Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
Advanced search  

Author Topic: Easiest way to differentiate coho vs pinks  (Read 11661 times)

obie1fish

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 285
Re: Easiest way to differentiate coho vs pinks
« Reply #15 on: August 20, 2013, 09:06:21 PM »
In addition to scale size and oval, Ill-defined spots, I look at the narrow v- shaped jaw on the pink. Pretty pointy. When in doubt, ask or release.
Logged

scouterjames

  • Old Timer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 549
Re: Easiest way to differentiate coho vs pinks
« Reply #16 on: September 08, 2013, 06:51:24 PM »
Quote from: clarki on August 20, 2013, 01:23:45 PM
For me, the challenge is more in differentiating pinks from jack springs.  Both can be approx the same size, both have black gums, and both have spots (albiet different spots) on the entire tail and back.

I have also caught coho with spots on the lower part of the tail, so you do have to be on your toes. The recommendation to use three identifying marks is a sound one.

Agreed Rod. Like any learned skill, ID'ing a fish takes field practice, will involve trial and honest error.   

If you catch any fish on the lower part of the tail, let it go! ;) ;) ;)
Logged
:-\ Tell me, and I might forget;
  :) Show me, and I might remember;
    ;D INVOLVE ME, and I'll learn.

BigFisher

  • Old Timer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1794
  • Bite My Hook
Re: Easiest way to differentiate coho vs pinks
« Reply #17 on: September 08, 2013, 07:33:40 PM »
Quote from: Dr. Backlash on August 18, 2013, 09:19:47 AM
Pinks have black gums, Coho have white gums

Thats Chinooks bro, thanks for the lesson
Logged
The Bigger The Better!

Ian Forbes

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 324
Re: Easiest way to differentiate coho vs pinks
« Reply #18 on: September 09, 2013, 02:14:24 PM »
By now it will be obvious. The Pinks will be turning colour and the males will have humps. The coho will still be nice and silver. As others have already mentioned, one look at the tail and it is obvious.
Logged

Ian Forbes

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 324
Re: Easiest way to differentiate coho vs pinks
« Reply #19 on: September 09, 2013, 02:17:15 PM »
Quote from: scouterjames on September 08, 2013, 06:51:24 PM
If you catch any fish on the lower part of the tail, let it go! ;) ;) ;)

A little bit of tail is always nice.  ::)  But that species should always be released no matter where it is hooked.  :o
Logged

FlyFishin Magician

  • Old Timer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 866
Re: Easiest way to differentiate coho vs pinks
« Reply #20 on: September 09, 2013, 05:30:42 PM »
Quote from: BigFisher on September 08, 2013, 07:33:40 PM
Thats Chinooks bro, thanks for the lesson

Hey "bro" - pinks have black gums as well.  Check out this DFO quote from the identification page:

"The mouth in a pink salmon is white, but the gums are black, as they are in a chinook. It does not have "teeth" on its tongue."

Website address:

http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/species-especes/pink-rose-eng.html

Cheers... :)
Logged