Another letter from Pat across the pond.

 Hey Robert,

I hope this finds your infection gone...

I was intrigued to read about Steelhead trout in yer blog.

When I worked in the salmon industry in SE Alaska it was fairly common to see a Steelhead come in.

Not sure some of the fishermen knew the difference between them and salmon.

Quite similar to a Coho in looks but a little sleeker and longer.

Commonly a troll boat would land a selection of Chinook (king), Coho (silver), Sockeye, Chum (dog) and pink (humpies) salmon with the odd Steelhead, Red Snapper, Brown Bomber and cod thrown in.

I don't think any of the Steelhead made it out of the plant, probably being snaffled by employees before they got frozen.

My personal favourite was Sockeye. Such a beautiful fish. Many were diverted from the grading line into my fridge.

I do believe at that time most of the Coho were sent to France for smoking. The Chinook mostly went for fancy banquets and barbecues as they were so big. 

I thought the pinks were destined for cat food but have seen it tinned in shops...not that I would ever eat one. Smelly vile things.

Given the choice, I would always opt for the Steelhead or the Sockeye. (and the king crab - but we don't want to tell too much....)

And on another note - when I was growing up (ed. in Scotland), my father usually had a gill net out as he didn't have much money and 5 kids to feed.

Quite regularly we had sea trout for dinner. Not sure if that was some Atlantic species or just salmon called by another name to avoid being called a poacher...

All the best

Px