Graphite Replica

[doc]

I am looking at getting a graphite replica of a Lake Trout.
I am considering Artistic Anglers in Duluth and Fibertech reproductions in Brainerd. Both are the same price but Fibertech promises a faster delivery time. Does anyone have any experience with either one?

[FreeByrd]

I've used both companies for Walleye. Also had a King Salmon done by Fibertech. Walleye were similar in quality/appearance although I would say the Artistic Anglers eye looks a little better. I was a little disappointed in the appearance of the salmon. Fibertech was great about quick turnaround though. Tough to go by pictures from a brochure but the pictures in Artistic Anglers brochure of the salmon look better than my salmon. My experience is Artistic Anglers will take longer but the end result may be better.
Good Luck,
Steve Carlson

[Dave in Mpls]

I agree with FreeByrd...

If you want it done fast, go with Fibertech. If you want it done right, go with Artistic Anglers.

Regards

[Hawgeye]

I am curious to know how much they charge for say a 30" walleye? My son caught a walleye at around 29.5" and we let it go after several pictures. I am interested in surprising him wiht a replica. Are we talking around $350 - $400???

[Goldpig]

Last time I checked it was around ten dollars an inch for a replica.

[FreeByrd]

Hawgeye,
Recollection is it was around $11 an inch plus shipping. This was a couple years ago. I have some friends getting replicas done by a place near Toledo, OH of two big eyes they caught with me this spring on Erie. Cost was considerably less - they said around $200 each. Maybe they got a deal since they were doing two fish (one was 30.5, other was 31.5). As soon as I see the work I will let WC know about it. I don't remember the name of the place and don't really want to post anything until I see the work. I read your posts about your son's catches and was going to suggest a replica but he sounded pretty firm on waiting to catch that 30"+ fish. That 29.5 would sure make a nice Christmas present though...
Steve

[Mickey]

On my birthday in May, I caught a 22.5" smallie that weighed between 6.4& 6.7 lbs. depending on the Berkeley scale.(fish didn't hold still) after taking pictures, and knowing that I had an approximately 6# on the wall, I let her go. After talking with my son(the photographer that day) we also thought about a replica mount, however nobody in the Madison area had replica bodies that large for smallmouth(I think my wife was the happiest she has been in years). Now I have the pictures, with my measurements on the back of an old insurance card in my wallet and yet I still would consider a replica if there was a taxidermist that could do an OUTSTANDING job.(Don't tell my wife!!) Anybody know of somebody that does a great replica of smallmouth & what the cost would be? Thanks for the info!! Mickey