Someone didn’t clip their fish...

Most of the fish (coho) I've caught this year have had empty bellies. Just an observation. Here's one from the beach this morning.

Workhard: thanks for the information about the tag, and for making me aware of your post from last year. Lots of neat things to read about in that post, and some really cool links. I'll see if the fish counter folks are at the marina next time I get some hatchery fish.

Pixster: I've wondered that. Is there any rock-solid way to discern a resident from an ocean run coho? Given the PCB issues associated with 'Pooget' sound fish, I'd like to avoid retaining the residents.

AndyFishes: I've noticed the same thing. I've interacted with the stomachs of 6 pinks and 6 coho -- only one pink had food in it's belly. I've wondered if I'm only getting sick fish who are less able to catch food, which makes them more likely to bite at a piece of metal.

Most of the fish (coho) I've caught this year have had empty bellies. Just an observation. Here's one from the beach this morning.

Same here - both of my hatchery silvers were empty. Strange because it's not like there's a scarcity of bait fish. In fact I've actually snagged 3 shakers so far while trolling off of Meadow Point. My fish appeared healthy as far as I could tell, except for the smaller-than-normal size. The last one I caught was a female - not even any sea lice and the fillets didn't look wormy or anything.

Fish checker at Shilshole found a tag in an unmarked fish that I caught a few years ago. They sent me the info--I think I remember it coming from a Lake Washington hatchery. They're at the boat ramp most days this time of year.