Gyotaku

[j mo]

Gyotaku (Japanese 魚拓, from gyo "fish" + taku "rubbing") is a centuries old tradition first used by Japanese fishermen to record and preserve their catches. Like a reverse form of wood block printing, ink is applied to your catch then a special paper (rice) with high wet strength is pressed or rubbed onto your fish. Gently peel it off and you have a true one of a kind image. If you’re looking to preserve the fish of a lifetime or If you have a little one, Gyotaku is super fun, easy and a great way to spread the stoke.

Here’s what you need: Sumi Ink (black and white), sponge, brush, rice paper(it comes in rolls or sheets), and your trophy catch/favorite bait …. Cost ~ $12. (Rolls of rice paper make it easy, as you’re figuring out your technique you can just press out images and roll out the paper until you get one you like.):


Position your catch on dense poster board and make sure it’s as dry as possible taking care to remove the slime and blot up any excess moisture; this ensures the ink will adhere to the paper:


Next have your fearless assistant brush on a coat of the ink so it covers all the nooks and crannies, then tell him “there’s a lizard over there..” so as to distract him and when he’s not looking, gently use the sponge to soak up all the excess ink that was slathered on; the sponge will also help you create a mottled look with the ink.:


Let the ink dry so that there is no more sheen to it. Once dried take your rice paper and gently press it onto your specimen making sure to get the edges. Peel it back and this is what you will get:


Stoked! These will make great gifts and will look awesome framed for your home/office. I Wish I could silk screen these would make great T’s. My little guy wanted to "Goku" everything after this hahah.


PS- Wanted to Gyotaku this one, my new PB, but couldn’t find rice paper long or wide enough.


Bye the way Oolie, this is how not to hold a WSB, fingers slipped little too deep, I got the gill rakers and pic was snaped! I guess that toad got the last laugh...



Epic day/week for sure. Rushed out of work to home and loaded up, got to the beach realized I grabbed my bass tackle in haste- no irons, went to turn on my tank, no intake tube-. Got outside “man you should have seen this place at noon.…” Pit in my stomach! I was bummed, thankfully Josh gave me a Zig Zigglar style pep talk and a “lucky jig” and was on his way back to the beach with (another) super stoked client.

Shortly after had this guy on deck and sent one swimming, passed on my bait to a new friend ( who hooked up with it- awesome!)and as Kevin “The Kid” called it giggled like a 13 y/o with his first playboy all the way in. All I have to say is thank God for blind fish!