Catching Salmon in the Pacific
Salmon fishing is one of the most popular fishing sports today and continues to grow in popularity. There are different types of salmon, each with their own unique characteristics and appeal to fishermen. The largest of the Pacific salmon is the Chinook salmon, which can grow up to 40 inches long and weigh as much as 100 pounds. The Chinook salmon are only accountable for about one percent of the salmon harvest each year.
The Sockeye, from Alaska, is the most valuable of all salmon. It grows to 24 inches in length and weighs between six and nine pounds. It makes up 25 to 30 percent of Alaska's commercial fishing. During spawning season, the males turn a beautiful red, and therefore are often called "red" salmon.
Coho's are the next (third) most valued fish. These "silvers" as they are called, because of their bright silver color, are popular in the marketplace and often sold whole. The Coho runs to about 29 inches and weighs on an average of nine pounds. The favored ways of processing them is smoking or canning.
Chum salmon aren't as good to eat as the other varieties. Consumers tend to avoid buying them when they see the pale yellow meat. Therefore they aren't considered that valuable to the fishing industry. Their average weight is 8 pounds and they can be as long as 30 inches.
At the bottom of the Pacific salmon list is the Pink. They are small and used primarily for canning. They average 22 inches and 4 pounds. They are found in greater number than the other salmon.
Sport fishermen love the charters available off the northern Pacific coast. If you enjoy fishing, think about a charter to carry you to the best salmon fishing spots. Charters often offer whale watching as well, so you can sightsee and fish while you're out. You can charter a boat for a day or a week. Choose carefully, as there are many, and you'll want to choose just the right package for you. Try for one without too many others on board. Remember, the fewer fishermen, the more fish for you.
Choose carefully and you can enjoy some great fishing - and some great tasting fish!
Flipper' Thomas is the owner of The Fat Salmon, the web's premier resource for information about Salmon, For more articles on Salmon visit: http://www.fatsalmon.com/articles
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