Lake Trout Skins?

[bjrogg]

I've never used fish skins of any kind, but have been thinking about it. The guys I know that go fishing on the big lake here have been loading up on Lake Trout. They certainly would be big enough to back a bow. Has anyone used them? Any tips? I'm sure I could get a bunch.
Bjrogg

[Ryan Jacob]

My only tip is to keep them out of reach from your dog  lost a good koi skin that way

[bjrogg]

My only tip is to keep them out of reach from your dog  lost a good koi skin that way

ill keep that in mind Ryan
Bjrogg

[Pat B]

They would make good backing but I don't know how their pattern will transfer. Some fish skins will hold their patterns but some loose the pattern with the scales.

[bjrogg]

I guess that's what I'm wondering Pat. I'm wondering if anyone has used them and if so what they look like. Would really love to see some pictures if they did. I don't have local snakes that are suitable and just looking for something different that might look nice. Not really needing anything for strength for backing or even moisture protection.
Bjrogg

[Ryan Jacob]

Oh yeah, that too, you’ll probably lose most of the color. Perhaps if you kept the scales on?

[bjrogg]

Ryan I have zero experience with fish skins but most everyone I ever talked to about them remove the scales. Actually individually. I seem to remember Simson saying that he left scales on though.
Bjrogg

[Pat B]

Leaving scales on can lead to problems like scales coming loose later under the finish or just discoloring so IMO it is better to remove the scales before adding the finish..
 I have a Jay Massey bow that is sinew backed osage with a halibut skin covering. I'm sure Jay used the fish skin for moisture protection but otherwise it is pretty bland. As far as a hunting bow it makes good sense because it has a dull, drab appearance.

[High-Desert]

I saved some brook trout skins to try....by the time I got home from fishing, the color had gone and they were gray. I think blood flow has a lot to do with their color, so if you can figure out how to back the bow with a live fish you'll have the problem solved.

[upstatenybowyer]

I've used brown trout skins off a big fish and they kept there color quite well. I have a feeling that the older the fish, the better the it will keep the color. Just speculating, but it makes sense to me.

Keep us posted. 

[Aaron curtis]

I live in Michigan and spend quite a bit of the summer chasing trout and salmon on Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.  If the skins would work you could always airbrush the color back into them.   Maybe I will save some skins from my next trip.  Atlantic salmon skins would look cool too with the black x marks on them.

[Lip]

Tried it. I wasn't nice to them putting them in detergent for days and even mineral spirits to make sure the fats where out of them. Scales are gone but the pattern is still there, somewhat translucent and brown/grey. I can post a picture but since photobucket don't work anymore what do you guys use?

[bjrogg]

Thanks everyone. Lip I think most people are using Imgur. Don't tell Photobucket but I'm still using them. After I get a IMG I save it to my phone and crop it there. Then I post it from my phone library. It's still been working for me but I don't know what will happen if I get a new phone. I probably should figure something else out.
Bjrogg

[Badger]

   I thought I was the only one that ever used halibut skins. I caught some 66" halibut 1 year in Oregon, the skin was as strong as raw hide.

[ohma2]

Dawn dish soap is the ticket for deoiling fish skins.an air brush is fun to play with on faded fish skins also.2 colors of grey and a brown will make a great fade out pattern.