S.E. AkKings, these are prime condition fish that still have along way to go to get to there native rivers, most are as chrome as a new dime and very aggressive. I have, on many occasions been fooled by 20/25 lbs. fish, fighting them hard for 10-15 min. expecting to see a 40+ lb. fish come to the surface only to find a 25 pound fish had just about kicked my a*s. I have caught hundreds of kings both salt and freshwater here in Wa. and they don't compare, these fish are near the end of there journey, they may be bright, but they are also tired.
I won't give a salmon in a river near as much credit/respect, fight wise, as an ocean fish, take those so called "bright" river fish out of any current and there like bringing in a boot.