Sturgeon Fishing Tutorial
- 1). Select the type of rod and line by the area that you'll be fishing in. River sturgeon are generally much smaller than large lake or ocean sturgeon but can weigh more than 30 pounds no matter where you fish. You'll want a good quality rod that is between 7 and 10 feet long, with a line that has a test of at least 50 pounds. Deep water fishing may require a heavy-duty rod, capable of grabbing larger fish such as halibut with a line test of 60 pounds to 100 pounds. Use barb-less hooks, at least size 5/0 or 7/0.
- 2). Choose your bait according to the area you are fishing in. For river fishing, pile worms, nightcrawlers and large grubs are great baits to use, as well as other smaller fresh fish such as catfish and perch. Sturgeon tend to dwell in deeper waters, about 20 to 30 feet, so they will eat almost anything at the bottom. For open-water fishing in large lakes and oceans, use bait that's indigenous to the region such as salmon roe or shad on the Northwest Coast and mackerel or sardines on the East Coast. Sturgeon are also fond of eel, anchovies and many types of shrimp.
- 3). Ask a local fishing guide or department of fish and wildlife about the sturgeon population in your area. If you don't know the area, this is the only way you'll find this information. These resources wll be able to point you in the direction of the sturgeon. Sturgeon may also have a season and a catch limit in the waters that you choose to fish. Check with the department prior to fishing for sturgeon for local laws that may apply.
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