flathead catfish skins

[stalkerhawk]

I have a strange request.I'd like to get a hold of a flat head skin a large one with good color to back a 66'' self bow with.I have know idea where to get one.I'd be willing to pay anyone that can get me one a good price it needs to be frozen as well.Thanks

[capt.kirk]

That is a bit of a strange request,but you came to the right place
for such a thing,wait till MOHAWK reads this and i would bet he
can take care of this for you,dont know about cost and shipping
frozen,but if you can hook up with him he will probably have the anwser.
hell he might be able to send you the whole fish,and you skin it your self.can you give us a first name and state you live in?the UPS man
may have a stinkey truck before he finds stalker hawk.
KIRK

[Stump Bumper]

I've heard of people using snake skins but never a flathead's skin. How would you preserve that and make it plyable enough to use as a bow cover?....Ray

[big country]

i would think the same way you treat a snake skin should work for the fish skin.....
gives me a new idea for a pair of custom catfish skin boots we have channels and blues and flatheadheadswe even have speckled bull heads...lol

[capt.kirk]

Hey Big
those black and silver big bull heads would sure make a good looking
pair of cow boy boots.
KIRK

[gofish]

flathead skin cowboy boots! if thats possible i want a pair!

[hushpuppy]

I believe we have stepped into a strange place here....lol

[stalkerhawk]

well nothing yet,but we'll see.I have some green staves on the way so I have some time they have to dry first.I was thinking the skins could be salted or dried in order to ship them it would be easier. Thanks Rob

[Schoe]

Stalkerhawk, I was talking to Wewamohawk last night about the Flathead skins and we both agreed it may be quite a chore to tan a Catfish skin to use for this purpose. I'm not saying that it can't be done but the Catfish I have seen mounted were very brittle and had a texture like parchment paper. Maybe someone has a method that would work as I know eel hides are tanned and used for various articles but their hide is a lot tougher. I hope someone comes up with an answer. Schoe

[capt.kirk]

SCHOE
there is a product that contains aloe that is used to soften skins-hides
i cant remember the name of the product,his best bet is to check with
a taxidermist they should know what to do.even if it can be done i think
it would probably wear thru pretty easy,and exposing it to the weather
and UV rays would make it not worth the trouble and expense.:confused:
KIRK

[wewamohawk]

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off"> HI STAIKERHAWK I CAN GET THE FLATHEAD SKINS AND CAN DRY THEM BUT THERE NOT TO GOOD FOR WHAT YOU WANT TO USE THEM FOR THE MOHAWK </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on">
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[stalkerhawk]

What do they do when they are dry.Are they to thin? I know sturgeon grass carp,and a few others have been used.I thought catfish would work? still would like to try.

[Schoe]

Stalkerhawk, Is this project for a wall hanger as a backdrop or a case to carry a bow? It probably would work for a background as it wouldn't be handled and moved around. I hope our information so far has been helpful and there may still be someone out there that has tried to do what you want. Schoe

[stalkerhawk]

I'm not worried about how thin they are its just for effect Im more worried about them holding there color.I can glue them down and seal them with 8 -10 coats of true oil that will keep them dry and intact.They just cant crumble when I touch them and they are put on damp.

[stalkerhawk]

Ok let me explaine a little.I'm going to build a wood bow out of burr oak that I have coming its still green so I have to let it dry.Bows can be backed with allot of things other wood,snake skins,linen,leather,sturgon skin,cod skin,eel, The flathead skins just cant break when handled. they will be put on the back of the bow and sealed.I wanted flathead skins because I use to live in Illinois and loved fishing for them.love catfishing in general!!!,and I dont know of any one who has used them. So it makes for a special bow.I hope this sheds some light on things thanks for all the help,and hospatality.hope to get some.:D thanks Rob

[gofish]

interesting to see how it works.this your first bow or have you made them before? ever get my shop set up id like to make one and a violin or banjo.

[stalkerhawk]

It will be my second but my first from a stave.My first was from a red oak board.

[big country]

hawk i wish you the best of luck in your project i wish theres was more i could offer ya to help you out but you definitly have my attention on this and can't wait to the final product...

[stalkerhawk]

Lets talk my e-mail roblemke100@hotmail.com