I think that the buck is a better quality fish if you catch it in the river. It has thicker belly walls which is my favorite part. That is also where the oil is. The females belly wall is thinner and usually the female weighs less. So I would say be thankful and enjoy the good luck that you are having. And not to worry this will pass and you will get plenty of the smaller females next year. I like to smoke salmon and the males would be my choice because I like those greasy hands .