You showed great patience before hooking the first king of the year. It's important to keep a good attitude when the action is slow. That way you're ready when it happens. You're a great guy Captain Zac and would be a pleasure to hang out and fish with. Is there a noticeable taste difference between a white king and a "normal" king? Thanks for bringing us along Captain Zac!
Hi Steve thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! I appreciate the kind words - patience is a must with these kings! When cooked normally (e.g., baked, pan fried) I don't find a big taste difference between regular and white kings, however, when smoked, white kings to reveal a rich flavor that is a little more oily and intense than a typical king. This fish went right to the smoker and was delicious (I'll have a short video of that coming soon)! Many thanks once again for tuning in and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Hi Alonso many thanks for tuning in and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! Yes indeed - it was so cool seeing how excited those little guys were to catch (and show off!) those nice king salmon! All the best and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Hi Tony many thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! Haha while Alaska has tons of daylight during the summer, I'd say it is "dark as buggery" during the winter! Thanks again for tuning in and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
For this video, I will call you Captain Jack! 🤣. Tough bite out there, and tough landing on that king. Seems that it’s been a while since you netted your last fish. LOL. It was great to see other anglers out there of the younger future generations. Always great to get those kids outdoors and get them out to enjoy our great passion for fishing. Opening day seems to bring out everyone to the party, no matter where you fish. Hopefully next trip you get into a few mature kings. Go get them Zac! 👍🇨🇦
Haha hi Adrian many thanks for tuning in and that Captain Jack nickname is perfectly fitting for this video! Yea that was a real hack job on the net but fortunately I got away with that mistake and was still able to land the fish. I picked up a very nice fish this past weekend and the net job was flawless so I must have shaken off the rust! Yes indeed - seeing those kids so excited to catch (and show off) their king salmon was pretty awesome. The future generation! Thanks again for watching and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Hi Scoopeddad Drone thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! That's awesome you get a strong run of white kings in your area! I find that they are especially delicious when smoked - really brings out the rich oily flavor! Thanks again for tuning in and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Good job Captain, and nice surprise at the fillet table. All I’ve caught after my first is a bunch of Jacks. Did catch a Hali trolling. That was nice. Good luck and tight lines!
Thanks Midnight Sun! Seems like the fishing is still somewhat slow but I'm glad you hear you crossed paths with a Hali! I bet that got your heart rate up! I trolled a decent amount yesterday in two of the popular areas and didn't even see a fish caught - SUPER SLOW. I had one solid hit and reeled up a herring head - amazing how easily they can miss those two hooks! Good luck out there and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
There is a river called the White Salmon in South Central Washington State named for these fish. I have never caught one, or even heard of anyone who has. I assume they were fished out years ago. I did catch alot of Coho on that river though. It was more like bass fishing. You walk along the bank throwing spinners out at the milfoil lines (seaweed type plants) and along any structure in the river....even right at your feet!
Hi Aaron thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this white king action! Thanks for the info re: the White Salmon River - how cool. I just caught a white king a few days ago actually so there are still a few swimming around up here in Alaska! Tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Saw you at the cleaning table Sunday night. I was in the White North River. Lost two last night and got one king. I don't they are quite in yet. All we can do is keep fishing. Good luck on the water.
Hi Midnight Sun many thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! That's awesome we crossed paths! Sounds like you are having some decent action if you had three hookups in a session - congrats on boating one king! I agree the bite overall is still pretty slow. I picked up a nice 18-pounder last weekend but overall still really having to work for bites. I'll be out there for a decent trolling session this afternoon so hopefully the stars will align. Best of luck out there on the water and I would love to hear how things pick up for you in the coming weeks! Tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
@@midnightsun7166 haha yes indeed! I'm going to run out and do some halibut fishing tomorrow AM but may circle back to the kings if we get our limit quickly. Definitely drop me an email - would be great to connect! captainzac@fromrodtotable.com
I will be up in the Petersburg area at the end of August, Can't wait to get on some big Halibut and silver Salmon. Your videos have taught me a lot about the ins and outs of Alaska fishing. Thank you!
