True gourmets and true fishing enthusiasts are well known for Chinook salmon. What it is? Chinook salmon is the most common fish species from the Salmonidae family. Most often, it reaches a size of 90 cm, it can grow up to 1.47 m off the American coast, and within 1.8 m in Kamchatka waters. The history of fishing indicates that the weight of the largest caught chinook salmon was 61.2 kg.
Chinook salmon is especially popular among Americans. "What it is?" - you will take an interest in them and you will hear in reply that it is a royal salmon (King Salmon). This fish is appreciated for its excellent taste. Japanese salmon causes no less excitement. What is it, every fisherman knows there. In Japan, she was given a title close to the American one - “prince of salmon”.
The appearance of the fish
Chinook salmon has a large head and a strong torpedo-shaped body. In the sea, her color is quite discreet. The back is dark, with a green-olive tint, the sides and belly are silver. There are small dark spots on the lateral line of the back, on the tail and dorsal fin. There is a distinctive black stripe between the head and body.
Chinook salmon has more gill rays than other members of the Salmon family. Sometimes a small individual of this fish can be confused with coho salmon. However, there is a feature that distinguishes Chinook salmon from it. What is this difference, only experienced fishermen know. Firstly, Chinook salmon has dark spots on both sides of the caudal fin. Secondly, the gum on the lower jaw is black.
Entering the river just before spawning, Chinook salmon changes its color to brighter and more attractive. Her back turns black, with almost no stripes, and her body turns red-brown. In addition, fang-shaped teeth appear in fish. Males acquire slightly curved jaws.
Fishing
Fishing for chinook salmon is considered a difficult task, because it requires special endurance and patience. Rarely, a fisherman manages to immediately get into the school. Often you have to make a large number of empty postings and catch carefully deep reaches of the river in order to have at least one bite. Not for nothing that two or three bites of Chinook salmon is already good, and caught fish is generally a great success.
What to catch
Chinook salmon is one of the most interesting objects for fishing sports. What to catch it on is the main question of anglers, because this fish is very strong. Most often, Chinook salmon is caught with spinners with metal spinners, which should rotate and be large (6 x 4 cm). The metal of the spinner must be polished, and its fastening is very durable. As a hook, you should use only a tee, the size of which is at least No. 12. In order to make the lure more noticeable for fish, bright beads are hung on it, and color plumage is placed on the tee. As for the fishing line, it should be at least 0.8 mm in diameter. Spinning is also equipped with a separate leash, where weights are placed.
Chinook salmon fishing is the most interesting fishing for many men. She gives them a chance to "compete" with a worthy opponent. Salmon is the most powerful freshwater fish. In addition, he is very hardy, therefore, to pull him out of the water, the fisherman should make a lot of effort.