How to Cast a Crappie for Replica Fish Mount Reproduction Taxidermy

This video takes you through the casting process of creating a Crappie (or similar size fish) replica / reproduction fish mount. This is part 2 in a 3 part series by Kevin Stenzel who has over 50 years experience in fish Taxidermy. Whether you are a beginner looking to do your first fish or simply curious how the process is done, this video is for you!
To see Part 1:
• How to Mold a Crappie ...
To see part 3:
• Painting a Crappie Rep...

[@KennethKempka-xg1jk]

Very informative video thank you so much. I could hear the hummingbirds fighting in the background, LOL

[@kstenzel2010]

Yes, my wife loves her hummingbirds. Thanks for watching!

[@randyneese7902]

Great part two. I’ve just started casting my trout heads for my fish mounts and this video gives me the push to try casting whole fish. Thanks for doing these videos.

[@kstenzel2010]

Thanks for watching

[@billybooth6737]

KEVIN, Enjoyed the video. Great lesson and outstanding video on casting a crappie. You make it look simple but I know it is not. Looking forward to the next video on the crappie. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and skills in fish taxidermy Billy

[@kstenzel2010]

Thanks for the kind words

[@spicysocks4492]

This was a fantastic series, thank you for making them, it gave me that little bit of push to give this a try with my own fish!

[@kstenzel2010]

Thanks and best of luck to you.

[@mannymartinez5161]

Thans you !!! Great info

[@kstenzel2010]

Thanks for watching!

[@gvsoutdoors2673]

GREAT video. Looking forward to the painting. I am in the middle of a nice black crappie right now. First one I have done. This one is a practice for my personal best Brook Trout I have in the freezer waiting. This has been a big help. Thanks!

[@kstenzel2010]

Thanks for the kind words

[@wittyfpv]

Thankyou Kevin for all your hard work making your videos. Every time you upload a wave of inspiration comes over me to do something taxidermy related. Thankyou. Making a mold of a black drummer (hard fighting fish caught in Australia off the rocks over the east coast line) hopefully my results are half as good as yours

[@kstenzel2010]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@gregwz2n735]

Can't wait to see you work your magic with the painting. Great video. Using the chop to help strengthen the seam joint mad a huge diffference for me. It is REALLY frustrating to get two unjoined halves. Thanks for the help!

[@kstenzel2010]

Thank you for watching. I hope to finish my painting video in the next couple weeks.

[@bvxfh]

Thank you so much!!!

[@kstenzel2010]

Thanks for watching. I should be finishing up my Crappie painting video in the next couple weeks.

[@kstenzel2010]

Thanks for watching!

[@rudianton9543]

Love your work mate

[@kstenzel2010]

Thank you

[@spiderbiteoutdoors]

Very informative!

[@kstenzel2010]

Thank you

[@kevinmorgan7598]

What material are you using for the fins. We have experimenting with a few different things; have not found a material I really like yet. Thanks so much for making these video

[@kstenzel2010]

I usually use Smooth Cast 325, however on this Crappie I used a clear gel coat with a flex additive. Thanks for watching!

[@natureheritagewithrohit3608]

Waiting for part 3

[@kstenzel2010]

Probably 2-3 weeks out.

[@derrickcribb9930]

Awesome video how do you do one with mouth open

[@kstenzel2010]

Thanks . I pour a mouth plug as demonstrated in one of my earlier videos on creating an open mouth smallmouth Bass.

[@derrickcribb9930]

When you pull out the mouth plug what do you use to cover the plug is it silicone or gel coat couldn't see in your video

[@MartyBreuder-oc5jk]

Do u make your own gel coat I can't find it anywhere. Cant wait to watch u paint make sure we can here what the colors r

[@kstenzel2010]

Gel coat is available from many suppliers. I think McKenzie taxidermy supply has it. I get mine from US Composites.

[@keithblankenship5551]

thank u sir again

[@kstenzel2010]

Thanks for watching

[@RandyFritz-r7i]

Is the gel coat you are using from US Composites the pure white GEL-W100 Thanks much!

[@kstenzel2010]

Not sure of number, all it says is White Gel coat, Exterior Un-Waxed. Thanks for asking

[@RandyFritz-r7i]

Could you please tell me what is the name of resin you are using for your fins and tail Thanks much!

[@kstenzel2010]

It is a clear gel coat with a flex additive. Wish I could help you more, but it was recently given to me by another taxidermist to try. Used to just use regular fiberglass resin which worked pretty good.

[@MartyBreuder-oc5jk]

Just want to know if crappie painting video is out yet

[@kstenzel2010]

Will be soon

[@MartyBreuder-oc5jk]

Ok thks

[@darrellpelfrey2370]

Dang I think I just mount the real fish

[@kstenzel2010]

Both methods have their advantages/disadvantages. Thanks for watching!