Hi Joe many thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed this salmon footage and that you are finding my videos helpful! Sounds like a cool trip - are you going to one of the local lodges? Green Rocks? Island Point? The silvers should be running strong in that area (especially the blind slough) as the August proceeds. You might benefit of having a read through my halibut tips prior to your trip. Petersburg is an awesome area! fromrodtotable.com/fishing/halibut-fishing-tips/ Good luck in August! All the best and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
@@CaptainZac Hey! Yes! We are staying at Island point. I went last year and didnt get a 100+ pound Halibut, so I am taking another swing at it this year! Lookking forward to the silvers too. I think I have gone through all your videos, but I will look through them again before August. Fair winds and calm seas!
@@Meldek37 Hey Joe that's awesome! I'm friends with the lodge owner next door (Green Rocks) and may actually be heading to there in later August. What week will you be there?
Hey Ryan thanks for tuning in and I'm glad you enjoyed this king salmon action! Yes indeed - I'm super excited for the derby next weekend! There will be tons of anglers on the water and lots of fish caught for a great cause! Do you have salmon or halibut derbies in Seward? Tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Hi Piscatorian many thanks watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon and cod footage! Ah best of luck on the sound next week! I'm dropping a video this morning of an 18-lb king I caught recently - perhaps that'll provide some inspiration! Thanks again for tuning in and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Another awesome video captain Zac yea indeed about netting the salmon been there done that and lost some nice fish. The white king salmon to me taste better then the red color salmon it’s not as some people say fishy but they are good eating glad you got your first fish for the year up there here in Washington state we get a change for a early fish quoter of only 456 kings or when it’s met it closes on June 16 I’m hoping this year I can get one last year was terrible. Again thanks for sharing your awesome video with us till next time tight lines my friend
Hi Carlos many thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! Yes indeed - it is a total heartbreak when you lose a nice king due to a net malfunction! I 100% agree with you about how tasty white kings are, especially smoked! Geeze - sorry to hear about the terrible runs but hopefully there is a better return this year and you are able to cross paths with a nice king! All the best and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Is there a difference in taste with a white King Salmon as opposed to the normal pink color? Appreciate that you take the time to film with all the craziness of trying to land the fish.
Hi Ben thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon action! Yes there is - I find that the white kings are even more flavorful than normal pink/red colored salmon, especially when smoked! It is always a bonus to discover that you have harvested a white king when you are at the fillet table cleaning your catch! All the best and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Hey there Clayton great to hear from you and many thanks for tuning in! Wow CONGRATS on the nice 22lb white king last year - I bet that was delicious! I find that white kings are especially good smoked, which brings out that rich oily flavor even more. Were you fishing in a river or trolling in the saltwater when you caught that nice one? Thanks again for watching and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Hi Simon and git invader - the king salmon seasons are heavily regulated and vary year to year based on the run. The spring fishing (in May) when they naturally return has been closed in recent years. There are select "terminal fisheries" such as the one near Juneau that allow for additional harvest of kings later in the season (for instance, this year a local terminal king salmon fishery opened up on June 1. The other salmon seasons are more about when they show up vs. the specific regulatory opening. As you can see in the regs, they are open all year (but of course you can't catch a fish that isn't there - and the run times are very specific). www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/regulations/fishregulations/PDFs/southeast/2021se_sfregs_general_saltwater.pdf To give you a sense of the run times: fromrodtotable.com/fishing/salmon-fishing-tips/ All the best and tight lines! Captain Zac
@@CaptainZac Thanks Zac, very informative. As long as we respect the power of nature and natural resources conservation, we can enjoy our fishing all the time.
