Very cool! I love the shot of the fish exploding out of the water! Looking forward to more of your posts. 
Sturgeon 101
I am getting alot of questions these days about sturgeon fishing via pm's and such. It seems there is alot of interest. In the hope that most of you here are conservation minded and will appreciate these fish for what they are, I will fill you all in as best I can about what works for me. I am sure others may have more to add.
General location: Sturgeon are found the length of the north channel all the way from the lake to the deep hole at the south end of Algonac, and I am sure beyond. There is just too much river and too little time to explore it all. If you go out at night you will see these fish jumping everywhere, deep, shallow, close to shore and in the middle of the river.
Specific location: Sturgeon are big fish that I am sure must be able to feed efficiently. I read some sturgeon information on the web from the Pacific northwest that said the guides look for concentrations of food. I do the same here. The best way to find fish, and the way we develop our spots is to cruise the channel along eddys, drop offs and current breaks until we mark concentrations of fish. They could be of any species including rock bass, walleyes, suckers, sheepshead and catfish. They will show you where the river is concentrating food. Sturgeon will be right there with them. It doesn't have to be a deep hole.
Technique: The fishing is basic and simple. A gob of bait is presented on bottom while anchored just above the fish. I use baitcasting reels spooled with 50lb test line and 50lb leaders on a heavy catfish rods. I have gotten better numbers of fish on 30 lb leaders but have had a big fish break me off.
The rig: I rig my sinker as a slip sinker on the main line above a bead to protect my knot tied to a snap swivel. Instead of running the eye of my sinker up the main line I use a snap swivel to which the sinker is attached. This allows me to change weights without having to retie if I change depths.
The leader is about 3 to 4 ft with a barrel swivel on the end attached to the main line and a large hook on the other end. I prefer to use Owner cutting point saltwater hooks. Others use kahle style or circle hooks.
Bait: A group of us went out one night and fished different combinations of bait including just spottails, minnows and worms, just worms. The thing that produced the best was a big gob of crawlers. Out west they use cut-bait, The DNR uses gobies on their setlines. I have thought about catching some creek chubs and using them for cut-bait. People have suggested squid, oysters and other fish products from the store. Don't be afraid to experiment.
I spend alot on crawlers. Gulp worms have been known to work. If you find something cheap and durable please let me know.
Refinements: I always try to completely cover my hook with the bait. The mouth on these fish looks like one big feeler. I want the bait to feel as natural as possible when they pick it up. Sturgeon bite like a perch. If you get a bite, no matter how light, set the hook. It could be a small rock bass or a very large fish. Sometimes I will hold my rod to get a better feel for the bite and to provide for a quicker hook set before the bait is dropped. I get a much higher hooking percentage and catch rate this way. It seems alot of bites come after a boat has gone by creating a wake that causes the sinker to gently bounce on the bottom. On those calm nights with little wave action I will bounce the sinker off the bottom once in a while to stir up a little silt and cause some noise and vibration. I think this calls attention to the bait.
Handling the fish: Now that you have followed all of the above advice and have a big fish at the boat please treat him gently as possible. One of the reasons I use heavy rods and line is to get the fish to the boat before they are completely exhausted. Use a large net to get them in the boat. Have the camera, tape measure and hook removers handy before the fish is netted. You will need gloves to handle the fish because of the sharp plates and rough skin. Do not pick him up by the gills or hold him vertically. Grab the fish just in front of the tail and cradle the belly with your other hand keeping the fish horizontal. Get a quick picture and get him back into the water as quickly as possible. It will take some time to revive a big fish. Hold him upright in the water and allow water to flow through his gills. Sometimes they will go right away, sometimes not. He will let you know when he is ready to go. It may take some time. Be patient. Five to ten minutes is not unusual.
Finally: Once you have landed a fish check your line and leaders for nicks and frays. That skin and those plates and spines will do a number even on 50 lb test line. I normally will have to re-tie after about every second fish.
