quote Basspro69: "This is only my opinion but if I could set the slot limit, all Pike over 25 inches would be catch and release in specific lakes, they are so crucial to maintaining a healthy population of all species, especially panfish, and the really large Pike keep the watershed from getting overrun by small stunted panhandle pike.On lakes that already have a stunted population I would triple how many pike you could keep under 25 inches until the fishery stabilized.For those that want to keep a trophy, Replicas are so realisitic theses days, and unlike skin mounts they dont decay over time. Keeping the superior genetics of trophy fish in any given watershed will ensure healthy populations of big fish for the future."

Great comment! I've never kept a trophy fish (walleye, pike, bass, or laker) to either eat or mount. But, if my sons were ever to catch a trophy, I'd like to get a mount and surprise them.

My question for those who know about replica mounts: Where is a good place to get a replica and how much does it cost?

Fish replicas Theres many out there, this is one of the better outfits.

Pine Knot- if you decide to go this route (and I encourage it), make sure you take some good photos (for coloration and body shape) and some good measurements including length and girth at a couple of spots including the widest. I suggest carrying a seamstress' tape measure to use.

Yup...I've carried a seamstress tape a few years now...small and handy.

Replicas are the way to go, even if only for the fact that they last longer. Of course, releasing the fish is a great deal too.

If I ever do catch a fish that I feel I need a replica of, there is only one guy I'd (personally) take it to: Joshua Knuth Taxidermy

Artistic Angler's in Duluth is very good.

In the spring of '10, I caught a 10lb. LMB for home waters. Weighed it, measured it, photo-ed it, and released her. Sent all of this to Bass Pro, and about a month later I got my prize. Looked, and still looks, like the moment I pulled her from the water. Cost: about $275. Never kill a trophy, the loss of the genetics to a fishery is devastating. That's sorta the beauty of the BWCA: the possibility of getting a trophy out in relatively good shape is poor at best. Camera, tape measure and scale: tools in my tackle box.

Thx for the advice, guys. Looks like the cost is $300 give or take. I'll have to start saving some $$ for my boys.