An Angler's Bias

by Warren Young

Biologists predicted a lower than average sockeye salmon run in the Adams River last October 2002. It was estimated that only 2.5 million sockeye salmon might ascend the river last fall. But lo' and behold, there were close to eight million sockeyes that came up to spawn. It was also noted that these salmon were in remarkably good shape and represented the largest run in twenty years. Encouraging as this might seem, there is room for hope that the west coast fisheries could be in for some pretty good years ahead, provided, of course, the powers that be, including commercial and sport fishermen, remain vigilant and manage this resource responsibly. There may be further complications, though, that could potentially affect the fisheries down the road, such as commercial fish farming on the western coast, but that's another story.

REPRODUCTION SOCKEYE SALMON
THE 32-INCH MALE SOCKEYE SALMON FIBERglass replica was supplied by Catch and Release Taxidermy (Ron Reynolds) in Ontario. Having recently painted a large dolly varden replica from the same source spurred my interest in this exercise, thanks in part to Larry Blomquist who kindly sent me some very good reference on the dolly. Of course, the paint schedule book, by Ron Reynolds, available from Breakthrough, on preparing these fiberglass models, was indispensable.

Most fiberglass replicas need a little attention before switching on a compressor. Invariably, I'll have to smooth out a few spots here and there with a bit of epoxy and some light sandpaper. It's pointless trying to airbrush when a dozen little moonscapes appear on the head or sides of the replica. No amount of paint will...
 

...Continued in the Fall 2003 Issue of Breakthrough.

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