Do you know what kind of fish this is? Can you assess its
approximate weight? Can you differentiate between males and females? Can
you see if this fish is “marked” or “un-marked”?
Are you able figure out what the relative length of it is? Do you know if
this fish is a Native or Hatchery reared fish? These are some critical questions
that all informed anglers must know especially when talking to a game-warden
or fisheries officer.
All of these questions can be answered by merely looking at the fish "if"
you know what to look for with regard to each species.
It seems like a small thing but year after year novice anglers
show me that understanding the physical nuances of species identification
is something not to be taken lightly. Every year there are those who swear
to me that a black-mouth (two year-old Chinook) and Chinook are two separate
species when they are in fact one-in-the-same. In the field it’s hard
to convince someone that each species of fish have their own distinguishing
marks. This section of the site will discuss in great detail about the marked
differences between each species of fish and tricks to identify each in the
field for all anglers that aren’t sure about their catches. There are
ways to figure out all the questions that a natural resource officer might
ask, and it's vital to be ready. Fish and game officers absolutely do not
forgive ignorance when it comes to doing their jobs. You have to understand;
they've heard all kinds of excuses from poachers and cannot take the chance
that any illegal activities are taking place even in the presence of honest
ignorance. Don't be offended at a fisheries officer’s indifference when
he or she speaks with you. A kind tone and informed knowledge go a long way
with putting officers at ease. These pages will show you some really cool
tricks to figure out all the answers and in doing so will actually translate
into more fish on the hook. There is complimentary information in the "Articles"
and "Tips" pages of the site too.