Hi tlpoutdoorsman thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! That's an interesting point - I agree it is important to let them take it. When I pulled this up the herring was already devoured though so I'm not sure if this fish would have come back to strike just a herring head. Perhaps if I waited another minute of two that would have given me the answer (to your point)! haha Calm seas and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Hey Zac it’s Matt here from down in San Francisco...congrats on the first salmon of 2021! Bummed I couldn’t get back up there last summer, hoping to come up here in the next t couple of months wondering what good timing would look like in your opinion? Thanks and tight lines 🍣
Hey Matt great to hear from you and thanks for tuning in - glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! Yea that is too bad things got messed up last year. The kings will be around in the terminal fishery until late June and then by July the pinks and silvers will start to show up. As July goes on the silver fishing will get better and better. By August the silver fishing will be on fire in the saltwater. By late August and early September, the silvers will be stacked up in a couple of key places (near the hatchery, streams, etc.) and easily fished from shore. "Feeder Kings" are available when trolling the salt as well but the annual limit on king salmon (excluding the terminal fishery) is so restrictive that I always save my harvested kings for the salmon derby. Next year I'll qualify for residency status so that won't be an issue anymore. Tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Hi skikid00 many thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon video! These are Pro-troll Roto Clips - most sporting goods stores have them (such as Sportsman's Warehouse) or you can buy them online (Cabelas, Amazon, etc.). Here is the company website: www.protroll.com/the-roto-chip-5a All the best and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Hey Steven many thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! Yes indeed I hope you get into a white king when you fish up here in a few weeks! I prefer 15ft. I'll go as low as 10ft if the current is ripping and I'm trying to make a lot of turns around key spots. Some guys prefer a longer distance but I've tended to go shorter to avoid a total mess if/when everything gets tangled during crazy tides/currents/turns. The white kings are delicious - very rich and oily - great flavor, especially smoked! The season overall has been a slow start but is starting to pick up (due to a late winter). Hopefully the bite is on fire when you arrive in a few weeks! All the best and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Disregard, I saw a closeup on your battle with the 18lb king so now I know the type of clip and I’m going to pick some up. It looks easier to use than the other “toothpick” types.
Hey maltby_pass thanks for stopping by and I'm glad you enjoyed this king salmon action! I like the Pro Troll Roto Chip herring clips - these tend be less hassle than the toothpick type clips and as my 43lb king would attest, they catch fish!!! Thanks again and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Thanks Capt Zac! I just purchased some and now have to wait for salmon season to open in our area. In the meantime I will stay entertained watching your videos. They are really fun and educational. Tight lines to you too.
Hi Mark thanks for tuning in and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! Yes indeed your first suggestion is correct - up here in Alaska you are only allowed one rod per person. Extremely different from my days trolling on either Lake Erie or Lake Michigan when it was basically a circus act trying to fish a dozen rods at a time! How many rods are you allowed in your neck of the woods? All the best and tight lines! Captain Zac
@@CaptainZac I run a charter boat on Lake Superior. So we are under Michigan or Wisconsin rules as I live right near the boarder. Both states are 3 per person. Michigan you can actually run 2 baits per line per but that is usually just a mess. Good luck this season. Tight lines buddy.
@@markmaccani9411 That's awesome! So it sounds like you are a pro at trolling a whole setup of rods! I bet you get into some sweet salmon and lake trout fishing over there! Many thanks and best of luck right back at you - tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
I've caught half a dozen of them in Price William Sound in my years fishing up there. Once at the processing plant I never see them again since they take them and sell them for a premium price.
Hi s g many thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! That is great to hear you connected with a few white kings previously! I've found they have an extra rich and oily flavor and are especially good smoked. I can see why they would sell these fish for a higher price point! All the best and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
The rich, red meat of a wild Alaska king salmon is a vivid sight. Translucent and buttery, the deep red color comes from pigments in crustaceans in the salmons’ diet. Some king salmon - about one in 20 - have white meat due to an inability to process these pigments in their food. Although these white kings have long been coveted by many Alaskans, the pale meat typically fetched a lower price from fish buyers and was considered commercially less desirable. But now white kings are making a splash in the commercial market. In past years white king sold for about sixty cents less per pound than the more familiar red-fleshed king, and some fish buyers enjoyed this rarer king salmon for a bargain. Nowadays many believe white king’s flavor is more delectable than their more common cousin. The marketing tide has turned and now the fairer fish, marketed as “ivory king,” brings a higher price.
