NSR Sturgeon Caught
 

It was his first time out at this spot. Never caught a sturgeon, but he sure wanted one. It's funny because we were just talking about "what if one of us catches one today" and then it happened. He hooked on and fought for about 30-35 minutes on light tackle. He caught a 47" sturgeon for his first one which was a great size. Snapped a few photos and had it straight back in the water.

His smile says it all! Congrats

Happy camper there, congrats.

Congrats. What concerns me, however, is mention of "light" tackle. Do yourselves and the fish a favor, use appropriate tackle when targeting sturgeon.

Why light tackle makes for a good fight and better for the fish when it comes to shore.

too light of tackle makes the fight a lot longer than it needs to be and longer than it should. The longer the fight, the less chance of survival after the release and the longer it takes the fish to recover.

I'm a firm believer in this. Big pike and sturgeon need bigger gear.


Edit: big "tackle" I'm referring to line, rod and reel.

ive fished alongside this guy and his dad they both use more than adequate tackle for the nsr, there isnt a fish in that river you cant land on 15lb braid. IMHO the guys that are out "targeting" sturgeon every chance they get are doing hundreds of times more harm, regardless of their tackle. its a matter of numbers, first one vs 60+ a season? this is exactly why i stopped posting in this forum, someones always got something to say. I think quila and i will have to come hang with you guys, havent been down there since i bought my boat. well done big guy! dont let anyone rain on your parade you earned that one! im just sorry i wasnt there to see it.

Lol... gear down trucker.. I wasn't even remotely being negative. I explained what the guy above me was saying. And I agree with it. If you want to use 15lbs line, go ahead. I never said everyone needs to use heavy tackle.

congrats to your buddy andre.
i have fised many times with andre and his father and they are serious anglers and they use appropriate gear.

We weren't actually targeting them, plus he just expected goldeyes and wallies nothin else that's why he had light tackle.