Social media casts a web that is almost impossible to escape. Unless you refuse to play the Facebook, Instagram and Twitter game, you can’t help but become aware of likeminded individuals spread across North America. While I don’t spend large blocks of time on social media, I have become online acquaintances with others who share my interests in the outdoors.

I mention this fact because it amazes me at how small the circle is when it comes to those sportsmen and women who really shine at their passions. I’m not talking about celebrities who have their own TV shows; I’m referring to guides, primarily, as well as people with jobs outside the industry who are recognized as the best-of-the-best when it comes to fishing and hunting.

A handful of fishing examples:

If you want to cat giant channel cats, you should visit Manitoba’s Red River and hook up with guide Donovan Pearase. He’s also the man to call when it comes to Lake Winnipeg’s giant winter walleyes.

Want to catch massive brown trout through the ice? Then book a day with Eric Haataja, who guides in the shadows of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

If scary-big alligator gar are on your bucket list, spend time in a johnboat with Henry Martin of Catching Dinosaur’s Guide Service in east Texas.

Double-digit largemouth bass? Check out guide Sean Rush, who takes clients to his honey-holes in central Florida.

Bluegills so big they look like aliens? Full-time dentist Bruce Condello from Nebraska knows how to grow them. He also travels the country visiting likeminded anglers who specialize in growing and catching panfish of mammoth proportions.

Even though the persons I’ve mentioned live across the country, they are linked via social media. These anglers take their passion for fishing to the highest level, and eventually they become acquaintances — Facebook friends-of-friends at minimum — and they enjoy keeping up to date on the latest and greatest bites and fishing trends from coast to coast.

Because conservation of the resource is a top priority for all these accomplished anglers, another common thread is their love of fish reproductions. Today, you don’t have to kill a trophy fish for the wall. And time and time again, one name keeps surfacing when this question is asked online: “Which taxidermist is best at fish reproductions?”

Meet Jimmy Lawrence

I first heard the name Jimmy Lawrence several years ago while fishing in Manitoba. My guide was telling me about his personal best walleye, which he released. “The reproduction turned out okay,” he said, “but I’m really thinking of having Jimmy Lawrence take a shot at it. From people I’ve talked to, and the fish pics I’ve seen online, Jimmy is the best.”

I made a mental note: Jimmy Lawrence.

Months later on social media, I noticed several taxidermy-themed Instagram posts from my FB friend Bruce Condello: “Jimmy Lawrence has a skill that few others possess.” “Jimmy Lawrence is the best taxidermist I've ever seen. Shocking realism.” “Jimmy Lawrence created this insanely accurate largemouth bass replica. I'm just so amazed.”

Yes, the two gentlemen I mention here are FB friends, but I’m 99 percent sure they’ve never met. Yet they share the same opinion on America’s No. 1 fish taxidermist. I had to learn more.

Lawrence Taxidermy Studio

Born and raised in southwest Iowa, Jimmy Lawrence is a one-man band, meaning he doesn’t have a team of helpers pushing fish reproductions out the door. In business since 2005, Jimmy used to mount everything from bucks and bears to bass and birds. Not any longer.

“Due to a few factors, I am no longer taking in any mammals or birds,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “From now on, I will be a FISH ONLY studio. And I am raising my fish prices to $25/inch for both skin-mount and replica fish. This will do a couple things: 

1. I will be able to focus strictly on fish, speeding up my turnaround time.

2 . I can concentrate on providing a nice product without feeling rushed, or behind, giving my customers the work they deserve from me. 

3. I will be happier, and less stressed, as this has always been the end-game anyway. 

4. I feel my fish work is worth at least this much, and don't consider this out of line for the quality and time I put into each fish.

Note: Anyone who has fish locked in with a deposit at my old rate of $20/inch, this doesn't affect you at all. And anyone with mammals here, I am still working hard to finish them up for you. Thank you for understanding!”

As stated earlier, Jimmy charges $25/inch for a standard (one-sided) fish replica. In addition, he offers pedestal fish replicas, which are finished on both sides. Because a pedestal fish replica is at least twice the work, he charges $50/inch. With a standard replica for the wall, Jimmy includes a driftwood backdrop for no additional charge. A base is included in the price when ordering a pedestal fish replica. (Click here to watch a FB video clip showcasing the pedestal smallmouth replica at the top of this page.)

What does Jimmy need to turn your released trophy fish into a lifelike replica?

“Unless you have something specific you want represented, a clear good picture of the fish is sufficient,” Jimmy advised. “Overall fish length and girth measurements, plus pics of the best side of a fish, are all I really need. But it never hurts to supply more good pics.”

Jimmy’s custom fiberglass reproductions are works of art. The photos throughout this article (bonus pics below) are proof of his talent and dedication.

Is he America’s top fish taxidermist? You be the judge. I only hope that sometime during 2019 I’m blessed with catching — and releasing — a fish worthy to give Jimmy a call. 

To learn more about Lawrence Taxidermy Studios, click here or email lawrencetaxidermy@hotmail.com. To visit Jimmy’s studio in Blockton, Iowa, call (641) 788-2108 to set up an appointment.

Check out additional photos of Jimmy’s work below. The detail is simply incredible.