Friday January 25, 2013
A handy feature of the VAKI Riverwatcher system is that it allows us to record video clips of each fish that passes through our fish counting weirs. In addition to identifying the fish species, length, and passage date when we review the video, we also document the condition of each fish. We look for abrasions, lacerations, fungal infections, lamprey scars, hook scars—and in this case the actual hook! In this video you can see the shiny fishing lure dangling from a Chinook salmon’s dorsal fin. The angler is probably disappointed that he or she foul-hooked this salmon and lost not only the catch, but the lure to boot—although it does make for a flashy fish accessory.