Musky vs. Sturgeon

[jwmiller33]

My back and forearms usually get sore after about the 3rd fish. You know it was a great day of fishing when you get home and your sore from catching so many big fish and the long fight that they entail. You can't say that about most fish, including muskies (at least from my experience). Like RK said, with muskie fishing, you get sore from casting those huge baits over and over and over, not the actual fight of the fish

[mainbutter]

I think what he is saying is that any Joe Blow can put in on Rainy River in April and catch a 50" Sturgeon and maybe even have 20 fish days. Not gonna happen with Musky.

I know of three lakes where any Joe Blow can put in a canoe at opener (either MN or lower Ontario) and have 20+ fish days on 'skis (though the majority will 30-38''). All you need are small bucktails or 5-8'' soft plastics. The problem is the ridiculous portages/hikes!

[rugbymn]

Plus, have you ever heard of a Sturgeon attack at a local beach?

[Silver Scale]

RK and others on here have it right. Once you catch a few sturgeon you will be hooked. As far as landing, a large musky type net works well. A cradle works good if you have three people and are anchored paralle to the the current. Some people hand land them but even though sturgeon are really tough it's best not to touch the gills. While holding its also best to cradle them versus a vertical hold.

I've caught muskies over 50 lbs and the fight was great but very short. Last year alone I had to chase four sturgeon downstream and have had fights last as long as 75 minutes on sturgeon tackle.

Make sure you bring the ben gay along.

They like other boats anchor ropes too.....

[hanson]

No worm dirt in the carpet.

Walleye fisherman trick... wash your worms.

Plastic Folgers can full of water, toss a bunch of worms in there, when you need them they are clean of dirt.

Some guys even put their crawlers in a bait tamer type mesh bag and put them in their livewell.

Worms will plump up a bit from the water and remain lively.

[iffwalleyes]

I like sturgeon better cause they don't have all the teeth to worry about. I don't like coming up bloody after unhooking a fish. Never actually caught a muskie but I have casted for them. Sure seem like alot of work cast and tug cast and tug. I like the lazy approach to fishing myself set it and forget it if you will.

[iceman16]

iffwalleyes i like it the ol ronco show time rotisserie approach. 'set it and forget it" love it

[St_Croix_Banks]

If I had to compare the two, all I can say is Sturgeon tasted better then Musky. But both pair well with tartar sauce and a big Cabernet.

[RK]

If I had to compare the two, all I can say is Sturgeon tasted better then Musky. But both pair well with tartar sauce and a big Cabernet.

Enough Cab and a pair of shoes will taste good

[Shawn Kellett]

Actual

If I had to compare the two, all I can say is Sturgeon tasted better then Musky. But both pair well with tartar sauce and a big Cabernet.

Actually I've found the lighter meat of muskie goes much better with a Pinot Noir from the Santa Barbara region. That's just me though.