Fishing sports are growing in popularity and one of the most prized fishes is the salmon. There are many varieties and each fisherman has his or her favorite. The granddaddy of Pacific salmon is the Chinook. It can weigh in at up to 100 pounds and grow to 40 inches in length. Chinook make up only about one percent of the annual salmon harvest.

In the state of Alaska the "red" or Sockeye is the most valuable. Sockeye average six to nine pounds and can grow to be 24 inches long. They make up roughly 25 to 30 percent of the commercial catch each year. Males turn a bright red when they come home to spawn, hence the nickname "red".

A third variety of salmon is the Coho. It too is valuable to the fishing industry. They are silvery and shiny, thus often called "silver" salmon. Customers at seafood counters often take a whole fish home to barbecue. Canning and smoking are other great ways to prepare them and keep in your pantry. They generally weigh in at around 9 pounds and grow up to 29 inches long.

Chum salmon are not worth much due to their pale and yellow meat. Consumers don't usually favor them. They grow to 30 inches in length and weigh in at about 8 pounds.

The least valuable of Pacific salmon is the Pink salmon. This is also the smallest of the salmon, weighing 4 pounds and averaging about 22 inches long. Even though the Pink salmon is the least valuable of all the salmon it is found in the most abundance. Pink salmon are used mostly for canning and not for eating fresh over the coals.

Sport fishermen love the charters available off the northern Pacific coast. If you enjoy fishing, think about a charter to carry you to the best salmon fishing spots. Charters often offer whale watching as well, so you can sightsee and fish while you're out. You can charter a boat for a day or a week. Choose carefully, as there are many, and you'll want to choose just the right package for you. Try for one without too many others on board. Remember, the fewer fishermen, the more fish for you.

Make the right choice and you will enjoy good fishing and come home with some delectable meals. Even if you don't catch anything, you're sure to have a great time in the salty sea air with fellow fishermen.