Conservation: This is the largest of the freshwater fishes. Unless you have fished the ocean, you will likely catch the biggest fish of your life. Please conserve this great resource by acting legally and ethically. Take a friend along to share this great experience. Sturgeon meat has a heavier texture, is very oily and has a stronger flavor than walleye or perch. Please practice catch and release. Enjoy the river at night. It is cooler with less boat traffic and you're not burning gallons of gas.
Be safe: Twice in the past 2 years I have had large boats heading directly toward me and had to frantically wave them off. Make sure you have all required safety equipment on board and that you have proper lighting. Always have both a loud horn or other audible signalling device as well as a spot light to make you presence known to those that should not be driving a boat especially at night.
HAVE FUN! GOOD LUCK!
General location: Sturgeon are found the length of the north channel all the way from the lake to the deep hole at the south end of Algonac, and I am sure beyond. There is just too much river and too little time to explore it all. If you go out at night you will see these fish jumping everywhere, deep, shallow, close to shore and in the middle of the river.
Specific location: Sturgeon are big fish that I am sure must be able to feed efficiently. I read some sturgeon information on the web from the Pacific northwest that said the guides look for concentrations of food. I do the same here. The best way to find fish, and the way we develop our spots is to cruise the channel along eddys, drop offs and current breaks until we mark concentrations of fish. They could be of any species including rock bass, walleyes, suckers, sheepshead and catfish. They will show you where the river is concentrating food. Sturgeon will be right there with them. It doesn't have to be a deep hole.
Technique: The fishing is basic and simple. A gob of bait is presented on bottom while anchored just above the fish. I use baitcasting reels spooled with 50lb test line and 50lb leaders on a heavy catfish rods. I have gotten better numbers of fish on 30 lb leaders but have had a big fish break me off.
The rig: I rig my sinker as a slip sinker on the main line above a bead to protect my knot tied to a snap swivel. Instead of running the eye of my sinker up the main line I use a snap swivel to which the sinker is attached. This allows me to change weights without having to retie if I change depths.
The leader is about 3 to 4 ft with a barrel swivel on the end attached to the main line and a large hook on the other end. I prefer to use Owner cutting point saltwater hooks. Others use kahle style or circle hooks.
Bait: A group of us went out one night and fished different combinations of bait including just spottails, minnows and worms, just worms. The thing that produced the best was a big gob of crawlers. Out west they use cut-bait, The DNR uses gobies on their setlines. I have thought about catching some creek chubs and using them for cut-bait. People have suggested squid, oysters and other fish products from the store. Don't be afraid to experiment.
I spend alot on crawlers. Gulp worms have been known to work. If you find something cheap and durable please let me know.
Refinements: I always try to completely cover my hook with the bait. The mouth on these fish looks like one big feeler. I want the bait to feel as natural as possible when they pick it up. Sturgeon bite like a perch. If you get a bite, no matter how light, set the hook. It could be a small rock bass or a very large fish. Sometimes I will hold my rod to get a better feel for the bite and to provide for a quicker hook set before the bait is dropped. I get a much higher hooking percentage and catch rate this way. It seems alot of bites come after a boat has gone by creating a wake that causes the sinker to gently bounce on the bottom. On those calm nights with little wave action I will bounce the sinker off the bottom once in a while to stir up a little silt and cause some noise and vibration. I think this calls attention to the bait.
Handling the fish: Now that you have followed all of the above advice and have a big fish at the boat please treat him gently as possible. One of the reasons I use heavy rods and line is to get the fish to the boat before they are completely exhausted. Use a large net to get them in the boat. Have the camera, tape measure and hook removers handy before the fish is netted. You will need gloves to handle the fish because of the sharp plates and rough skin. Do not pick him up by the gills or hold him vertically. Grab the fish just in front of the tail and cradle the belly with your other hand keeping the fish horizontal. Get a quick picture and get him back into the water as quickly as possible. It will take some time to revive a big fish. Hold him upright in the water and allow water to flow through his gills. Sometimes they will go right away, sometimes not. He will let you know when he is ready to go. It may take some time. Be patient. Five to ten minutes is not unusual.
