My Best Chinook Salmon of 2013

Umpqua Hunter

Umpqua Hunter

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May 26, 2011
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Got back from a trophy chinook salmon fishery here in Oregon. it was a brand new area for me and took two days before I got dialed in. On the third day I landed a 20 pounder, and released it, then kept this 32 pound Chinook for my one fish limit on the ocean. I came in and fished the river and got a second Chinook, about 17 pounds.

This may be about the end of salmon fishing for 2013. I think I'm gonna have withdrawals!


 
Umpqua Hunter

Umpqua Hunter

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May 26, 2011
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CrimsonArrow said:
Nice fish. Do you prefer them smoked or grilled?
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Yep......both ways :D

I'm a little worried, I've been a hunting fanatic for 30 years, but the last two, I've been totally "hooked" on fishing for chinooks. Only 2-4 hours from home we have some world class fall chinook salmon fishing and the season on various rivers lasts for 6 months. I'll hafta start hunting in late October, November and December...lol.

The funny thing is I was wrapping my arm in the leader to lift this fish's head to the surface and remove the hooks. When he rolled over, I realized he was a much better fish than I thought so I grabbed the net. We have the dates blocked out for next year, and hopefully we will get a 40+ pounder.
 
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Colorado Cowboy

Colorado Cowboy

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Jun 8, 2011
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King Salmon1.jpg

Great fish. I have attached a picture of my first King (Chinook) caught in 1956 when I was 15. My Dad and I caught 3, biggest was #36, mine was #29. We caught them of Ft. Bragg, Ca in a rental skiff. I have caught several more off Southern Calif in my own boat too. It's easy to get hooked on fishing with longer seasons and if you live near the ocean, some great fishing. I've caught Marlin, Tuna and all type of fish in my own boat from Baja to Washington. I love fresh salmon steaks on the BBQ. They just don't seem to be as good after being frozen.
 
Musket Man

Musket Man

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Jul 20, 2011
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Nice old pic CC! Is that pretty normal size for them? I really dont know much about them and have never fished much at all but when I think of salmon I think of a 10lb fish.
 
Umpqua Hunter

Umpqua Hunter

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Ikeepitcold said:
Holy crap Jim! So when can Travis and I come for a fishing trip?
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Trent, you and Travis should definitely come up and do it! Travis and I almost made it happen this year. Anytime between July 15 and October 15 it should be good chinook fishing somewhere on the southern Oregon coast. Chinooks average 16 to 22 pounds. We got two over 30 pounds this year and had a huge 40+ pound fish to the boat before the hooks pulled.
 
sjsmallfield

sjsmallfield

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Feb 22, 2011
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That is an awesom fish UH. I think the biggest I've boated was only about 16-18lbs. But then again I've only been out a couple times. They are a blast to fish for though. Congrats!
 
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