Although it's already one of the most popular fishing sports, salmon fishing is still growing. Salmon come in a number of varieties, and each is a bit different from the others. Since there are so many types, fishermen usually have a favorite one or two they like to pursue. Chinook is the granddaddy of Pacific salmon, growing to as long as 40 inches and weighing up to 100 pounds. They only figure in at about 1% of the yearly salmon harvest.

In the state of Alaska the "red" or Sockeye is the most valuable. Sockeye average six to nine pounds and can grow to be 24 inches long. They make up roughly 25 to 30 percent of the commercial catch each year. Males turn a bright red when they come home to spawn, hence the nickname "red".

The Coho salmon is the third most valuable and important salmon in the fishing industry. The Coho is also known as "silvers" because of their silvery sheen. These salmon are popular in seafood markets and are often sold whole to consumers. They are great for canning and for smoking. The Coho averages about 29 inches and weights approximately 9 pounds.

Another common salmon is the Chum salmon, however these types of salmon are less valuable to fishermen because their meat is pale and yellow in comparison to the red salmon, making them less desirable to the consumer. Chum salmon can reach a length of 30 inches and weigh about 8 pounds.

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.

Check out the vast numbers of charter fishing boats available on the northern Pacific coast. Sport fishermen love to make a one-day or even week-long trip on one of these boats, hoping to come home with their limits. If you decide to try one, you may also luck out and see some whales during your trip. Gather information before you book a charter, since there are many packages available. Remember that the smaller, the better, since it limits competition for those feisty fish.

Enjoy the sea air, catching and dining on your fish!

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