spawn period. They will always bite if you can persuade them the proper way. You can settle for vertical jigging or use live bait. You can search into these holes and start jigging the bottom. Slowly move toward the waters column until you will know where they are most active.