T&A Fish Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Mesa, Arizona

(480) 748-3664556 N 104th Pl, Mesa, AZ 85207View on Yelp

About T&A Fish Taxidermy

T&A Fish Taxidermy is a Mesa, Arizona specialist focused on bringing your best catches back to life. Mesa sits close to some of Arizona's top fishing spots, including Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake, making a dedicated fish taxidermist genuinely useful for local anglers. Whether you're pulling bass, catfish, or trout from the surrounding Salt River lakes, having a nearby studio means less travel time and fresher specimens. Reach them directly at (480) 748-3664 to discuss your next mount.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Fish taxidermy requires a different skill set than mammal work, and this Mesa studio is built around that specialty. Skin mounts preserve the actual fish skin stretched over a form, capturing the exact scale pattern and coloration of your catch. Replica mounts, on the other hand, use fiberglass reproductions and are a smart choice for catch-and-release anglers who want a lasting display without keeping the fish. Both options can be finished with custom paint work to match reference photos and mounted on driftwood, rock, or panel displays.

Service Area

T&A Fish Taxidermy serves Mesa and the greater East Valley, including Gilbert, Chandler, and Tempe. Anglers from the Salt River chain of lakes, including Saguaro, Canyon, and Apache Lake, are well within reach. It's also a convenient option for customers coming in from Scottsdale or the northeast Phoenix suburbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish species can you mount in Arizona?
Common species brought in from Arizona lakes include largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie, and rainbow trout. Exotic or saltwater fish caught on trips elsewhere can also be mounted, though replica options are often recommended for those since shipping a full skin mount can degrade quality.
Should I freeze my fish before bringing it in?
If you can't get to the studio within a few hours of your catch, wrapping the fish tightly in plastic wrap and freezing it is the best option. Avoid placing it directly on ice for long periods, since prolonged water exposure can damage the scales and skin.
What's the difference between a skin mount and a replica mount?
A skin mount uses the actual preserved skin of your fish stretched over a shaped foam or fiberglass form. A replica is a full fiberglass reproduction painted to match your specific fish, which is ideal for catch-and-release fishing or when you want a display that won't be affected by humidity over time.
How long does a fish mount typically take?
Most fish mounts take anywhere from 8 to 20 weeks depending on complexity and the shop's current volume. Replica mounts can sometimes be finished faster since they don't require the lengthy drying process that skin mounts do.
How do I care for a finished fish mount?
Keep your mount away from direct sunlight, which fades paint over time, and avoid high-humidity areas like bathrooms or garages. Dusting gently with a soft brush and applying a light coat of clear finish every few years helps maintain the colors and protect the surface.
Do I need to bring in the whole fish, or just certain parts?
For a skin mount, you'll need to bring the complete, intact fish. For a replica, accurate measurements and clear photos are actually the most important things since the form is built to your fish's dimensions rather than using the original skin.

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