SALMON, PINK
Pink Salmon is a species of anadromous fish in the salmon family. It is the smallest and most abundant of the Pacific salmon. As with all members of the salmon family, Pink Salmon are coldwater fish. They are also the most numerous Pacific Salmon and have been harvested and canned commercially in Alaska since the late 1800’s.
In the ocean, Pink Salmon are bright silver fish. After returning to their spawning streams, their coloring changes to pale grey on the back with yellowish-white belly (although some turn an overall dull green color). As with all salmon, in addition to the dorsal fin, they also have an adipose fin. The fish is characterized by a white mouth with black gums, no teeth on the tongue, large oval-shaped black spots on the back, a v-shaped tail, and an anal fin with 13-17 soft rays. During their spawning migration, males develop a pronounced humped back, hence their nickname "humpies". Pink Salmon average 4.8 pounds (2.2 kg) in weight. The maximum recorded size was 30 inches (76 cm) and 15 pounds (6.8 kg).
They will often chase colourful lures, jigs and flies without any hesitation. Some of Pink Salmon's favorite colours include pink, red, orange and green. Some lures that you may want to try out include Gibbs Croc and Koho spoons, Apex, Deadly Dick, Buzz Bomb, spin n glow, wool and pink worm.The rod and reel set up for pink salmon should not be too heavy, otherwise it takes away the fun. Since the fish are not very big, your fishing line should be between 6 and 10lb(2.72- 4.53kg) test. The rods should be light to medium action, flexible is ideal. If you are spinning, then a 6 foot(1.82m) rod is good enough. If you are drifting in streams, a 10 foot(3.04m) rod is necessary for you to be able to fish comfortably. For flyfishing, depending on the condition of the waters you are fishing in (current, depth), a 5 or 6 weight rod is strong enough.
Internationally
The species is native to Pacific and Arctic coastal waters from the Sacramento River in northern California to the Mackenzie River in Canada; and in the west from the Lena River in Siberia to Korea. Populations in Asia occur as far south as Honshu in Japan. Pink salmon were introduced into the Great Lakes and in Iran.