Smalma,

I am curious to know if you believe being pen-held has anything to do with size? Also, during this 15 months cycle, do they feed on strictly pellets? I am sure the nutritional value would be equivlent to natural feed, but I would think the constraints of being "held-over" and supplemental fed might be a factor too. Chinook start feeding bait fish as soon as they hit the salt water.. Thoughts?

I agree wholeheartedly on the feeding opportunities and size... However, per area ratio (ocean:sound- including the staright), wouldn't feeding opportunities roughly be the same? Yes the opportunities are greater for feed- more concentrated over a broader area. But what intrigues me the most, is the number of sizeable bait concentrations ("fish finder blackouts for minutes at a time") I run in to being out on the water and yet our fish tend to be smaller..

I am no professional when it comes to marine biology, nor do I have numbers to support my claim but I do not see the depleted stocks of herring. I think our local fish have just a good as chance at feeding as do the right turning fish. I do see a strong increase of marine mammals in the south sound that might have an additional slight impact.

If I remember correctly, didn't the State impose a 24" minimum in the 80s for a few years? I thought this was a great decision. It actually increased fishing opportunities after the minimum was lifted (IMO). Instead of keeping the 22 inchers (2- 2 1/2 years old) we were catching 3 year old fish averaging 7 to 8 pounds just as regular.

I am not too concerned with the size of fish I catch. I just enjoy my time being on the water with family and friends honing the skills or experimenting with new tactics. However, I enjoy it more if I happen across a nice size Blackmouth.