Chuck Gould wrote:
Posting the item about the bass fishing photo contest inspired me to
do some very brief research into contemporary trophy standards.

Looks like fiberglass "replica" fish are somewhat replacing skin
mounts from taxidermists. Order a bunch of fiberglass bass from China,
wait until some guy calls up to say "I caught a 10 pounder", slap the
appropriate size on a piece of oak or maple, and ship it off FedEx at
$150 COD?

Mixed thoughts on this- a "replica fish" allows a catch and release
fishery while obviously skin mount taxidermy does not. But at the same
time, what prevents some compulsive liar from bragging about hooking a
series of piscatorial monsters and just buying a bunch of replica fish
to "prove it"?
Heck, you could accumulate a wall full of bogus trophies while doing
some imaginary fishing from an imaginary boat.

It doesn't seem like some of the companies have any real interest in
whether or not a trophy fish claim is legitimate. Here's an example of
a company with a website that states it "isn't necessary" to
photograph, weigh, or measure the fish prior to ordering a mounted
replica:


http://www.fibertechproductions.com/


Do "replica trophies" cheapen the value of mounted trophies in
general, or are they an idea that is becoming ever more appropriate as
greater numbers of fishermen try to release most of their catch?



If you want dead animals on your wall, shop garage sales or ebay. I have
always considered hanging animal trophies on the wall a tad repulsive.