Smith Taxidermy Tank & Tackle

Taxidermist in Joliet, Illinois

5(2 reviews)
(815) 723-07601815 E Washington St, Joliet, IL 60433View on Yelp
Smith Taxidermy Tank & Tackle - taxidermy in Joliet, IL

Customer Reviews

5
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2 reviews

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About Smith Taxidermy Tank & Tackle

Smith Taxidermy Tank & Tackle combines two major interests for Illinois outdoorsmen under one roof in Joliet, a city of nearly 150,000 that serves as the hub of Will County's outdoor sports community. With a perfect 5-star rating from two reviewers, this shop has made a strong early impression. The pairing of a tackle shop with a taxidermy studio makes practical sense here, since anglers shopping for gear are already the exact people likely to want a trophy fish mounted. Joliet's access to the Des Plaines River, Kankakee River, and several large reservoirs keeps both sides of the business well supplied.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Fish taxidermy is almost certainly a primary focus, with the tackle shop side of the business keeping the studio in constant contact with serious local anglers. Species like largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, muskie, and walleye from Joliet-area waters are natural mount candidates. Deer and other game mounts serve the hunting community throughout Will County, covering shoulder mounts, European skulls, and antler plaques. The combination shop setup may also carry mounting supplies, habitat materials, and reference tools that give the taxidermy work a strong technical foundation.

Service Area

Smith Taxidermy Tank & Tackle is based in Joliet and draws customers from throughout Will County and the surrounding region. Anglers and hunters from Lockport, Crest Hill, Minooka, and as far south as Kankakee County use this Joliet location for its combination of tackle and taxidermy services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drop off a fish for mounting at the same time I buy tackle?
Yes, the combination setup at Smith's makes this straightforward. Bring your frozen specimen in a sealed bag, and the staff can evaluate it and start the paperwork while you shop. It's one of the practical benefits of having both services in the same location.
What rivers and lakes near Joliet produce the best trophy fish for mounting?
The Des Plaines River, Kankakee River, and reservoirs like Braidwood Lake and Lake Renwick are all within easy reach of Joliet and produce quality bass, catfish, and walleye. A taxidermist familiar with these waters can match colors and fin details accurately because they've seen these fish up close many times.
Is a reproduction mount better than a skin mount for a fish?
Reproduction mounts are made from fiberglass casts and hand-painted to match your fish's measurements and coloring, which means you can release the fish and still get a mount. Skin mounts preserve the actual fish but require careful preparation and can sometimes shrink slightly over time, though a skilled taxidermist minimizes this.
How do I measure a fish properly if I want a reproduction mount?
Take the total length from the tip of the mouth to the end of the tail, the girth at the widest point, and clear photographs from both sides and the top before releasing the fish. These measurements and photos give the taxidermist everything needed to create an accurate reproduction.
Does the tackle shop side of the business affect the quality of the taxidermy work?
If anything, it helps. Taxidermists who work closely with active anglers stay current on what local fish actually look like, which species are running, and what subtle color variations appear in local populations. That up-close familiarity with live and freshly caught fish tends to show in the realism of the finished mounts.
What's the best way to contact Smith Taxidermy Tank & Tackle for a taxidermy quote?
Calling ahead at (815) 723-0760 is a reliable first step so you can describe your specimen and get a general sense of pricing and timeline before making a trip. Stopping in during business hours also works well, especially since the staff can look at your specimen in person before giving a firm quote.

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