A couple times this fall, I've caught several male coho that are in the 23-24 inch range and I'm wondering if they are, in fact, early returning fish (i.e., jacks). The regs say jack coho are 20 inches or smaller and I would normally see jacks that are 16 to 18 inch range. But a jack that's 24 inches is enormous. But adults are running larger than average so it makes sense that the jacks would too. But it's hard to believe they could reach 24 inches between March and October of the same year. If I had a scope, I'd read the scales which would confirm whether it's a jack or not. But I don't. Perhaps someone from the WDFW knows.

Has anyone else noticed larger than average jacks this year?

If you get a another large 'jack' and would like to know if it actually is a jack, take some scales samples. They are usually best above the lateral line and right behind the dorsal fin.

If you get any let me know, Ill look at em for 'ya and let you know.