Salmo Salar is perhaps one of the least recognized names, but one of the best known fish in the Northern Atlantic. More commonly known as the Atlantic Salmon it is also known as Black Salmon and Sebago Salmon. They can be found in waters ranging from Iceland to Greenland, Quebec to the Connecticut River, and parts of Portugal to the Arctic Circle. While some population of salmon are primarily freshwater, it is not unusual for them to migrate from sea to freshwater for spawning. It is not unusual for Atlantic Salmon to spawn several times before they die.

If you have mistaken a brown trout for a salmon, you are not alone. Given that they both take on a deep bronze color, it may be difficult to distinguish them until you realize that the brown trout tend to take on red spots through the length of their bodies while the Atlantic Salmon primarily have these spots only around their heads. In saltwater, an Atlantic Salmon will appear to be silver and have black spots in the shape of an X on their backs.

Anglers have used a variety of baits for catching Atlantic Salmon, some use plugs, lures or flies. More seasoned anglers have discovered that because of their natural attraction to movement, Atlantic Salmon are often easier to land using crustaceans, prawns, worms and egg sacks. One thing to keep in mind is that you will want to make sure that you have a strong line and a well formed knot. Remember that these fish have a fight in them that belies their size and they can quickly gain control of your line and tear it from your reel.

Anglers have found sport in both saltwater and freshwater Atlantic salmon but some have found out the hard way that the environments require different tackle. A much larger, stronger tackle must be used in saltwater, as the fish tend to fight much harder in this wilder home. It is also important to be aware that whenever possible, you want to catch the salmon on their travels to the freshwater for spawning. It is impossible to know how many times they have spawned and once they have completely spawned out, they typically die shortly thereafter.

Recreational fishers and restaurateurs both lay claim to Atlantic Salmon for food and for recreation. Today, most restaurants are serving farm grown Atlantic Salmon because of the population decrease in recent years. Prized as both a recreational fish due to the fun and fight of catching them and as a versatile meal that can be offered in a variety of ways, Atlantic Salmon continues to be highly-prized. Farming is becoming more popular and in general Atlantic Salmon anglers are facing catch and release restrictions in order to preserve the Atlantic Salmon for generations to come.

When you are getting prepared for a saltwater fishing adventure, having the proper equipment is essential. Some of the most popular products on the market include okuma fishing reels, van staal fishing reels, and shimano saltwater spinning reels.

Tagged with: • •