Sturgeon basics???

[rodbuilder]

Hey all you fishing vets out there. I am looking forward to my first trip up to Rainy and need some info. Are circle hooks the best choice or should be use standard bait hooks? What size hooks should I bring? Also, what size sinkers are best for keeping the bait on the bottom? Thanks for all the help!!

[Sturgeon46]

Circle hooks would be my choice. Fresh cut bait - filet of sucker is great as is a bunch of crawlers in a net bag. Jigging spoons with a chunk of minnow just bounced on the bottom is also great. Be especially nice to the ones you catch and release - I've read the females take years to mature and may only spawn once every 9 years or so (sounds like my ex-wife!)

[rodbuilder]

Sturgeon46...once every 9 years huh?...sounds like my current wife!!!..lol...anyway, thanks for the input. We will definately be gentle with them. I typically fish muskies so I understand the importance of CPR. What size circle hooks should I buy?...and what is a net bag? Sorry I am an one-who-thinks-I-am-silly...never done this before!

[Opie]

Sturgeon 46,

You should have a great time, and if you thought Musky fishing was addictive, wait until you tie into a large sturgeon for a 30-40 minute battle.

Here is my typical set-up for the Rainy River:
-Heavy rod an reel(most any musky rod/reel combo will do, I use St. Croix telescopic fiberglass rods for their durability and Diawa line counter reels as they are the heaviest I own as a walleye guy)

-For line, anything around 15# or up. Mono or superline, doesn't really matter, but I will set my drag lighter with superlines.

-Hooks and sinkers, I use a 2/0 or 3/0 circle hook and usually a 1/2oz to over 1oz bell sinker(depending on current strenth) with a small split shot about 12-18 inches above the line to allow the bait to move a little in the current.

-For bait, I mainly use a gob of crawlers on the hook, making sure to leave a couple of longer pieces dangling, not all balled up. I have used large chubs and shiners with some success, but crawlers are my bait of choice.

Good luck, have fun, and bring a big net and a camera to post some pics of your catch.

[Opie]

Sorry, my last post should have been for Rodbuilder, not Sturgeon 46. Me Bad

Dean Thorn

[rodbuilder]

Opie, thanks for the tips!! My lunch hour today will be spent looking for these monster circle hooks and sinkers. Thanks again for the help!. I cannot WAIT to get up there!!...god I love to fish!!!!!!!!