Capt. Bill,
I am a HUGE fan of your book, what a story….AWESOME!!! Thanks for signing the copy I ordered from your web site. I also love to fish and spend time on the water. I live a about twenty miles north of Tampa. The next shark I catch and eat I would like to cut the jaws out and make my own trophy. I have no idea how to do this though. Can you help me? Do I need Formaldahide? and where do I get it? If you could let me know what steps I need to take that would so appreciated.CAPTAIN BILL’S RESPONSE:
Brian,
The most improtant thing is to be careful not to cut too close to the gum line so the teeth don’t fall out. Scrape as much meat as possible off then final with a scalpel (purchase at a surgical supply house). Then soak the jaw for about 24 hours in fresh tap water. Then do a final soaking, approximately an hour or so with hydrogen peroxide diluted 1 quart to basic bucket of water. Drain and set jaw out on plywood to begin drying. Depending on size it may a week or 2 weeks. Suggest drying in a garage, not outside where animals might get at it. You may want to clamp the jaw with c-clamps to plywood to keep the shape. When dry, I coat my jaws with clear enamel. (I only use formaldehyde to sweeten the smell, and its hard to get). Sometimes I mount my jaws on driftwood or crab trap tops. Good luck, enjoy, glad you liked the book.
Captain Bill