Keep fish alive in a live well or put on ice in a cooler.

DO NOT GUT YOUR FISH.

Get the total length of the fish head to tail and the total girth around the belly, measuring in the middle of the fish.

These measurements will help the taxidermist give you a better idea of your cost to have the fish mounted.

When home, wrap the fish in a wet towel making sure to have the fins against the fish’s body to prevent breakage, 
and place in a plastic trash bag. 

Lay the fish flat & freeze until ready to take to taxidermist.

A fish frozen this way can be safely kept in the freeze for months.
 
Note:
A fish will lose its coloration shortly after being caught.  A good color photograph immediately after the catch will enable
the taxidermist to duplicate the natural color tones of that particular fish.