Any body know where I could get ahold of some halibut skin to back a bow with? saw a picture of a bow backed with fish skin and it looked really cool

I'm curious? Why Halibut skin, dark grey on one side white on the other?

just a thought

Google sharkskin, shagreen. It would be allot easier to get. It is actually stingray skin. It has a pattern and you can find it dyed or natural.

I might could get you some.  I dont charter fish anymore but I still know a few who do.   It is kinda bland in color as mentioned.

This is a sinew backed osage bow made by Jay Massey that was given to me by a friend. It has a halibut skin over the sinew. Not the prettiest for decoration but effective camo for a hunting bow.

Halibut is a great bow backing. It is lighter in weight then raw hide, yet tough enough when dried to offer good protection. As far as looking bland, well scheck out this one that I made a while back. Check with canneries or charter boats they often toss the skins and you can probably have some frozen packed and shipped to you.
Here is the link to the post that I made on this bow on this forum.

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=002592

Keenan, Wow!!

That looks great with the lite wood for contrast.

How did you cure the skins. I love to catch butts but never even thought about the skins? I fish here from a kayak in spring and early summer. I might try to save the skins if I new how to do it.

Lee, I can get you some when the butts show up. I'm in SE Alaska and they are pretty common here but this isn't the best time of year to get them.  I have some set aside for a bow thats in the works I hope to use some lingcod as well.

What length would you need and where do you need them sent to?  Are you looking for just the top side or do you want the white belly side as well?  How would you want them prepped before I shipped them?  I could vacuum seal them and send them frozen, would that work for you?  

Let me know how I can help you out.  This summer I'll be able to get as much as you need.

The best way to prep fish skins is to flesh, then dry on a board. I use an air stapler to staple down the edges as I stretch them, flesh side down. When dried just cut inside the staples with a razor knife and roll them up and store, till ready to glue on. Then just reconstitute them in a glue/water.  Do not salt them,ever.

Also the underside that is white will turn translusent as it dries.

Thanks guys! That shark skin does look really cool. Would it hold down splinters? Thanks AkDan and pow-Bow, that would be great! I would pay for some plus shipping.

Lee, PM me an address.  This is not a good time of year to get butts.  This spring/summer I can get all you need.  Send me a reminder in a couple months so I don't forget.  I won't take money for it, I'm happy to get it for you.