Origin Story

Welcome to Fish Tales Taxidermy Studio, where passion for fishing meets the art of preserving your most cherished catches.

Growing up in a suburb of Chicago, my love for fishing was shaped by the waters my dad and I fished together. He was an avid fisherman, and from the early spring months of March and April, we’d head down to Lake Michigan to fish for Coho and Smelt. The excitement didn’t stop there. In June, we would return to the lakefront to go after the big Perch that swam near the shore, and every summer, my dad and his buddies would take a week-long trip to Ely, Minnesota—a tradition that I couldn’t wait to be part of.

Summers were filled with trips to Lake Geneva, just over the Wisconsin border, where we’d cast our lines in search of its big Walleyes. Fall brought us back to the waters of Lake Michigan to fish for the massive Chinook Salmon and Brown Trout returning to their tributaries. I’ve had the pleasure of fishing many waters across the Midwest and beyond, from Lake Michigan, Sturgeon Bay, Washington Island, and Big Green Lake to Little Bay De Noc, Big Bay De Noc, and Southern Illinois reservoirs. My adventures have also taken me to the Tampa area, Lake Okeechobee, Lake Kissimmee, the St. Johns River, and many more.

But my passion for taxidermy didn’t start in the water—it began on the walls of local bait shops and fishing stores. As a kid, I was mesmerized by the fish mounts hanging on display, their lifelike details capturing the essence of each species. Seeing these fish up close, especially the ones we didn’t catch, ignited something in me. I wanted to understand the craft behind preserving these trophies.

Lake Geneva was a pivotal place in my journey. We joined the Lake Geneva Fishing Club, where I met a fellow member—a pharmacist who practiced taxidermy on the side. Whenever he brought in one of his fish mounts for other members, I was captivated. The colors, the fins, the eyes—they all fascinated me. One day, I mustered the courage to ask him if he could teach me the art of fish taxidermy. He graciously invited me to his home in Chicago, where he gave me a tour of his taxidermy setup and introduced me to the basics of the craft.

That’s where it all started. I was hooked.

I began practicing taxidermy in my parents’ garage in my late teens, and now, over 40 years later, my love for the craft has only deepened. Along the way, I’ve been honored to receive numerous awards for my work and have continually honed my skills to deliver the best possible results. Today, I’m better at it than I’ve ever been.

At Fish Tales Taxidermy Studio, I’m dedicated to preserving your fishing memories with the same passion and attention to detail that inspired me all those years ago. Every fish tells a story, and I’m here to help you share yours.

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