Here in Alaska, there has been a decline in King Runs on several rivers and the size has steadily declined over the past 30 years Low runs of 2021 King (Chinook) Salmon continues: Cumulative Counts River 2021 2020 2019 Gulkana 24 132 2,988 Nushagak 2,228 7,814 15,945 Kenai 374 2,444 4,186 Kenai Kings restricted to catch & release, Anchor River and Deep Creek closed to fishing by emergency order Nushagak-Mulchatna Drainages King Salmon Limits reduced by emergency order
Hi Missy thanks for watching and you are right about the decline in King Runs over the years. Hopefully this troubling trend turns around given how vital the Kings are to the entire Alaskan ecosystem. All the best! Captain Zac
Haha I love it! I've seen some pretty interesting fishing crafts over the past few years while trolling around Juneau - jet skis, water bikes, inflatable kayaks.... that salmon don't care what the angler is floating in! Thanks again for tuning in and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Hi MrDveite1 thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon trolling action! Actually a white king is a special genetic strain of king salmon - www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=738 All the best and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Wtf this is real?? Born and raised in Alaska 9 generations of commercial fishing and I have never heard of this. Asked my dad and grandpa and they told me to shut up there is no such thing. Asked my wife who is yupik and she has no idea and she grew up fishing Bristol Bay. Do you mean a silver salmon?
Hi Chris thanks for stopping by and I'm glad you enjoyed this king salmon action! Yes indeed - white king salmon are definitely real. Check out this article from Alaska Fish and Game www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=244 About 1 in 20 (or 5%) of king salmon are white kings. Tight lines! Captain Zac
Planer boards around the Juneau area would create quite a scene when trolling through crowded spots! Typically, downriggers are used to keep the lines at a controlled depth. If a planer board sent a line way out to the side of the boat, it would eventually get swiped by a passing boat trying to troll the same area. Do you use planer boards or downriggers? Or both? Tight lines! Captain Zac
Another great/teaching video Capt Zac. I’m watching from here at home in PA and learning. What’s special about focusing on low tide trolling for Kings? And I’m thinking you’d do a lot better netting those fish if you had your first mate, Mary, with you or possibly a stand in. I just may “know a guy”. :) Tight Lines
Hi there Geoff many thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! I prefer any tide turn but the low tide congregates the most amount of fish in the least amount of water. In some spots, especially estuary areas, the fresh salmon will "stack up" at low tide and then ride the incoming tide all the way into the river or stream, presenting a cool fishing opportunities to ride up the river/stream with the salmon - fishing all along the way! Haha with any luck we'll be netting some cohos together later this season! All the best and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Hi sinjin le thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! Apologies that I've missed your email - let me take a look! All the best and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Hey Mara thanks for watching! Yes indeed - most folks are unfamiliar with these white kings. I know a few years ago it was a total surprise to me when I was filleting a fish on the dock and it was white instead of bright red. Most salmon we catch around Juneau are the typical red color. Thanks again and all the best! Captain Zac
You showed great patience before hooking the first king of the year. It's important to keep a good attitude when the action is slow. That way you're ready when it happens. You're a great guy Captain Zac and would be a pleasure to hang out and fish with. Is there a noticeable taste difference between a white king and a "normal" king? Thanks for bringing us along Captain Zac!
Hi Steve thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! I appreciate the kind words - patience is a must with these kings! When cooked normally (e.g., baked, pan fried) I don't find a big taste difference between regular and white kings, however, when smoked, white kings to reveal a rich flavor that is a little more oily and intense than a typical king. This fish went right to the smoker and was delicious (I'll have a short video of that coming soon)! Many thanks once again for tuning in and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Good video Captain Zac! Enjoyed hearing the kids excited about their fish.
Hi Alonso many thanks for tuning in and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! Yes indeed - it was so cool seeing how excited those little guys were to catch (and show off!) those nice king salmon! All the best and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Excellent trip Captain Zac, 4 AM in Down Under is dark as buggery mate, hahaha.hard day but good fishing, thumbs up and greetings from New Zealand.
