Luke Filmer and Blackwater Fish Replicas

Blackwater Fish Replicas films new promotional video with SMG Productions

Luke Filmer — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:25:40 +0000

Similar to “reading the water” before each cast, choosing a marketing approach uses the same principles of patience, experience and determination. Blackwater Fish Replicas starts each new Year with the goal of improving our marketing outreach by continuing our strategy of building relationships with lodges, fishing guides, and forming partnerships with media outlets that feature stories about the outdoors, fishing, or wildlife art.

Steelhead Fish Replica wall display from Blackwater Fish Replicas

After reviewing the current videos on Blackwater’s website several things became apparent. The art featured in the videos are fish replicas created and painted over ten years ago. These art pieces do not reflect how Luke’s painting style has evolved over the years. The videos also do not reflect Blackwater Fish Replicas growing reputation as one of the top industry choices in fish replica paintings, …and finally - Luke has not had a mustache since 2002!

2012 Blackwater Fish Replica video shoot

The decision to work with Keven Strehle of SMG Productions for our new promotional video was effortless. Luke and Keven have been friends since Keven produced the first Blackwater promotional video over ten years ago. Both share the same passion for perfection in their craft, and with 21 Emmys and a reputation for excellence in the film industry, working with SMG Productions was a natural fit. To catch the morning light Keven and his crew set-up at dawn and spend six hours filming Luke working in his studio while sharing his passion to sculpt and paint fish replicas for his clients.

2012 Video Interview with Luke Filmer

Due for completion in February, the 10-15 minute promotional video will go out to our lodging and fishing industry partners we collaborate with on referrals. Blackwater Fish Replicas also invites all media contacts interested in partnering with us on content that appeals to their target audience, which have a passion for the outdoors, fishing, or fine-art.

Stay Tuned! – Luke & Carola Filmer

Email Marketing Coordinator at carola@blackwatertrading.com

Steelhead Fish Replica

Luke Filmer — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:41:01 +0000

28lb. Steelhead Fish Replica featured on stream

Fishing Memories with Grandpa…

Luke Filmer — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:36:28 +0000

Lake Michigan King Salmon 1980

Chad contacted Luke Filmer of Blackwater Fish Replicas to create two fiberglass replica fish mounts of Great Lakes fish he caught in his youth with his grandfather. At 95 Chad’s grandfather’s health started to fail, and Chad wanted a continuous reminder of his grandpa and their fishing adventures featured on his office wall. He contacted Luke Filmer and described the details of each fish, and provided photos taken in the 80′s – hoping that Luke could capture the physical features and essence creating one salmon and one steelhead fiberglass fish replica. (See Chad’s Testimonial Below).

Lake Michigan King Salmon Replica - Blackwater Fish Replicas - 2011

Chad with Grandpa and Great Lakes Steelhead

Great Lakes Steelhead Fish Replica by Luke Filmer

Testimonial – Chad N., Pleasant Prairie, WI

“Luke, I just wanted to send you a note once again thanking you for sharing your artistic talent with me. I have recently received the chinook replica and steelhead replica you completed and I could not be more pleased with them. Your meticulous attention to detail on every individually painted scale and conscientious use of color resulted in a creation that is second only to God’s original handiwork.

Carola, I also wanted to thank you for the time spent with me in conversation to learn about the process to create a fiberglass fish replica of my fish, and helping me to understand exactly what I was looking to accomplish with the project. Provided with only faded photos and roughly remembered dimensions, you and Luke overcame the challenge of trying to capture the precise look of my prized catches that were landed over 20 years ago.

