Mike's Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Port Clinton, Ohio

(419) 732-36552659 E Harbor Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452View on Yelp
Mike's Taxidermy - taxidermy in Port Clinton, OH

About Mike's Taxidermy

Mike's Taxidermy is located in Port Clinton, Ohio, known across the Midwest as the Walleye Capital of the World. Sitting right on Lake Erie at the edge of Ottawa County, this shop is positioned perfectly for anglers who want to memorialize a trophy catch pulled from one of North America's premier walleye fisheries. Port Clinton also serves as a gateway to Put-in-Bay and the Lake Erie islands, bringing in fishing traffic from across the region every season. Beyond fish work, Ottawa County's wetlands and farmland also make it a productive area for waterfowl and deer hunters looking for local taxidermy services.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Fish taxidermy is almost certainly a centerpiece of this shop's work, given Port Clinton's identity as a fishing destination. That includes both traditional skin mounts and fiberglass reproduction mounts for walleye, perch, bass, and other Lake Erie species. Waterfowl mounts are another natural specialty here, since the Lake Erie marshes of Ottawa County are among Ohio's top duck and goose hunting areas. Deer shoulder mounts, full body predator mounts, and antler panel displays round out the typical service list for a full-service taxidermist serving both hunters and anglers in this region.

Service Area

Mike's Taxidermy serves Port Clinton and the surrounding Ottawa County area, including Sandusky to the east and Fremont to the south. Anglers visiting from Toledo, Columbus, and Cleveland for Lake Erie fishing trips regularly seek out local taxidermists rather than transport a trophy fish across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to preserve a walleye for mounting after catching it on Lake Erie?
Put the fish in a cooler with ice right away, avoiding direct contact with the ice if possible since it can damage scales and color. Get it to a taxidermist as soon as you're off the water, or wrap it carefully in a damp cloth and freeze it flat if you can't get there the same day.
Is a reproduction mount as realistic-looking as a skin mount?
In many cases, yes. Modern fiberglass reproductions are hand-painted to match species-specific coloration and look incredibly lifelike. For fish like walleye that lose color quickly after death, a skilled reproduction painter can actually capture colors more vividly than a skin mount of the same fish.
Can I get a duck or goose mounted after a hunting trip near Lake Erie?
Yes. Waterfowl mounts are a legitimate specialty for taxidermists in the Port Clinton area given the quality of duck and goose hunting in Ottawa County's marshes. Keep the bird cool and dry after harvest, avoid washing it, and deliver it to the shop as fresh as possible for the best results.
Do I need a fishing license or permit to have a fish mounted?
You need to have legally caught the fish according to Ohio DNR regulations, including size and bag limits for the species. Your taxidermist will generally ask about how the fish was caught, and it's your responsibility to ensure the catch was legal before bringing it in for mounting.
How long does a fish mount typically take to complete?
Most fish mounts take anywhere from 3 to 9 months depending on the taxidermist's workload and whether it's a skin or reproduction mount. Summer is typically the busiest season for fish work in Lake Erie communities, so dropping off early in the season often means a shorter wait.
Can a taxidermist create a habitat display for my fish mount?
Yes. Many taxidermists offer habitat bases or backing panels that place the fish in a realistic setting with artificial water, rocks, weeds, or driftwood. These displays can be particularly striking for Lake Erie species and add significant visual impact compared to a plain panel mount.

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