The Inshore Heavyweight
The Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) is a brute of the inshore flats, deep channels, and coastal bridges. Known for their sheer shoulders and bottom-feeding power, hauling a mature "Big Ugly" from the current is a serious test of tackle and stamina. Florida Fish Mounts, based in Cocoa, Florida, is the shop of artist Greg Cassell. We specialize in custom-painted fiberglass Black Drum replicas that preserve the specific fish you fought, at the exact size you landed it, as a permanent piece of lodge décor.
Anatomical Accuracy and Premium Finishes
Greg Cassell works exclusively from a catalog of thousands of first-generation molds cast directly from real fish specimens. This ensures the anatomical detail, particularly the Black Drum's massive, armor-like scale definition, is never diluted by the industry practice of copying a copy. A Black Drum is identified in the field by its high arched back and the sensory barbels on its lower jaw. Greg treats each mount as a species-specific project, applying high-grade automotive pigments that carry a depth and light-response standard taxidermy paints lack. Whether your catch was a smaller "puppy drum" carrying distinct vertical black stripes, or a massive, copper-and-charcoal adult, the body hues and fin details are hand-painted to match.
The Modern Solution: Release Your Catch and Mount the Memory
A fiberglass replica allows you to secure your trophy while safely releasing the breeding-size fish back to the water, or taking the smaller fillets to the table. Traditional skin mounts are a disastrous choice for Black Drum for a specific biological reason. They possess some of the thickest, largest scales of any inshore species. As a skin mount dries, these heavy scales severely curl and pull away from the body, while the large, fleshy head suffers from extreme shrinkage. Greg's fiberglass process eliminates this degradation entirely, resulting in an archival piece that holds its structural integrity and color accuracy indefinitely.
Custom Pattern Matching (Optional)
Greg offers custom pattern matching at no additional cost, and a photo is not required to place your order. Without one, Greg paints your replica to a traditional, species-accurate color phase for the Black Drum. If you have a photo of your catch, use the upload button located directly below this description before or after placing your order. Greg will use it as the direct reference for your paintwork.
The Final Approval Process
Your satisfaction is our priority. Once Greg completes the hand-painting of your replica, we email you high-resolution photos for your review before anything else is done. We do not apply the protective clear coat or begin the crating process until you have seen the photos and given your explicit approval of the paintwork. Your mount is not finished until you say it is.
Shipping and Final Invoicing
Shipping is calculated and billed separately from your initial order. Because fish mounts vary significantly in size and weight, we do not provide a flat shipping rate at checkout. Once your approved mount is packaged and final dimensions are confirmed, we send a separate invoice for the shipping balance. Your replica ships via UPS Ground immediately upon payment.
Select Your Mount Style and Length
Use the dropdown menus above to select your Mount Type and Length. The Black Drum is available in sizes ranging from 15 to 50 inches. Pricing is based on the mount style and length you select, starting at our $160 shop minimum. Your final price updates automatically once your selections are made. Proceed through checkout to secure your place in Greg's shop schedule.
Greg Cassell: The Art of the Replica
Every Florida Fish Mount is a museum-quality fiberglass replica hand-painted by artist Greg Cassell. We do not sell factory-produced imports. By using translucent pearl paints and specific photo-matching techniques, Greg captures the iridescent depth of a living fish. It is fine art built to elevate your home décor.
Choose Your Mounting Type
Half Wall Mount $10/in
A lightweight single-sided display ready to hang with a picture-style hanging wire and one hand-painted glass eye.
Full Wall Mount $17/in
Double-sided artwork with a heavy-duty metal bracket for secure installation and two hand-painted glass eyes.
360° Mount $20/in
A fully detailed, all-angle 3D fish mount. This style is ideal for ceiling suspension or flat surfaces and includes two hand-painted glass eyes.
Driftwood and Pedestal Mounting: We offer a standard Full Mount or 360° Mount finish prepared for flat display on custom bases and wall mounted driftwood. Contact us for pricing
From the Water to Your Wall
We specialize in specific photo-matching to recreate your exact catch. Unlike generic mounts, Greg Cassell uses your photos to replicate unique details. This includes scar placement, fin length, and specific color phases. We use high-quality fiberglass composite blanks cast from first-generation molds of real fish. This ensures anatomical perfection. They are durable, lightweight, and offer superior longevity compared to traditional skin mounts.
Complete the Look: The Coastal Décor Collection
Your trophy deserves an environment that matches its quality. We curate a collection of nautical accents using the same artisan standards as our fish mounts. Our Decorative Anchors and Portholes are crafted from high-density polyurethane resin and feature giclée prints sealed under a crystal-clear resin finish. We also offer distressed wood frames and premium gallery canvases.
Capture your trophy catch forever with a handcrafted, museum-quality mount by Greg Cassell. Join the anglers who have rated us five stars for craftsmanship and service.
We are proud to serve the Space Coast from our private workshop in Cocoa. Every mount is a museum-quality piece of art designed for your décor
5-Star Floridian Craftsmanship
Our standard turnaround for a custom replica is 9 to 12 weeks. This timeline varies based on seasonal demand. For the most accurate real-time estimate, please click the "Current Production" link in our site footer.
How much does a custom fish mount replica cost?
All mounts have a minimum charge of $160. Pricing is based on mount style and length.
Half Wall Mounts: Up to 64 inches at $10 per inch, 65–90 inches at $11 per inch, 91–120 inches at $12 per inch, 121–149 inches at $13 per inch.
Full Wall Mounts: Up to 64 inches at $17 per inch, 65–90 inches at $18 per inch, 91–120 inches at $19 per inch, 121–149 inches at $20 per inch.
360° Suspension Mounts: Up to 64 inches at $20 per inch, 65–90 inches at $21 per inch, 91–120 inches at $22 per inch, 121–149 inches at $23 per inch.
For mounts 150 inches and up, please contact us for pricing. Shipping is calculated separately after your mount is completed.
How do you ship the replicas?
We ship standard replicas via UPS Ground for reliable, trackable delivery. For our larger trophy mounts, we use custom-built crates and reinforced heavy-duty boxes to ensure your museum-quality art arrives in perfect condition.
Can these be displayed outdoors?
Yes. Greg Cassell uses automotive-grade paints and UV-resistant clear coats. While our fiberglass composites are weather-proof, we recommend display under a covered patio or indoors to preserve the fine-art details for decades.
How do I clean and maintain my fish mount?
Maintenance is simple. Because we use a durable resin finish, you only need a soft, damp microfiber cloth to remove dust. Do not use harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive materials, as these can dull the hand-painted translucent details.
What if you do not have a mold for my specific fish?
We have access to thousands of first-generation molds. If you do not see your specific species or size listed, please contact us. We can often source the exact anatomical match for your catch using your provided measurements and photos.
Why choose a fiberglass replica over a traditional skin mount?
Traditional taxidermy skin mounts use organic material that will eventually degrade. Our fiberglass replicas offer archival longevity. They are cast from real fish for anatomical perfection and hand-painted to match your specific catch without the risk of rot or odors.
Do I need to keep the fish to get a mount made?
Florida Fish Mounts specializes in catch-and-release replicas. You do not need to keep your fish. Simply upload a clear photo of your catch — a side profile works best — and Greg Cassell will use it as the reference for your custom paint job. He matches your fish's specific coloration, fin condition, and markings from the photo alone.