Salmon diet

Definitely a first world problem, but I got incredibly lucky and caught 2 salmon within 15 minutes of each other. The bigger one was dark red while the (slightly) smaller one was pale orange. Then about a week later, I caught one in the same place, and it was orange, but not quite as faded as the previous. That third one had the most fat and was easily the tastiest of the 3. They were all boys, btw. The picture is of the first 2.

Interesting side by side. Were both of those wild?

Yes, I believe so.

I'd think that the color would depend on diet, but it's hard to believe that those 2 would have had dramatically different diets.

I would beg to differ on the diets if they have any similarities to humans. ( trying not to make any eye contact ) 

I noticed the same variation in fish caught on the same day in Humboldt. My buddy's fish were a faded orange color. Mine were bright red. I did notice his did not have the adipose fin so maybe hatchery fish has something to do with it?

...so maybe hatchery fish has something to do with it?

Possible, as I did not think to check that closely...

My wild fish were pale.

Alex

Yeah, I was asking because I've had two salmon from Monterey this season (both wild) and they were a deep red. I would post a picture but I absolutely butchered the fillet job 

I experienced a wide range of color from my recent Shelter Cove trip-tasted the salmon rainbow so to speak and none of my fish had clipped fins.

It is my understanding that the majority of hatchery fish don't get clipped, only about 25% of them. I am very open to counterpoint on that, but was told that tidbit by a trusted source that knows the fishery.

Ah interesting. I would believe that, that probably saves A LOT of time

It is my understanding that the majority of hatchery fish don't get clipped, only about 25% of them.

Funny. I had the same feeling as well. Inexperienced hatchery fish growing up on bait fish or Krill isnt widely available ? Come to think of it. I really haven't seen any krill on the surface or murre birds feeding on them but i have seen a lot of pinehead anchovies. As far as Monterey bay is concerned

Alex

It is my understanding that the majority of hatchery fish don't get clipped, only about 25% of them.

Funny. I had the same feeling as well. Inexperienced hatchery fish growing up on bait fish or Krill isnt widely available ? Come to think of it. I really haven't seen any krill on the surface or murre birds feeding on them but i have seen a lot of pinehead anchovies. As far as Monterey bay is concerned

Alex

The fish with clipped fins have the chips in them that are collected for analysis. It would be way too labor intensive to plant chips in every one of millions of smolts. As for the feeding, I think that the feeding habits are ingrained in their DNA, so once they're out in the ocean, I'm not sure how much that would influence their diet. Though they probably get fed pellets in the hatchery so who knows...the mysteries of life....

Look at this freaking guy!   

You need to get out Bro. Get off that play station and get outside !!!   

People are starving out here and you're talking about your salmon flesh not being red enough. You dick!   

When you going out next?  I wanna follow you to your spots where you caught that chrome and hali and post it up on youtube.

Its Mr. Prick to you !!!!

I think i will start a youtube along side Sledge. " 2 old pricks "  LMAO !

 

That’s Mr Dick to you youngsters    And for those journeying up to SC I’ll be OTW Thursday super early filming the carnage… for my Bday Fn 61 having fun… and hopefully enjoying some Sledgendary Adventures hahah 

Look at this freaking guy!   

You need to get out Bro. Get off that play station and get outside !!!   

People are starving out here and you're talking about your salmon flesh not being red enough. You dick!   

When you going out next?  I wanna follow you to your spots where you caught that chrome and hali and post it up on youtube.

Its Mr. Prick to you !!!!

I think i will start a youtube along side Sledge. " 2 old pricks "  LMAO !

 

That’s Mr Dick to you youngsters    And for those journeying up to SC I’ll be OTW Thursday super early filming the carnage… for my Bday Fn 61 having fun… and hopefully enjoying some Sledgendary Adventures hahah 

Hell yeah...hope you get some Sledge!! 

Cut it all up into little smoker pieces. spine and collars and all. Head for soup.

(my Asian fam will get mad if I throw anything away.)