The Original Sturgeon Excursion - April 19, 2008

[Bigeye30"]

Well that solves that dilema, I was thinking another rod, $200. that's going to be getting expensive, but at $25 bucks, I think that will work, I know I have plenty of reels to handle these guys, although I've never been able to walk in there and buy just a simple twenty five dollar rod,

[hanson]

As far as numbers of fish go? It is really hard to say. I think alot of the folks who made it up last year don't realize how special the bite was that weekend. Is a repeat in order... hard to say. It seamed like every boat that was up last year caught a couple fish around 60", just phenomenal fishing and great stories to be told later in the day. I also know some folks who went up a week later and got totally skunked, they knew what they were doing to.

Considering how light biting these fish are, the one thing that will really hamper your fish catching ability is waves and wind. When you have a hard time maintaining bait contact with the bottom and having your bait moved around, its much harder for the sturgeon to pick it up and for you to detect the bite.

You don't really need an expensive rod unless you want to. Inexpensive catfish rods have the right amount of sensitivity and power to catch these fish. As mentioned earlier, Cabelas King Kat rod is decent and also check out Ugly Stick's Catfish (UglyCat) rod as well. I prefer 8' MH.

I'm sorry to say guys but I won't be able to make it this year but have fun!

[DTro]

 Originally Posted By: Bigeye30"

I've never been able to walk in there and buy just a simple twenty five dollar rod,

ain't that the truth.

If you look at my action shot up toward the beginning of the post, that rod is a King Kat rod. Great value rod.

The bite up there can be hit or miss. Every time I've been up, we've always managed to find some fish. Last year was phenomenal and I would classify it as above average.

In my opinion, if you have three guys in the boat and fish for 8 hours, I would consider it a big success to catch 16 fish. That's 2 fish per hour. I think the average is probably lower than that. Sometimes you will have to wait a few hours for a bite. The great part is that at any time, that bite you wait for could be a fish in excess of 100lbs!

To me though really the fishing is just a bonus. It is so much fun meeting everyone and especially hearing stories of people catching their first Sturgeon.

[DTro]

Hanson, you beat me again.

How many time's are we posting the same thing at the same time?

[bassNspear]

man, after reading this, im might have to go out and get some rods, and hook up the boat and make a trip up there.

I have never done it before, but would love to get out there and try it with everyone.

How many boats are going up, and is there room for another boat?

[harvey lee]

Always room for another boat. Hard to tell how many will be there but it should be a big turnout. I would call a resort and get your room first and then just wait for the time to go.

[bassNspear]

im really going to have to think about this and see if i can make it work. Thanks for the information guys.

[marine_man]

I don't know if sturgeon will bite if it's from a line on a sparkly boat

marine_man

[Tyler Holm]

 Originally Posted By: hanson

I'm sorry to say guys but I won't be able to make it this year but have fun!

Bummer dude, It's always good to run into you up there. Won't be the same without you.

[bassNspear]

whats wrong with that Marine man!!!!!

[Ralph Wiggum]

 Originally Posted By: marine_man

I don't know if sturgeon will bite if it's from a line on a sparkly boat

marine_man

Nope, they will. I've caught my fair share from a Ranger

[bassNspear]

so that wouldnt be the problem, just have to make up my mind if i want to go or not. Sounds like a great time, just have to find out about work.

[iffwalleyes]

I was told when I first started if a person caught 4-5 fish a day per person consider that a good day. Last year was a good bite but all April is usually a good bite. I am sure I will get sturgeon the following weekend when I am up there I am not too worried about that. Heck maybe it will be better you just never know.

[bassNspear]

well, i was looking over the work stuff, and im not going to be able to make it up there. Hope you guys have a good time, and maybe next year ill be able to hook up with you guys.

[Kylersk]

Where about do we fish at for this event? Do we launch our boats that morning? I assume the resorts slips are not open yet. What happens if the river doesnt open up?

Sorry for the newbie questions.. but I'm curious.

[harvey lee]

The Rainy river or the gap into lake of the Woods depending on ice conditions. Last year for the first day, the river was partailly froze and we went downstream a ways for very good fishing. The year before one could go about anywhere.

Yes, I landed my boat in the morning and pulled it out at the end of the day. One year, some boats were docked at the docks as the rssort had their docks in.

All depends on the ice and when it goes out.

I dont know if one can say for sure that the ice will be all out as who knows what the weather is going to do. I'm hoping for an early ice out.

[hanson]

The docks stay in all year up there so as soon as the ice is off the public access at Wheeler's Pt, you'll be able to make it upstream from there to wherever you want to go.

If the ice is late coming off which very well might be the case, everyone will be trailering upstream to Baudette or even up to ClementsonAccessOnRainyRiver.

Should start hearing some chatter from the river walleye anglers pretty soon so you'll know whats open and what isn't.

Sure wish I could make it this year. Oh well...

[hanson]

If anyone is looking for a fairly cheap rod(s) for the Sturgeon Excursion weekend, check out my post in the For Sale Forum. Gotta few rods for sale that will fit the bill very nicely!

[Rainman]

Sure wish I could make it.

[Kylersk]

Has anyone ever eaten sturgeon? A Co-worker, from Romania said 'it's the best fish you have ever eaten.'

Couple other quesions..

What kind of hooks should I get?

I've only got a standard sized net, should I find a large net?

Thanks again!

BTW, I had a dream last night about fishing for Sturgeon. I ended up hooking into one that took so long to reel in, I woke up before seeing the fish.

[DTro]

I’ve heard everything about eating them.

From the best, to the worst.

I’m sure preparation has a lot to do with it.

Just remember, during this GTG it is catch and release only so at least for that weekend we won’t have to worry about it.

[eyepatrol]

My father-in-law out west sent me some sturgeon that he caught. It's a thick, heavy meat....fills you up fast. If I were to compare it with the taste of another fish, my taste buds tell me it's much like halibut.

[fiskyknut]

Yum yum very good smoked, like a ham! Have had steaks broiled and grilled as well, hmmmm so-so, a tad greasy maybe for my liking.

As dtro mentions preperation is key....Don't severe their 'mudvein' as that for sure taints the entire Sturgeonfish.

fiskyknut

[wafisher]

They are very good as stated though they are a really dense meat. Not sure on the comparision though the ones i have caught came out of the columbia in WA. I'm really intrested in trying out sturgeon fishing in MN if anyone has an open seat, left my boat in WA. I could help out on some of the knowledge of sturgeon fishing and have extras of much of the tackle.

Thanks alot.

Brian.

[eyepatrol]

 Quote:

came out of the columbia in WA

That's where my father-in-law was at and that's where I got my sample from.