Hi Tony many thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! Haha while Alaska has tons of daylight during the summer, I'd say it is "dark as buggery" during the winter! Thanks again for tuning in and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
For this video, I will call you Captain Jack! 🤣. Tough bite out there, and tough landing on that king. Seems that it’s been a while since you netted your last fish. LOL. It was great to see other anglers out there of the younger future generations. Always great to get those kids outdoors and get them out to enjoy our great passion for fishing. Opening day seems to bring out everyone to the party, no matter where you fish. Hopefully next trip you get into a few mature kings. Go get them Zac! 👍🇨🇦
Haha hi Adrian many thanks for tuning in and that Captain Jack nickname is perfectly fitting for this video! Yea that was a real hack job on the net but fortunately I got away with that mistake and was still able to land the fish. I picked up a very nice fish this past weekend and the net job was flawless so I must have shaken off the rust! Yes indeed - seeing those kids so excited to catch (and show off) their king salmon was pretty awesome. The future generation! Thanks again for watching and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
White springs are quite common here in Northern British Columbia Canada. There is a good early run of salmon that tend to be white meat. Great video
Hi Scoopeddad Drone thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! That's awesome you get a strong run of white kings in your area! I find that they are especially delicious when smoked - really brings out the rich oily flavor! Thanks again for tuning in and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
@@CaptainZac I am hoping to getnout on the water soon. Upgraded my boat to a new Weldcraft but has been delayed.
Here in British Coumbia, we have 2 rivers of note, the Chilliwack and the Harrison that have large runs of white springs (Kings).
That's awesome! It is hard to beat smoked white king salmon! Thanks and tight lines! Captain Zac
Good job Captain, and nice surprise at the fillet table. All I’ve caught after my first is a bunch of Jacks. Did catch a Hali trolling. That was nice. Good luck and tight lines!
Thanks Midnight Sun! Seems like the fishing is still somewhat slow but I'm glad you hear you crossed paths with a Hali! I bet that got your heart rate up! I trolled a decent amount yesterday in two of the popular areas and didn't even see a fish caught - SUPER SLOW. I had one solid hit and reeled up a herring head - amazing how easily they can miss those two hooks! Good luck out there and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
There is a river called the White Salmon in South Central Washington State named for these fish. I have never caught one, or even heard of anyone who has. I assume they were fished out years ago. I did catch alot of Coho on that river though. It was more like bass fishing. You walk along the bank throwing spinners out at the milfoil lines (seaweed type plants) and along any structure in the river....even right at your feet!
Hi Aaron thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this white king action! Thanks for the info re: the White Salmon River - how cool. I just caught a white king a few days ago actually so there are still a few swimming around up here in Alaska! Tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Saw you at the cleaning table Sunday night. I was in the White North River. Lost two last night and got one king. I don't they are quite in yet. All we can do is keep fishing. Good luck on the water.
Hi Midnight Sun many thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! That's awesome we crossed paths! Sounds like you are having some decent action if you had three hookups in a session - congrats on boating one king! I agree the bite overall is still pretty slow. I picked up a nice 18-pounder last weekend but overall still really having to work for bites. I'll be out there for a decent trolling session this afternoon so hopefully the stars will align. Best of luck out there on the water and I would love to hear how things pick up for you in the coming weeks! Tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
@@CaptainZac No problem Zac. Going to try the morning tide, We may need to exchange numbers at some point. HAHA.
@@midnightsun7166 haha yes indeed! I'm going to run out and do some halibut fishing tomorrow AM but may circle back to the kings if we get our limit quickly. Definitely drop me an email - would be great to connect! captainzac@fromrodtotable.com
I will be up in the Petersburg area at the end of August, Can't wait to get on some big Halibut and silver Salmon. Your videos have taught me a lot about the ins and outs of Alaska fishing. Thank you!
Hi Joe many thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed this salmon footage and that you are finding my videos helpful! Sounds like a cool trip - are you going to one of the local lodges? Green Rocks? Island Point? The silvers should be running strong in that area (especially the blind slough) as the August proceeds. You might benefit of having a read through my halibut tips prior to your trip. Petersburg is an awesome area!
fromrodtotable.com/fishing/halibut-fishing-tips/
Good luck in August! All the best and tight lines my friend!
Captain Zac
@@CaptainZac Hey! Yes! We are staying at Island point. I went last year and didnt get a 100+ pound Halibut, so I am taking another swing at it this year! Lookking forward to the silvers too. I think I have gone through all your videos, but I will look through them again before August. Fair winds and calm seas!
@@Meldek37 Hey Joe that's awesome! I'm friends with the lodge owner next door (Green Rocks) and may actually be heading to there in later August. What week will you be there?