As we discussed, these fish were among the many caught in my youth while fishing nearly every day each summer with my grandfather on Lake Michigan. Fishing together, we were known by the handles of “Papa Chinook” and “Little Chinook” because he was the oldest and I the youngest of the fisherman that launched from our little small town dock in Wisconsin. Sadly, grandpa recently passed away this summer at the age of 95. Even though my family and I were blessed to have him with us for so many years, I still miss him greatly. Please know that although both the “king and rainbow were real dandies” (as Papa Chinook described them), your work does more than capture their beauty—it provides a visual reminder for me every day of the many hours grandpa and I spent trolling the lake together and the relationship that spawned from that time on the water. I sincerely hope that you continue to share your artistic talent with others for many years—it’s a gift that truly aids in the preservation of lifelong, meaningful memories.

With great appreciation,

Chad“Little Chinook”

King and Steelhead Salmon in Chad's Office

Coho Salmon Fish Replicas

Luke Filmer — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:22:54 +0000

I wanted to share with you photos of my favorite fish to catch and paint, the Coho Salmon. I like fishing for silver salmon because of their strength, their ability to leap, and the beauty of the fish itself. I consider them a northwest treasure. I get many orders to customize coho salmon fish replicas from clients all over the country. To see more photos of fish replicas I have customized for my clients over the years visit my website at www.blackwaterfishreplicas.com or www.lukefilmer.com.

Pink has always been my first choice when fishing for Coho Salmon, but I won't hesitate to switch colors or change tactics when these fish become "finicky".

This photo reveals the sheer number of Salmon you may encounter in a single school of fish staging in the saltwater before their journey upstream. (look closely to see multiple spashes) - Luke Filmer

This Silver Salmon fish replica display was custom designed for my client to fit on his eight-inch wide fireplace mantel.

This Silver Salmon fish replica was designed to showcase not only the fish, but also feature the Salmon fish replica within a wild Alaskan river streambed habitat wall mount display.

Custom Coho Salmon pedestal style created in a simple yet elegant twist of wood upon river-rock. This custom table-top version of a 10lb. Salmon replica allowed my client to display this on a conference table in his office. I chose the downward curve to minimize space as well as emphasize synergy with movement. - Luke Filmer

One of my favorite art pieces, this double Silver Salmon fish replica display features two fish in the 20lb. class. My client shared with me his desire to combine elements of the Pacific Northwest, vibrant colors, and his love for fishing all in one fish replica wall piece. I used the bright silver and the motion of the fish along with brightly colored starfish, shells, and kelp against a dark rock background to achieve what I feel is a true commemorative fish art piece. He loved it! - Luke Filmer

My passion for fishing is out-weighed only by my desire to paint fish replicas. - Luke Filmer

I am currently working on a triple Salmon fish replica wall display. These three Salmon will be featured on a streambed wall mount. I plan to have this completed by November 2011. Stay tuned for photos! – Luke

Testimonial – The Fine-Art of Alaska Fishing

Luke Filmer — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:36:23 +0000

Since about 2002, Bob and Corey Ball, owners of Piscatorial Pursuits, have never failed to put us onto fish on the Kenai, Kasilof or the ocean! Ronnie got his fish of a lifetime ( thus far that is, as we will return to Alaska again!) and I was lucky enough to catch this Yellow Eyed Rockfish. Such beauty lies beneath the waves of Alaska, as well as above. The Yellow Eyed Rockfish was just too beautiful not to get a replica made. Ronnie’s fish, yep, a replica of that fish was done, as well. Per Bob Ball’s suggestion, that is where I came in contact with Luke Filmer, Owner of Blackwater Fish Replicas.

Alaskan Rockfish Replica

Luke Filmer is a fish artist second to none! I will be getting ALL of my family and friends’ fish replicas done by Luke, period! Both fish were outstanding. The Yellow Eyed Rockfish replica was mounted on a stand with Alaskan rock, starfish, and mussels. The photos will not bring forth this 3 dimensional representation of such a beautiful fish. This rockfish replica means more to me than just an object of ”bragging rights.” The fish looks as though it is alive and swimming in the depths of Alaska. It is a skillful representation to me of not only a fantastic piece of art, it is a reminder of every trip I have ever taken to Alaska. A reminder of every experience I have had in Alaska. Every single time I pass by that beautiful fish, I am reminded of our trip together with my niece, Mary Jo and her husband, Ronnie. As the years pass, the hair grays–just a bit at 54, from now until those so-called reclining years to come, that fish will evoke memories of Alaska and the skill Luke used to represent it.

