Do not gut a fish you want to have mounted. If you can not take your fish immediately to a taxidermist, wrap it in a very wet towel and put it in a plastic bag, making sure all of the fins are flat against the fish's body (to prevent breakage), and freeze it. A fish frozen with this method can safely be kept in the freezer for months. Note: A fish will loose its coloration shortly after being caught. A good color photograph immediately after the catch will enable the taxidermist to more accurately duplicate it's natural color tones.

(Click on image for larger photo)