Fishing for salmon has long been and continues to be not only a fun pastime, but also a way to gather food as well as a way for companies and individuals to make money. Salmon is a popular fish for cooking and eating, and it has a high demand in the United States and around the world.
History
Found primarily in the Northwest United States and upper shores of the U.S. East coast, salmon have long been the target of fishermen. Atlantic salmon species were on the verge of extinction in the 1800s due to the building of dams and other waterway interruption, according to the University of Massachusetts. In the Northwest, settlers arriving in the late 18th and early 19th centuries quickly discovered the abundant amount of salmon and the benefits it offered as a food source. The first salmon cannery was opened on the Columbia River in Oregon, according to the University of Washington, leading to the commercialization of salmon fishing as a way to supply the cannery with fresh fish.
Types
Salmon fishing and its methods vary widely based on the species. The most popular fishing species are the Chinook, Steelhead and Coho salmon, found in the Northwest, and Atlantic salmon, found off the coasts of New England.
Significance
The popularity of salmon led to early success by commercial salmon fishers, especially in the Northwest. In fact, so much salmon was caught in the 19th century in the Pacific Northwest that much of it went to waste, according to the University of Washington. As salmon has become more popular in the 21st century, the commercial salmon fishing industry has suffered as companies have turned to salmon farms for their supplies. Total sales from commercial salmon fishing as recently as 2007 was down to $300 million per year from $800 million a year in the late 1980s, according to Science Daily. Today, commercial salmon fishing makes up only about one quarter of the total salmon sold in the United States, the rest coming from salmon farms.
Technique
For the average fisherman looking to bring home a salmon for dinner or to mount on the wall, a number of different techniques are available depending on the species. Salmon roe, or eggs, are popular among freshwater salmon fishers, while many saltwater salmon fishermen prefer manufactured jigs and lures. Commercial salmon fishing almost always entails using nets to pull in large numbers of fish at a time.
Benefits
Salmon is popular due to many factors, including the size of the fish relative to other species as well as the popularity of the fish in cuisine. Salmon is one of the more expensive fish to buy in the store, so catching it yourself can lead to a tasty meal without the expense. Salmon fishing also is a boon for recreation companies in the Pacific Northwest and Atlantic coast, as vacationers and fishing enthusiasts come from hundreds of miles away to fish for salmon on guided tours.
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