Specimen Tips: Fish

If you plan on mounting a fish, it is wise to prepare in advance.

1. Have a large cooler or live well filled with ice. Once a fish is harvested, you may wipe the fish clean with a wet hand or wet soft cloth to remove any body fluids, vegetation, etc.

2. Place the fish in a plastic bag. Lay flat making sure the fins are tucked close to the body and in a natural position. Squeeze the air out of the bag and wrap in a second bag. Sealed double plastic bags are recommended to help prevent dehydration of the specimen. Do not use newspaper or wet towels, as they can freeze to the fish and may stain or damage the skin, or pull scales when the taxidermist removes it. Pack the fish in ice.

3. Bring to UMWA as soon as possible, household freezers may cause dehydration in the fish if stored too long.