The Heavyweight King of the Pacific
The Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) is the largest of all Pacific salmon species, a fact that has earned it the name "King" among anglers from the Kenai River to the Pacific coast. A mature Chinook carries real weight in its size, in the fight it delivers, and in what it means to the angler who lands one. Florida Fish Mounts, based in Cocoa, Florida, is the shop of artist Greg Cassell. We specialize in custom-painted fiberglass Chinook replicas that preserve the specific fish you caught, at the size you caught it, as a permanent piece of lodge décor.
Anatomical Accuracy with a 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 and scale definition are never diluted by the industry practice of copying a copy. A Chinook is identified in the field by its black gums and the irregular spots across its back and both lobes of the caudal fin. That two-lobe spotting pattern is what separates the Chinook from the Coho. Greg treats each mount as a species-specific project, applying high-grade pigments that carry a depth and iridescent light-response standard taxidermy paints lack. Whether your fish was a chrome sea-run specimen carrying the full silver of the ocean phase, or a river-bound trophy in deep olive and maroon, the spotting distribution and body hues are hand-painted to match.
The Modern Solution: Eat Your Catch and Mount the Memory
A fiberglass replica gives you the trophy without requiring you to choose between the wall and the dinner table. Chinook are prized for their rich, buttery fillets and high fat content. A fiberglass mount means your catch goes to the grill while the replica goes on the wall. Traditional skin mounts are a particularly poor choice for Chinook for a specific biological reason: they are the oiliest of all salmonids. Their skin carries high concentrations of natural fats that no sealant fully contains. Over time, those fats migrate through the paint layer in a process called grease bleed. This causes permanent yellowing, surface shrinkage, and a persistent odor as the organic material breaks down. Greg's fiberglass process eliminates this 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 Chinook. 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 Chinook Salmon is available in sizes ranging from 26 to 61 inches. Pricing is based on the mount style and length you select, starting at $260 for this species. Your final price updates automatically once your selections are made. Proceed through checkout to secure your place in Greg's shop schedule.
