How to Fish and Catch Sturgeon

Learn how to Harvest this Bountiful Fish from the Sea

Aug 9, 2009 Armand Famiglietti

Here are some tricks that will help both the novice and advanced fisherman catch Sturgeon next time they break out the old rod and reel. These tips are easy to follow.

There are actually more than 26 different species of Sturgeon. Part of the Acipenseridae fish family, they are considered to be one of the oldest fish families in the world. Sturgeon can be found along the coasts of North America and Eurasia. A fish that can adapt to diluted salt water, they are also found in rivers and lakes along these regions as well. Sturgeon can grow to be more than 19 feet long and are harvested not just for their meat, but their eggs (roe) as well. The roe is later processed into caviar and sold at specialty food shops throughout the world. Sturgeon are known as “bottom feeders.” This means they rely on food such as crayfish, shrimp, snails, worms and other small aquatic species or insects. Here are some helpful hints on how to catch Sturgeon next time the old rod and reel out is broken out.

Sturgeon Tackle Equipment

Be sure to have the correct tackle equipment in order to catch the Sturgeon. The fishing rod should be somewhere between six and nine feet in length. It should also be made of one long piece, rather than a rod that must be assembled.

It is suggested that the reel be outfitted with a line that can hold a minimum of 90 pounds and be able to run almost 300 yards. Also, the hook should have a thickness of 5/0 gauge to 9/0 gauge depending on the species trying to be caught.

Get the Right Bait

The old adage “fresh is best” certainly applies to Sturgeon fishing. Recommended bait are things like crawfish, salmon eggs, carcasses, shad, clams or other small fish. If fresh bait is not available, enhance your chances at catching sturgeon by adding scented oils to your lure. Oils such as shrimp, shad, and sardine work well when fishing for Sturgeon.

Find the Right Spot

Just like in real estate, a large part of fishing success is location, location, location. Ledges, sand flats, rocky points and small channels are excellent places to fish for Sturgeon. Sturgeon also move with the tide. So if the tide is heading out, look in slightly deeper water. If the tide is coming in, stay closer to shore.

Feel the Big Bad Sturgeon Bite

Sturgeon bites can actually vary with the weather. When it is cold, the bites can be slow and somewhat repetitive as if they are testing the line. One can tell the difference between the tide moving your line and a Sturgeon biting because the motion is repetitive. When warmer weather is afoot, the Sturgeon bites are more aggressive. This is due to the fact that it is closer to spawning season and the Sturgeon are restless.

Hook the Sturgeon

Once the bite is felt on the line, pull up quickly on your rod to secure the catch. This will help hook and snare the Sturgeon. As the fish is reeled in, be sure to plant both feet as firmly as possible. These fish can be quite strong and have a taken a fisherman over the side of the boat a time or two. Once the Sturgeon is aboard it is time to celebrate.

Tips

Check to see if a Sturgeon license is required in your area. These licenses are usually issed by state or county gaming offices.

Learn about the requirements associated with keeping various Sturgeon species. There may be a length requirement for the fish. Check with the local gaming office, and always keep a tape measure as part of your tackle gear.

The copyright of the article How to Fish and Catch Sturgeon in Hunting & Fishing is owned by Armand Famiglietti. Permission to republish How to Fish and Catch Sturgeon in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

A Boy on a Rocky Ledge Fishing for Sturgeon!