Information on Atlantic Salmon

Most fisherman and fish lovers recognize the name Atlantic Salmon. What you may not know is the scientific name for this fish is Salmo Salar. The Atlantic Salmon is known under several names including Black Salmon and Sebago Salmon.  This fish can be found in a variety of areas including part of Portugal to the Arctic Circle, in the Northern Atlantic waters between Iceland and Greenland and even from Quebec to the Connecticut River.  Known primarily as a Freshwater Fish, it is not at all irregular to find these salmon migrating from saltwater bodies to freshwater for the purpose of spawning. While Atlantic Salmon typically spawn many times during their lives, once they are spawned out, 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 enjoy a variety of baits and fishing methods when trying to land the Atlantic salmon and many a beginner angler has learned the hard way they need to keep control of their drag – otherwise this aggressive fish could pull all of the line from your reel.  Make sure you are using a good strong line and that you have developed your knot perfectly to avoid losing the Atlantic salmon.  Bait that is appropriate can be flies, lures or plugs, but more anglers find that prawns, crustaceans, egg sacks and worms are even better as the Atlantic salmon are naturally drawn to their movements.

Whether it is saltwater or freshwater, anglers can find Atlantic Salmon depending on when they are spawning. Remember that Saltwater Fishing brings out the fight in this fish and you will require a stronger line and rod.  These fish fight far harder than you might expect for their size, especially in saltwater.  In general, it is best to try to land the Atlantic Salmon as they are traveling to freshwater areas for spawning. Since they die shortly after being spawned out, you could find yourself with a fish that dies shortly after you’ve landed him.

Recreational anglers love the Atlantic Salmon for their fight. They are fun fish for catching. Restaurants value the salmon because of the variety of meals that can be created from the meat. Today, you will find that recreation and farms are the two primary uses of Atlantic salmon. Farming has become a necessity as the demand for Atlantic Salmon has grown. Most restaurants are not serving fresh salmon; they are most often serving the farm-raised salmon. In addition to farming, Atlantic salmon are under catch and release rules to help preserve these fish for angler enjoyment in years 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 reel and Van Staal Fishing Reels.