Finally: Once you have landed a fish check your line and leaders for nicks and frays. That skin and those plates and spines will do a number even on 50 lb test line. I normally will have to re-tie after about every second fish.
Conservation: This is the largest of the freshwater fishes. Unless you have fished the ocean, you will likely catch the biggest fish of your life. Please conserve this great resource by acting legally and ethically. Take a friend along to share this great experience. Sturgeon meat has a heavier texture, is very oily and has a stronger flavor than walleye or perch. Please practice catch and release. Enjoy the river at night. It is cooler with less boat traffic and you're not burning gallons of gas.
Be safe: Twice in the past 2 years I have had large boats heading directly toward me and had to frantically wave them off. Make sure you have all required safety equipment on board and that you have proper lighting. Always have both a loud horn or other audible signalling device as well as a spot light to make you presence known to those that should not be driving a boat especially at night.
HAVE FUN! GOOD LUCK!
21 - 40 of 46 Posts
Very cool! I love the shot of the fish exploding out of the water! Looking forward to more of your posts.
That third fish is HUGE!! Love the pictures... got anymore??
Sturgeon anglers don't generally weigh their catch. Trophy fish are generally defined by the fishs length.
50" Sturgeon qualify for Master Angler in Michigan catch and release division.
60" Sturgeon are pretty rare.
Here is a chart to estimate the weight of a sturgeon, if you measure its length and girth - http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/StClair_weight_estimation_174130_7.pdf
50" Sturgeon qualify for Master Angler in Michigan catch and release division.
60" Sturgeon are pretty rare.
Here is a chart to estimate the weight of a sturgeon, if you measure its length and girth - http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/StClair_weight_estimation_174130_7.pdf
Sweet pics!!! Thanks!
That pic of the airborn fish is spectacular!
Good job.
Good job.
thank u for all the info im very new to this form and fishing sturgeon made me fall in love. but people need to catch and release it is well worth it. if ur hungry find some perch if u want a good time bend ur hook and catch a sturgeon and throw it back thanks agin for the thred and giving some pepole knowledge
bendinghooks73
bendinghooks73
Wow those pics are awesome. They are truly a magnificent creature. I have had the priveledge of catching a 47 1/2 incher on the Menominee when I was 13. It was the coolest thing bringing that prehistoric beast out of the water. Snapped a quick ear to ear grin photo, revived the fished and sent him on his way. It was truly an amazing experience and something I have longed to do again. Great article also.
Can anyone pm me someone who does a charter for sturgeon? I would love to catch one!
I just wonder how you got the opportunity to catch that big a fish? Dad came through again didn't he.
I do.Can anyone pm me someone who does a charter for sturgeon? I would love to catch one!
Appreciate the post. Good Luck.
what is the name of the charter service you used? I'm hoping to head out there myself in the next couple of years.
I'm having trouble finding a glow stick that works well. Tried everyone one that bass pro offers. They all seem to big and heavy and dampen the rod tip action, or too small to see well. Any recomendations, and how do you attach them? If you don't mind I could also use some advice on a net as well.
Dollar stores or e-bay for the glow sticks.I'm having trouble finding a glow stick that works well. Tried everyone one that bass pro offers. They all seem to big and heavy and dampen the rod tip action, or too small to see well. Any recomendations, and how do you attach them? If you don't mind I could also use some advice on a net as well.
I'm having trouble finding a glow stick that works well. Tried everyone one that bass pro offers. They all seem to big and heavy and dampen the rod tip action, or too small to see well. Any recomendations, and how do you attach them? If you don't mind I could also use some advice on a net as well.
Hello Rookie Dave - Try the sporting goods department at:
Wal-Mart
Rod-n-Bobb's Beacon Lightsticks
(Includes 4 pcs. green 1.5" x 4mm Lightsticks w/2 Rod Tip Holders, 3 Bobber Holders and 2 Bobber Sleves)
$2.98 pkg. (2 1/2" x 5" black package)
or
Meijer
OmniGlow Lightsticks
(Includes 3 pcs. green 1.5" Lightsticks w/tubes)
$2.99 pkg. (2 1/2" x 5" green package)
A lot of guys grab the sturgeon by the tail (with a glove)and lift them into their boat. But if your looking for a net, I would suggest a net with a large hoop. Ranger Nets make several big hoop nets. You can find a good selection of them at Lakeside Fishing Shop in St. Clair Shores.
