Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: dbb on August 06, 2014, 07:06:37 am

Title: Any tips on how to descale pike without destroying the pattern?
Post by: dbb on August 06, 2014, 07:06:37 am
I have a fabulous pikeseason this year and from time to time i get a really pretty one.(as much as pike can be pretty :o )
But when i descale them i always get pathes where the scalepockets come lose and creates white patches  :(
I have tried a lot so far,fresh from the water(best),waiting (not so good)descaler,sharp knife,dull knife etc.

Do anyone have a good way or am i doomed to bring out my forceps and pick a scale at the time?
Most other fish is easy but pike seems to have delicate complexion... ::)
Title: Re: Any tips on how to descale pike without destroying the pattern?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on August 06, 2014, 08:10:51 am
Ive tried. They turn almost white after scales come off.
Title: Re: Any tips on how to descale pike without destroying the pattern?
Post by: dbb on August 06, 2014, 08:59:47 am
Thats too bad,They would look really good on a bow if there was a way..
Title: Re: Any tips on how to descale pike without destroying the pattern?
Post by: JW_Halverson on August 06, 2014, 11:13:30 am
I envy your pike season, they are my all time favorite gamefish.  Both catching and eating.

Even the taxidermists grumble about pike patterns.  They leave the scales on and still have to paint on the green color and add the white spotted patterns after the fish is mounted.
Title: Re: Any tips on how to descale pike without destroying the pattern?
Post by: dbb on August 06, 2014, 04:26:28 pm
Alas,that idea goes to the recycling bin...I really want to try fishskin on a bow.
Have to see if i can get a big enough burbot (Lota lota) with a good pattern this winter,last year i only got uniform brown  :(
Title: Re: Any tips on how to descale pike without destroying the pattern?
Post by: JW_Halverson on August 07, 2014, 06:46:24 pm
Burbot, eelpout, lingcod, call 'em what you will...but for such an ugly fish, they are very good eating.
Title: Re: Any tips on how to descale pike without destroying the pattern?
Post by: JW_Halverson on August 07, 2014, 06:47:26 pm
Ok, allright, I will confess, I eat all fish.  Everything from sushi to sardines and even lutefisk. What can I say, it's the Viking in me!
Title: Re: Any tips on how to descale pike without destroying the pattern?
Post by: Lefty8917 on August 07, 2014, 10:21:48 pm
Dang! I have a pike skin with borax on it now with the same intentions. Guess I'll scrap that idea
Title: Re: Any tips on how to descale pike without destroying the pattern?
Post by: PatM on August 07, 2014, 10:46:16 pm
Probably still be an interesting backing if you just get all the scales off and then dye it.
Title: Re: Any tips on how to descale pike without destroying the pattern?
Post by: dbb on August 07, 2014, 11:11:34 pm
The back actually keep the color somewhat,it goes a dull dark greenish olive when it dries.
Looks very much like the color of old military stuff.