Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Tommy D on March 30, 2015, 08:40:44 am

Title: Pelagic Fish Skins for Bowbacking
Post by: Tommy D on March 30, 2015, 08:40:44 am

Does anyone have any experience backing bows with pelagic fish skins such as mahi-mahi or wahoo?

How much of the colouration of the skin gets lost in the tanning process?

Title: Re: Pelagic Fish Skins for Bowbacking
Post by: Pat B on March 30, 2015, 08:44:20 am

The skins will probably gray out unless there are distinct patterns on them but they should still make good backings.

Title: Re: Pelagic Fish Skins for Bowbacking
Post by: Buckeye Guy on March 30, 2015, 09:55:24 am

I have no clue about your fish , but most fish loose all there color if you tan them
If you just dry for bow backing they keep some color   

Title: Re: Pelagic Fish Skins for Bowbacking
Post by: JW_Halverson on March 30, 2015, 10:11:38 pm

Those deep sea fish have chromatophores that turn on the color and shut it off according to their moods and attitudes.  The billfish are even believed to give each other signals when they are working to push up a bait wall for the kill. 

Sadly, all that seems to go away when they die. 

Title: Re: Pelagic Fish Skins for Bowbacking
Post by: JacksonCash on March 30, 2015, 10:34:58 pm

I caught a wahoo in Cozumel on my honeymoon - biggest fish I've gotten to date. The skin is pretty, but not sure how it would hold up over time. I'd say it'd be worth a try if you have the skin and a bow to put it on.

Title: Re: Pelagic Fish Skins for Bowbacking
Post by: crooketarrow on March 30, 2015, 11:06:33 pm

  A few months back My friend sent me some pic's. of a osage shark shinned bow.
     LOOKED SWEETTTTTTTTTTT

Title: Re: Pelagic Fish Skins for Bowbacking
Post by: Tommy D on April 05, 2015, 09:12:37 am

Thanks guys - Jacksoncash - wondering how much that wahoo skin retained its color?

Title: Re: Pelagic Fish Skins for Bowbacking
Post by: Andrea S on April 05, 2015, 10:39:33 am

Everyone told me trout would lose its color but I still have a beautiful red stripe down my bow and gorgeous darks, lights, and spots. Just put these on last night, they still need to be trimmed, sanded, and finished. I'd say go for it - or if you have extra fish, back a random piece of scrap lumber first and see how it looks!

Title: Re: Pelagic Fish Skins for Bowbacking
Post by: Tommy D on April 06, 2015, 12:15:19 pm

Wow - that looks pretty cool I have to say. Now to catch a 33 inch trout!

Title: Re: Pelagic Fish Skins for Bowbacking
Post by: JacksonCash on April 06, 2015, 04:53:52 pm

Quote from: Tommy D on April 05, 2015, 09:12:37 am

Thanks guys - Jacksoncash - wondering how much that wahoo skin retained its color?

Couldn't tell you, we sliced it into steaks and ate it.