Unfortunately, some fish do die. The best thing to do is find a taxidermist that needs to make molds of the large fish for reproductions. That way, your fish can help many people out when they want a repro made of their catch (also, most taxidermists will give you credit towards a mount/repro). Repros (done by a pro), IMHO are nicer than real mounts. They don't age like a real fish, and if an accident happens and you break a fin, that can be replaced. Just take good measurements and photos and make the repro...then go out and catch the fish again when it is bigger.
Two openers ago, my wife and I went out and she found a 50" pig that was run over by a boat (prop and skag mark on back). We tried to revive her for an hour, but her back was broke. All the taxidermists in my area had there molds for a 50" fish, so I gave it to one to mount in trade for a duck mount for myself. My brother had one die from heat stroke (fishing during heatwave days can really stress fish out), he was able to give it to his guy for a credit on a 53.5" repro he was having done.
