Sturgeon Fishing Tips & Techniques

Fishing is a sport for many people and there are a few different types of fishing. Sturgeon fishing can be challenging, but it's also very rewarding. If you want to learn how to fish for sturgeon, take a look at these tips.

Sturgeon Information

Sturgeon is also called "Acipenser". This fish has a large body with a white and greenish grey color. Their body shape resembles an eel, but they reach up to nine feet in length.

As you can see, sturgeon fishing requires some effort - especially if you're going after bigger fish. That's why you need to be careful.

Sturgeon can live for up to a hundred years old and they grow very slowly during their first thirty years. You have to remember that fishing for sturgeon can be dangerous if you're not prepared, so here are some useful tips.

Locating Sturgeon

Sturgeons can be found in oceans, seas, lakes and rivers - either freshwater or salt water species. To determine where you should look for your prey, you have to take some factors into consideration. Let's say you want to catch a white sturgeon...

In the Great Lakes, they like to eat smelt, sand lance, herring and anchovies. They'll also eat shad - especially in Lake Ontario. So if you're gonna fish for sturgeon in this area, try using small baits like live shad and squid. In the Pacific Ocean they mostly eat herring, sandlance, anchovies and smelt.

They also eat other fish that swim near the surface of the water - so you need to try fishing just off the coast. You can catch a sturgeon with a sandlance or squid. Crabs are also a good bait for sturgeon in the Pacific Ocean, so try using them on your hook.

What Baits to use

There are many options for bait when fishing for sturgeon. Some of the most effective baits include: live fish, artificial lures and flies. Sometimes you can catch a sturgeon by just dropping your hook in the water and waiting patiently and motionless for several hours.

You should try using a jig as well, if you're targeting them in rivers. To make your own jig just attach a hook to a piece of surgical tubing and use it like you would a normal lure.

Sturgeon fishing is not for beginners, but if you really want to try it then take some time to prepare first. Make sure that every member of your group knows exactly what they are doing before you begin fishing. In order to catch a sturgeon you need to be very patient and extremely careful - if you don't want to lose your fish at the end of the day.

How to Fish for Sturgeon

There are many ways that you can go about catching a sturgeon. There are some simple methods, which you can try out. These methods include trolling and bottom fishing.

Bottom Fishing for Sturgeon

You should place your hook a few inches above the bottom of the water - that's where these fish usually live. If you want to catch one using this method then you have to be quiet and still - and wait for hours. The longer you stay still, the more likely you'll be able to catch a sturgeon - just remember that they can live up to 100 years old, so patience is key.

Trolling for Sturgeon

You should always use heavy line when trolling for sturgeon as this will ensure your fish won't break your line.

To achieve better results, you should use a wire trace when trolling for sturgeon. You have to remember that they usually swim near the bottom - so if you're looking to catch them then try using this method. Fishing near the surface will also work well, just make sure you're drifting with your boat on the surface of the water.

Sturgeon Fishing Seasons

You should always be aware of the season before you start fishing for sturgeon. Fishing in summer is usually better than during winter as they don't move around as much and it's easier to catch them.

But remember that if you want to fish near the surface then the water temperature will be higher, so try choosing a time when the water is warm.

Equipment To Have Ready For Sturgeon Fishing

There are some basic pieces of equipment that you should have on hand if you want to catch a sturgeon. In order to get the job done, don't forget to bring along:

• a rod and reel
• hooks
• fish finder so you can locate them easily and know where they are swimming
• bait (live fish, artificial lures and flies - some species are better to use than others)
• a spear gun if you're going to be fishing in water that is shallow (if you're fishing in the Pacific Ocean)a net if you want to get your fish out of the water
• an ice chest with an ice block or dry ice
• cooler in case you catch a sturgeon and want to keep it fresh
• sturgeon nets (in areas where these are allowed by law)

Know the Fate of Your Sturgeon

If you do happen to catch a sturgeon then make sure that you release it immediately. These fish are extremely sensitive and will die if they are caught. You have to be careful when handling them so they don't suffer or get hurt. If your goal is to eat the fish then you should skin, gut or butcher it then cook the meat.

Summary

There are many things that you can do to improve your chances of sturgeon fishing success, but the most important thing is knowing how to fish in a safe manner. Sturgeon fishing tips can be used as knowledge and not necessarily copied verbatim so just use this article as a guideline for learning about different ways you can go about catching them.

Knowing what kind of fish you're looking for and where to find them will improve your chances - but patience is the key.