@@CaptainZac the 21st through the 27th
Golden North Salmon Derby kicks off next week! Are everyone's hooks sharpened?!! Ryan w/ Alaska Small Craft Adventures
Hey Ryan thanks for tuning in and I'm glad you enjoyed this king salmon action! Yes indeed - I'm super excited for the derby next weekend! There will be tons of anglers on the water and lots of fish caught for a great cause! Do you have salmon or halibut derbies in Seward? Tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Salmon and cod in one trip, awesome trip. Im goimg to try next week for my first salmon in the sound. Tight lines! The Piscatorian
Hi Piscatorian many thanks watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon and cod footage! Ah best of luck on the sound next week! I'm dropping a video this morning of an 18-lb king I caught recently - perhaps that'll provide some inspiration! Thanks again for tuning in and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Another awesome video captain Zac yea indeed about netting the salmon been there done that and lost some nice fish.
The white king salmon to me taste better then the red color salmon it’s not as some people say fishy but they are good eating glad you got your first fish for the year up there here in Washington state we get a change for a early fish quoter of only 456 kings or when it’s met it closes on June 16 I’m hoping this year I can get one last year was terrible. Again thanks for sharing your awesome video with us till next time tight lines my friend
Hi Carlos many thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! Yes indeed - it is a total heartbreak when you lose a nice king due to a net malfunction! I 100% agree with you about how tasty white kings are, especially smoked! Geeze - sorry to hear about the terrible runs but hopefully there is a better return this year and you are able to cross paths with a nice king! All the best and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Is there a difference in taste with a white King Salmon as opposed to the normal pink color? Appreciate that you take the time to film with all the craziness of trying to land the fish.
Hi Ben thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon action! Yes there is - I find that the white kings are even more flavorful than normal pink/red colored salmon, especially when smoked! It is always a bonus to discover that you have harvested a white king when you are at the fillet table cleaning your catch! All the best and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
I caught a white king last year nice lil 22lb Hen that was good eating!! Great job Zac!
Hey there Clayton great to hear from you and many thanks for tuning in! Wow CONGRATS on the nice 22lb white king last year - I bet that was delicious! I find that white kings are especially good smoked, which brings out that rich oily flavor even more. Were you fishing in a river or trolling in the saltwater when you caught that nice one? Thanks again for watching and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
@@CaptainZac trolling in Kachemak bay for winter kings!
Sounds like a blast - good stuff!!!
Hey Zac, can you please tell us the kickoff date of fishing season for different kinds of salmon in Alaska? Thankyou.
I agree with you
Hi Simon and git invader - the king salmon seasons are heavily regulated and vary year to year based on the run. The spring fishing (in May) when they naturally return has been closed in recent years. There are select "terminal fisheries" such as the one near Juneau that allow for additional harvest of kings later in the season (for instance, this year a local terminal king salmon fishery opened up on June 1. The other salmon seasons are more about when they show up vs. the specific regulatory opening. As you can see in the regs, they are open all year (but of course you can't catch a fish that isn't there - and the run times are very specific).
www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/regulations/fishregulations/PDFs/southeast/2021se_sfregs_general_saltwater.pdf
To give you a sense of the run times:
fromrodtotable.com/fishing/salmon-fishing-tips/
All the best and tight lines!
Captain Zac
@@CaptainZac Thanks Zac, very informative. As long as we respect the power of nature and natural resources conservation, we can enjoy our fishing all the time.
That first strike
.. need to let him eat it, picked up the rod 2 soon :)
Hi tlpoutdoorsman thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! That's an interesting point - I agree it is important to let them take it. When I pulled this up the herring was already devoured though so I'm not sure if this fish would have come back to strike just a herring head. Perhaps if I waited another minute of two that would have given me the answer (to your point)! haha Calm seas and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Hey Zac it’s Matt here from down in San Francisco...congrats on the first salmon of 2021! Bummed I couldn’t get back up there last summer, hoping to come up here in the next t couple of months wondering what good timing would look like in your opinion? Thanks and tight lines 🍣
Hey Matt great to hear from you and thanks for tuning in - glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! Yea that is too bad things got messed up last year. The kings will be around in the terminal fishery until late June and then by July the pinks and silvers will start to show up. As July goes on the silver fishing will get better and better. By August the silver fishing will be on fire in the saltwater. By late August and early September, the silvers will be stacked up in a couple of key places (near the hatchery, streams, etc.) and easily fished from shore. "Feeder Kings" are available when trolling the salt as well but the annual limit on king salmon (excluding the terminal fishery) is so restrictive that I always save my harvested kings for the salmon derby. Next year I'll qualify for residency status so that won't be an issue anymore. Tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Thanks for that insight, Zac! Hope you guys are doing well up there and in a perfect universe I’d love to roll the waters with you when I’m in town!
