Go real or a replica?

If done properly you can't tell the difference.

This

Get a picture, measurements for length and girth then turn them loose to pass those trophy genetics on and go with a replica. The details on the fiberglass replicas today are really really good and they will way outlast a skin mount.

Getting that catfish mounted???

I would probably go replica...

No. Just anticipating the bass I'll be catching soon. 😁

He would have to go replica with the cat

Piss on a replica, get a skin mount

This! There is no other acceptable way for a scaled freshwater fish like a crappie or bass.

My sons replica looks like... we’ll just that. A plastic replica. Go real.

Depends who you go with. I’ve seen replicas that you can’t tell a difference in. Don’t go cheap with a replica.

Got my son one for a Spanish Mack he caught. Looks like a plastic toy from the Dollar Tree.
For $500.00

You probably won’t even get a bite thinking like this.

I have all skin mounts and no reproductions. The repos don't look real to me.

I would definitely go with a skin mount on almost any freshwater fish. I have tried skin mounts with saltwater fish such as tarpon and sailfish, and a replica is much better for them. There is too much trouble making a mold and the skin will eventually start leaking oil, which will cause the fish to deteriorate.