Good luck!
not sure who makes them, or where to get them, guessing bass pro, but they are little LED lights that shut on and off by pushing in the bulb. clip right on to the end of your rod. probably only weigh about a gram. a little white "condom like" rubber boot slides over the light to make them glow. we use them for sturge and they work GREAT. my cousin picked them up so he'd know what they are. i'll contact him and get back with the name of them and where to buy
treeman said: ↑
I am getting alot of questions these days about sturgeon fishing via pm's and such. It seems there is alot of interest. In the hope that most of you here are conservation minded and will appreciate these fish for what they are, I will fill you all in as best I can about what works for me. I am sure others may have more to add.
General location: Sturgeon are found the length of the north channel all the way from the lake to the deep hole at the south end of Algonac, and I am sure beyond. There is just too much river and too little time to explore it all. If you go out at night you will see these fish jumping everywhere, deep, shallow, close to shore and in the middle of the river.
Specific location: Sturgeon are big fish that I am sure must be able to feed efficiently. I read some sturgeon information on the web from the Pacific northwest that said the guides look for concentrations of food. I do the same here. The best way to find fish, and the way we develop our spots is to cruise the channel along eddys, drop offs and current breaks until we mark concentrations of fish. They could be of any species including rock bass, walleyes, suckers, sheepshead and catfish. They will show you where the river is concentrating food. Sturgeon will be right there with them. It doesn't have to be a deep hole.
Technique: The fishing is basic and simple. A gob of bait is presented on bottom while anchored just above the fish. I use baitcasting reels spooled with 50lb test line and 50lb leaders on a heavy catfish rods. I have gotten better numbers of fish on 30 lb leaders but have had a big fish break me off.
The rig: I rig my sinker as a slip sinker on the main line above a bead to protect my knot tied to a snap swivel. Instead of running the eye of my sinker up the main line I use a snap swivel to which the sinker is attached. This allows me to change weights without having to retie if I change depths.
The leader is about 3 to 4 ft with a barrel swivel on the end attached to the main line and a large hook on the other end. I prefer to use Owner cutting point saltwater hooks. Others use kahle style or circle hooks.
Bait: A group of us went out one night and fished different combinations of bait including just spottails, minnows and worms, just worms. The thing that produced the best was a big gob of crawlers. Out west they use cut-bait, The DNR uses gobies on their setlines. I have thought about catching some creek chubs and using them for cut-bait. People have suggested squid, oysters and other fish products from the store. Don't be afraid to experiment.
I spend alot on crawlers. Gulp worms have been known to work. If you find something cheap and durable please let me know.
Refinements: I always try to completely cover my hook with the bait. The mouth on these fish looks like one big feeler. I want the bait to feel as natural as possible when they pick it up. Sturgeon bite like a perch. If you get a bite, no matter how light, set the hook. It could be a small rock bass or a very large fish. Sometimes I will hold my rod to get a better feel for the bite and to provide for a quicker hook set before the bait is dropped. I get a much higher hooking percentage and catch rate this way. It seems alot of bites come after a boat has gone by creating a wake that causes the sinker to gently bounce on the bottom. On those calm nights with little wave action I will bounce the sinker off the bottom once in a while to stir up a little silt and cause some noise and vibration. I think this calls attention to the bait.
Handling the fish: Now that you have followed all of the above advice and have a big fish at the boat please treat him gently as possible. One of the reasons I use heavy rods and line is to get the fish to the boat before they are completely exhausted. Use a large net to get them in the boat. Have the camera, tape measure and hook removers handy before the fish is netted. You will need gloves to handle the fish because of the sharp plates and rough skin. Do not pick him up by the gills or hold him vertically. Grab the fish just in front of the tail and cradle the belly with your other hand keeping the fish horizontal. Get a quick picture and get him back into the water as quickly as possible. It will take some time to revive a big fish. Hold him upright in the water and allow water to flow through his gills. Sometimes they will go right away, sometimes not. He will let you know when he is ready to go. It may take some time. Be patient. Five to ten minutes is not unusual.
