I am going to attempt to make a gumpaste fisherman, with a boat catching a fish for my husband's birthday. I have never worked with gumpaste before. Any tips or suggestions to make it go easier for me?

Plan out the individual pieces you will need to make ahead of time. It dries quickly so work fast.

Is there a way to slow the drying? Like covering in damp towels?

i dunno. never tried.

Mix gumpaste and fondant 50/50 and you will have slower drying process but still a good paste for modelling

Thanks! I'll try that. Also is there anything I need to know about how long and how to keep them once I have them molded?

Just keep them in a dry and prefferably dust free place. Also keep away from light both sun light and indoor lighting since that might affect the colors badly. Good luck!

Wilton fondant words well and dries hard, just put the fondant your not working with in a zip lock.