Fishing Tips: How To Catch Sturgeon

Sturgeon

Often very large, up to several hundred pounds.

Heavy rods and strong lines.

High due to specialized gear.

High, rare and often protected.

Specific large rivers and lakes.

Legendary

More photos of Sturgeon.

Sturgeon are some of the largest and oldest freshwater fish, revered for their size and prehistoric appearance. They are bottom dwellers, found in large rivers, lakes, and coastal regions. Due to their size and the depth at which they dwell, sturgeon fishing often involves heavy tackle and strong, durable gear.

Common techniques for catching sturgeon include bottom fishing using baits like roe, nightcrawlers, and other high-scent baits that can attract these scent-sensitive giants.

Baits For Catching Sturgeon:

Berkley Gulp! Catfish Chunks

Soft plastic baits, such as the Berkley Gulp! Catfish Chunks, are designed to imitate the scent an...

Soft plastic baits, such as the Berkley Gulp! Catfish Chunks, are designed to imitate the scent and texture of natural baits. These chunks are infused with a strong scent that attracts bottom-dwelling fish. They can be used on a hook or jighead and are effective in various environments.
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Cut Herring

Cut herring is another excellent choice for Sturgeon bait. Its oily flesh releases a potent scent ...

Cut herring is another excellent choice for Sturgeon bait. Its oily flesh releases a potent scent trail that can attract fish from a distance. Herring can be used fresh or frozen, and cut into chunks or strips for bait. This bait is especially effective in tidal waters and large rivers.
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Cut Shad

Cut shad is an effective bait for many species of fish, especially catfish. The oily flesh of shad...

Cut shad is an effective bait for many species of fish, especially catfish. The oily flesh of shad releases a strong scent trail in the water, attracting fish from far away.
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Mepps Aglia

Inline spinners are compact lures with a spinning blade attached directly to the lure's body....

Inline spinners are compact lures with a spinning blade attached directly to the lure's body. The Mepps Aglia is renowned for its consistent flash and vibration, attracting fish from a distance. Inline spinners are particularly effective in streams and rivers but can also be used in lakes and ponds. Their simplicity and effectiveness make them a staple in many tackle boxes.
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Nightcrawlers

Nightcrawlers, a type of earthworm, are highly effective live bait due to their natural scent and ...

Nightcrawlers, a type of earthworm, are highly effective live bait due to their natural scent and movement. They are commonly used for a wide range of fish species. When hooked correctly, they wriggle enticingly in the water, drawing the attention of nearby fish. Nightcrawlers can be used in various fishing environments, from freshwater lakes to rivers.
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More Thoughts on Baits: Sturgeon have a highly developed sense of smell, making baits that are rich in scent particularly effective. Baits need to be robust and well-secured, as sturgeon can be powerful and may test the strength of your tackle.

Gear To Use For Catching Sturgeon:

Gear Type	Specifications	Purpose
Rod/Reel	Heavy action rod paired with a high-capacity reel capable of handling heavy line.	Essential for managing the weight and fight of a large sturgeon.
Line	50-100 lb test braided line for its strength and durability.	Can withstand the powerful pulls and abrasive environment around sturgeon habitats.
Hook	Large hooks, size 5/0-9/0, designed for large baits and strong bites.	Ensures secure hooksets necessary for the tough mouth of sturgeon.
Leader	Heavy-duty leaders, often steel or very heavy fluorocarbon.	Prevents the line from being cut by debris or the sturgeon’s scutes.

More Thoughts on Gear:

Using the right gear is crucial when targeting sturgeon because of their size and strength. Heavy-duty rods, reels, and lines are a must to handle potentially hour-long battles with these giants.

Best Time Of Year To Catch / Weather Conditions:

The optimal time to catch sturgeon varies by location but is often in late spring through early fall when they are more active. In some regions, sturgeon can be targeted effectively during winter months in deeper channels of rivers and bays.

Most Active Feeding Times: Sturgeon are typically most active during the night or during twilight hours. However, their feeding can also be influenced by water conditions such as tides and currents, especially in estuarine environments.

How To Identify If You Caught Sturgeon: Sturgeon are notable for their elongated, torpedo-shaped bodies, scutes (bony plates) along their backs and sides, and their whisker-like barbels near the mouth which they use to detect food on the muddy riverbed. They lack the typical scales found on most fish and have a shark-like tail. The exact species can vary significantly in size and features. For more detailed identification or to confirm your catch, you might consult local fishing guides or use resources like the Catchpedia Fish Identifier.