Chinook (King) Salmon
The largest of the Pacific Salmon, the King is Alaska's state fish, and an important sport and commercial fish. The largest on record was found in a fish trap near Petersburg in 1949 and weighed 126 pounds. We Alaskans devote many hours to the pursuit of this fish, and with good reason. A King gives an incredible fight which can often last hours. I've seen Kings take a line to the bottom of a river and just sit there, the fisherman unable to move it eventually giving up. Some people hook Kings that are just too big for them to handle, either losing it or letting someone else reel it in. It is a thrilling experience that leaves you understanding why they are called 'Kings.'