Alaskan Spawning Fish Replica Luke Filmer

How can you tell if I am telling the truth about Luke Filmer and his artistic skills? Well, later on this fall you can see Luke’s finished work he is doing for me, applying his artistic skills to a Ling Cod fish replica mount, then a Silver, Pink and Sockeye Salmon fish replica display that are both currently being created for me by Luke. Next: I am thinking about the 21″ and 23″ Brook Trout Lili and I caught from the God’s River, in Manitoba. – Joe A. Lake Havasu City, AZ.

Mission Lodge Grayling Fish Replica

Luke Filmer — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 22:08:47 +0000

My most recent art consignment was to create a replica of a 23″ Arctic Grayling. The photos supplied indicated a very “blueish” color in this fish.

Alaskan Grayling Fish

Grayling are found throughout the Rocky Mountain states as well as Canada, however, the Arctic Grayling is a very unique strain. With this fish the blue coloration is enhanced particularly when they are in spawning mode. I worked hard to capture that blue tint but also stayed focused on building the scales on the fish in a realistic fashion.

Once I completed the grayling fish replica, I took the time to go through my driftwood collection to find just the right piece that would not only match the habitat the fish was caught in, but would enhance the atmosphere in Mission Lodge.

Arctic Grayling Fish Replica Display for Mission Lodge, Alaska

Arctic Grayling Fish Replica FACE 2011

Philippa’s Gift…

Luke Filmer — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 20:58:44 +0000

June 19, 2011…

Jim Y. - Steelhead Fish Replica Display

Gary from Red’s Fly Shop called Luke earlier this year to let us know that he was working with a lady who wanted to purchase a steelhead replica for her husband. Her husband caught a beautiful steelhead and she knew he wanted his memory of that trophy fish preserved with a fiberglass fish replica.

Jim Y. with Red's Fly Shop Steelhead Referral

Gary told her about Luke/Blackwater Fish Replicas and encouraged her to visit our website to view photos of Luke’s art work. Philippa called and worked with me (Carola) on a design that would enhance the fish while fitting nicely into the interior decor of their home. She planned on surprising her husband with the replica for father’s day. Here is testimonial we received today… Testimonial June 19, 2011: “Jim loved his fish! He said that it was “fantastic.” We will post some photos later”

Click on photo for larger image and zoom in!

May 2011 Testimonials

Luke Filmer — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 21:47:28 +0000

2011 Olympic Peninsula King

Wayne with Olympic Peninsula King

WOW! That’s the only thing you missed, the” WOW” when I unwrapped Mr. Fish. I’m impressed. It’s great. It’s still going to be a couple more days before I make a final decision on where to hang it, so there’s still more “WOW” to come. Once on the wall I’ll really be able to admire your skill and the attention to detail used on the piece. No problem with the shipping.

As soon as I hang it I’ll take several pictures and route them your way. If you have any clients or potential clients in the area that would like to see this piece please don’t hesitate to let me know as I would be more then willing to show off my catch that you turned into a work of art. – Wayne O., Houston TX

Andrew H. with Brown Trout

Brown Trout Replica on Streambed Habitat

“Luke has always produced a special, detailed, and memorable replica. He works with the customer to best understand what they are hoping to acheive and then utilizes his own personal creativity and talent to forge an incredible piece of art. Luke created a beautiful brown trout and largemouth bass replica for me. They both were much more then I expected. The detail can not be matched. He is my first thought after catching any trophy fish and my first recommendation for anyone looking for a truly unique replica.” – Andrew H., Southbury CT.

: LM Bass Replica on Driftwood Enhancement