Hi Zak, what is this herring clip you mentioned? And where can I get them?
Hi skikid00 many thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon video! These are Pro-troll Roto Clips - most sporting goods stores have them (such as Sportsman's Warehouse) or you can buy them online (Cabelas, Amazon, etc.). Here is the company website: www.protroll.com/the-roto-chip-5a
All the best and tight lines my friend!
Captain Zac
So it looks like that white king was a hatchery fish?
Hey @scottcolquitt2073 yes that's right - this white king salmon was likely a hatchery fish given where and when I caught it. Tight lines! Captain Zac
Nice fish! Hopefully we can get one in a few weeks! How much line do you put out behind the clip on your down rigger!
That is a weird white king!
Hey Steven many thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! Yes indeed I hope you get into a white king when you fish up here in a few weeks! I prefer 15ft. I'll go as low as 10ft if the current is ripping and I'm trying to make a lot of turns around key spots. Some guys prefer a longer distance but I've tended to go shorter to avoid a total mess if/when everything gets tangled during crazy tides/currents/turns. The white kings are delicious - very rich and oily - great flavor, especially smoked! The season overall has been a slow start but is starting to pick up (due to a late winter). Hopefully the bite is on fire when you arrive in a few weeks! All the best and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Another great video. What kind of bait clip is that ?
Disregard, I saw a closeup on your battle with the 18lb king so now I know the type of clip and I’m going to pick some up. It looks easier to use than the other “toothpick” types.
Hey maltby_pass thanks for stopping by and I'm glad you enjoyed this king salmon action! I like the Pro Troll Roto Chip herring clips - these tend be less hassle than the toothpick type clips and as my 43lb king would attest, they catch fish!!! Thanks again and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Thanks Capt Zac! I just purchased some and now have to wait for salmon season to open in our area. In the meantime I will stay entertained watching your videos. They are really fun and educational. Tight lines to you too.
Captain Zac, Nice job. Are you only allowed one rod trolling on Alaska? Or is it just preference?
Hi Mark thanks for tuning in and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! Yes indeed your first suggestion is correct - up here in Alaska you are only allowed one rod per person. Extremely different from my days trolling on either Lake Erie or Lake Michigan when it was basically a circus act trying to fish a dozen rods at a time! How many rods are you allowed in your neck of the woods? All the best and tight lines! Captain Zac
@@CaptainZac I run a charter boat on Lake Superior. So we are under Michigan or Wisconsin rules as I live right near the boarder. Both states are 3 per person. Michigan you can actually run 2 baits per line per but that is usually just a mess. Good luck this season. Tight lines buddy.
@@markmaccani9411 That's awesome! So it sounds like you are a pro at trolling a whole setup of rods! I bet you get into some sweet salmon and lake trout fishing over there! Many thanks and best of luck right back at you - tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
I've caught half a dozen of them in Price William Sound in my years fishing up there. Once at the processing plant I never see them again since they take them and sell them for a premium price.
Hi s g many thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! That is great to hear you connected with a few white kings previously! I've found they have an extra rich and oily flavor and are especially good smoked. I can see why they would sell these fish for a higher price point! All the best and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
@@CaptainZac Hopefully someday I will catch a few more and be able to get them home
The rich, red meat of a wild Alaska king salmon is a vivid sight. Translucent and buttery, the deep red color comes from pigments in crustaceans in the salmons’ diet. Some king salmon - about one in 20 - have white meat due to an inability to process these pigments in their food. Although these white kings have long been coveted by many Alaskans, the pale meat typically fetched a lower price from fish buyers and was considered commercially less desirable. But now white kings are making a splash in the commercial market.
In past years white king sold for about sixty cents less per pound than the more familiar red-fleshed king, and some fish buyers enjoyed this rarer king salmon for a bargain. Nowadays many believe white king’s flavor is more delectable than their more common cousin. The marketing tide has turned and now the fairer fish, marketed as “ivory king,” brings a higher price.