Finally: Once you have landed a fish check your line and leaders for nicks and frays. That skin and those plates and spines will do a number even on 50 lb test line. I normally will have to re-tie after about every second fish.
Conservation: This is the largest of the freshwater fishes. Unless you have fished the ocean, you will likely catch the biggest fish of your life. Please conserve this great resource by acting legally and ethically. Take a friend along to share this great experience. Sturgeon meat has a heavier texture, is very oily and has a stronger flavor than walleye or perch. Please practice catch and release. Enjoy the river at night. It is cooler with less boat traffic and you're not burning gallons of gas.
Be safe: Twice in the past 2 years I have had large boats heading directly toward me and had to frantically wave them off. Make sure you have all required safety equipment on board and that you have proper lighting. Always have both a loud horn or other audible signalling device as well as a spot light to make you presence known to those that should not be driving a boat especially at night.
HAVE FUN! GOOD LUCK!
Sturge says:
I might add:
A. fish on the waxing moon
B. use fresh bait
C. fish where the fish are.
D. Fish the top of the hole on a waxing moon, fish the back of the hole on a waning moon.
A Sturgeon will jump like a Tarpon if you sting them when you set the hook
The more force you put on a Sturgeon the more he will fight. You can set the hook into a 80#er and hold on for a hour with six pound but put the meat to
him and all hell can break loose. In the past I have had three,threehundred yard spools of 25 pound disappear and never turn whatever was on the line.
Went to the bitter end and the famous pang would sound and I lost, Mr. Ugly won. I hope all of you can enjoy the fight these fish will throw if hooked and the fish knows who's boss.
Does anyone know where we can find some spottails? I like these better than any other bait on the market.
Good Luck and I will see you on the river starting next week.
Sturge
#27 Sturge, Jul 20, 2004
I am getting alot of questions these days about sturgeon fishing via pm's and such. It seems there is alot of interest. In the hope that most of you here are conservation minded and will appreciate these fish for what they are, I will fill you all in as best I can about what works for me. I am sure others may have more to add.
General location: Sturgeon are found the length of the north channel all the way from the lake to the deep hole at the south end of Algonac, and I am sure beyond. There is just too much river and too little time to explore it all. If you go out at night you will see these fish jumping everywhere, deep, shallow, close to shore and in the middle of the river.
Specific location: Sturgeon are big fish that I am sure must be able to feed efficiently. I read some sturgeon information on the web from the Pacific northwest that said the guides look for concentrations of food. I do the same here. The best way to find fish, and the way we develop our spots is to cruise the channel along eddys, drop offs and current breaks until we mark concentrations of fish. They could be of any species including rock bass, walleyes, suckers, sheepshead and catfish. They will show you where the river is concentrating food. Sturgeon will be right there with them. It doesn't have to be a deep hole.
Technique: The fishing is basic and simple. A gob of bait is presented on bottom while anchored just above the fish. I use baitcasting reels spooled with 50lb test line and 50lb leaders on a heavy catfish rods. I have gotten better numbers of fish on 30 lb leaders but have had a big fish break me off.
The rig: I rig my sinker as a slip sinker on the main line above a bead to protect my knot tied to a snap swivel. Instead of running the eye of my sinker up the main line I use a snap swivel to which the sinker is attached. This allows me to change weights without having to retie if I change depths.
The leader is about 3 to 4 ft with a barrel swivel on the end attached to the main line and a large hook on the other end. I prefer to use Owner cutting point saltwater hooks. Others use kahle style or circle hooks.
Bait: A group of us went out one night and fished different combinations of bait including just spottails, minnows and worms, just worms. The thing that produced the best was a big gob of crawlers. Out west they use cut-bait, The DNR uses gobies on their setlines. I have thought about catching some creek chubs and using them for cut-bait. People have suggested squid, oysters and other fish products from the store. Don't be afraid to experiment.
