From what I undertand, a kype is called a "secondary sexual characteristic" which is basically a visual way that salmon (and other animals & fish)differentiate males from females. Kind of like antlers on ungulates. Thats why males are the only ones to get them. I really don't think it has anything at all to do with fighting for, or defending redds, it just keeps the males from screwing up and beating the crap out of the girls they're supposed to be mating with! Kind of like being in a bar in Port. The chicks all have pink Macks on!<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>
Can't wait for the Renfrew Northerns either. Got one of Bob's cabins booked for the last weekend in Sept. Hope it isn't too early...
Gama