Hi Joe thanks for watching and yes indeed it is always a special treat to catch a white king! Tight lines! Captain Zac
Here in Alaska, there has been a decline in King Runs on several rivers and the size has steadily declined over the past 30 years
Low runs of 2021 King (Chinook) Salmon continues:
Cumulative Counts
River 2021 2020 2019
Gulkana 24 132 2,988
Nushagak 2,228 7,814 15,945
Kenai 374 2,444 4,186
Kenai Kings restricted to catch & release,
Anchor River and Deep Creek closed to fishing by emergency order
Nushagak-Mulchatna Drainages King Salmon Limits reduced by emergency order
Hi Missy thanks for watching and you are right about the decline in King Runs over the years. Hopefully this troubling trend turns around given how vital the Kings are to the entire Alaskan ecosystem. All the best! Captain Zac
Good luck cap
Hi Sa Ga many thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! All the best and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
You watch, this summer I'll be out mooching from a little inflatable.
Haha I love it! I've seen some pretty interesting fishing crafts over the past few years while trolling around Juneau - jet skis, water bikes, inflatable kayaks.... that salmon don't care what the angler is floating in! Thanks again for tuning in and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Very nice!
Thanks Scott! Glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! Tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
So it's white becaus it's a herring/anchovi eater i assume.
Hi MrDveite1 thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon trolling action! Actually a white king is a special genetic strain of king salmon - www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=738
All the best and tight lines my friend!
Captain Zac
@@CaptainZac So they cant become red because of a gene, interesting. I dont think our Atlantic salmon have that but i will check. Tyvm for the info.
Nice fish on
Hi Island fishermen thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! All the best and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
You kinda need a deckhand Zac
I've got the best deckhand around - Mary! Plus, I always enjoy the challenge of solo-boating a nice king! Tight lines! Captain Zac
Wtf this is real?? Born and raised in Alaska 9 generations of commercial fishing and I have never heard of this. Asked my dad and grandpa and they told me to shut up there is no such thing. Asked my wife who is yupik and she has no idea and she grew up fishing Bristol Bay. Do you mean a silver salmon?
Hi Chris thanks for stopping by and I'm glad you enjoyed this king salmon action! Yes indeed - white king salmon are definitely real. Check out this article from Alaska Fish and Game www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=244 About 1 in 20 (or 5%) of king salmon are white kings. Tight lines! Captain Zac
Lets roll some planer boards
Planer boards around the Juneau area would create quite a scene when trolling through crowded spots! Typically, downriggers are used to keep the lines at a controlled depth. If a planer board sent a line way out to the side of the boat, it would eventually get swiped by a passing boat trying to troll the same area. Do you use planer boards or downriggers? Or both? Tight lines! Captain Zac
Another great/teaching video Capt Zac. I’m watching from here at home in PA and learning. What’s special about focusing on low tide trolling for Kings?
And I’m thinking you’d do a lot better netting those fish if you had your first mate, Mary, with you or possibly a stand in. I just may “know a guy”. :)
Tight Lines
Hi there Geoff many thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! I prefer any tide turn but the low tide congregates the most amount of fish in the least amount of water. In some spots, especially estuary areas, the fresh salmon will "stack up" at low tide and then ride the incoming tide all the way into the river or stream, presenting a cool fishing opportunities to ride up the river/stream with the salmon - fishing all along the way! Haha with any luck we'll be netting some cohos together later this season! All the best and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
Another great video! Could you please check your email! I wrote you back last month! Thanks
Hi sinjin le thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed this salmon footage! Apologies that I've missed your email - let me take a look! All the best and tight lines my friend! Captain Zac
White kings aren't rare!!!!!
Run the cop car....
I've never heard of them. Had to look up why they're white - www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=244
Hey Mara thanks for watching! Yes indeed - most folks are unfamiliar with these white kings. I know a few years ago it was a total surprise to me when I was filleting a fish on the dock and it was white instead of bright red. Most salmon we catch around Juneau are the typical red color. Thanks again and all the best! Captain Zac
Zac, I believe that white kings in Northern Southeast are bound for the Chilkoot in Haines. I know the Fraser river in BC is full of them.