I spend alot on crawlers. Gulp worms have been known to work. If you find something cheap and durable please let me know.
Refinements: I always try to completely cover my hook with the bait. The mouth on these fish looks like one big feeler. I want the bait to feel as natural as possible when they pick it up. Sturgeon bite like a perch. If you get a bite, no matter how light, set the hook. It could be a small rock bass or a very large fish. Sometimes I will hold my rod to get a better feel for the bite and to provide for a quicker hook set before the bait is dropped. I get a much higher hooking percentage and catch rate this way. It seems alot of bites come after a boat has gone by creating a wake that causes the sinker to gently bounce on the bottom. On those calm nights with little wave action I will bounce the sinker off the bottom once in a while to stir up a little silt and cause some noise and vibration. I think this calls attention to the bait.
Handling the fish: Now that you have followed all of the above advice and have a big fish at the boat please treat him gently as possible. One of the reasons I use heavy rods and line is to get the fish to the boat before they are completely exhausted. Use a large net to get them in the boat. Have the camera, tape measure and hook removers handy before the fish is netted. You will need gloves to handle the fish because of the sharp plates and rough skin. Do not pick him up by the gills or hold him vertically. Grab the fish just in front of the tail and cradle the belly with your other hand keeping the fish horizontal. Get a quick picture and get him back into the water as quickly as possible. It will take some time to revive a big fish. Hold him upright in the water and allow water to flow through his gills. Sometimes they will go right away, sometimes not. He will let you know when he is ready to go. It may take some time. Be patient. Five to ten minutes is not unusual.
Finally: Once you have landed a fish check your line and leaders for nicks and frays. That skin and those plates and spines will do a number even on 50 lb test line. I normally will have to re-tie after about every second fish.
Conservation: This is the largest of the freshwater fishes. Unless you have fished the ocean, you will likely catch the biggest fish of your life. Please conserve this great resource by acting legally and ethically. Take a friend along to share this great experience. Sturgeon meat has a heavier texture, is very oily and has a stronger flavor than walleye or perch. Please practice catch and release. Enjoy the river at night. It is cooler with less boat traffic and you're not burning gallons of gas.
Be safe: Twice in the past 2 years I have had large boats heading directly toward me and had to frantically wave them off. Make sure you have all required safety equipment on board and that you have proper lighting. Always have both a loud horn or other audible signalling device as well as a spot light to make you presence known to those that should not be driving a boat especially at night.
HAVE FUN! GOOD LUCK!
Sturge says:
I might add:
A. fish on the waxing moon
B. use fresh bait
C. fish where the fish are.
D. Fish the top of the hole on a waxing moon, fish the back of the hole on a waning moon.
A Sturgeon will jump like a Tarpon if you sting them when you set the hook
The more force you put on a Sturgeon the more he will fight. You can set the hook into a 80#er and hold on for a hour with six pound but put the meat to
him and all hell can break loose. In the past I have had three,threehundred yard spools of 25 pound disappear and never turn whatever was on the line.
Went to the bitter end and the famous pang would sound and I lost, Mr. Ugly won. I hope all of you can enjoy the fight these fish will throw if hooked and the fish knows who's boss.
Does anyone know where we can find some spottails? I like these better than any other bait on the market.
Good Luck and I will see you on the river starting next week.
Sturge
#27 Sturge, Jul 20, 2004
I was thinking the same thing. The seminars and "meet and greets" Sturgeons For Tomorrow puts on have helped me a lot in my very short sturgeon chasing hobby.Jim,
What great summary...Thanks for passing the info along. I'll be the first to say that everything I learned about sturgeon fishing over the pass few years came directly from other sturgeon fisherman sharing their knowledge of this great fishery and how to fish it, with me. I've been fortunate enough to turn a handful of other fisherman on to sturgeon fishing in return. There's nothing like having one of those big boys on the end of your line.....or better yet seeing someone else in your boat land a big fish. I got a few folks going out with me this year that have never caught a sturgeon. I'm hoping that I can put them on a fish or two.
21 - 40 of 46 Posts
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