Back from the Fraser

Don K · #1 10-03-2017, 08:53 AM

Back to work today after spending a few days chasing sturgeon on the Fraser.

We hauled the boat out and spent 3 1/2 days on the water. First day was slow, managed a couple hook ups and had a giant almost spool us before straightening out a hook and descending back to the depths. Once we got our bearings and figured out the ideal bait we were into them heavy. Sunday was our best day with 24 hooked! That'll be a hard day to beat, but we will give it a try next year!!

Don K · #2 10-03-2017, 08:58 AM

A few more pics

RavYak · #3 10-03-2017, 10:04 AM

Always a good time out at the Fraser.

Just gotta say since you are doing self guided trips(or have a poor guide) that you need to follow the White Sturgeon Handling Guidelines linked to below. Fish over 5 feet are for no reason to be removed from the water and guides will usually ask you not to post pictures if too much of the mouth/gills are out of the water let alone ones like yours above.

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/docs/ws_guidelines.pdf

Just giving you the heads up since some people don't know about these guidelines and I have heard they are actually enforced but not entirely sure about that.

I can't wait to get back out there again maybe this fall or next spring.

.257Weatherby · #4 10-03-2017, 10:27 AM

There is a report from 10 days ago of a 12 footer being landed near the YVR Airport...
Have not seen the pictures as I do not do FB.
There are some roaming leviathans this was West and South still and thats a great thing.
Thanks for sharing the story and events.
Tight Lines
Rob

RavYak · #5 10-03-2017, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by .257Weatherby

There is a report from 10 days ago of a 12 footer being landed near the YVR Airport...
Have not seen the pictures as I do not do FB.
There are some roaming leviathans this was West and South still and thats a great thing.
Thanks for sharing the story and events.
Tight Lines
Rob

I haven't seen that report but I know Cascade just recently got a 10' 10" which is the biggest I have seen this year.

ROA · #6 10-03-2017, 12:21 PM

Awesome. What rods reels and line did you use? I am gearing up for a trip myself.

Fishslayer99 · #7 10-03-2017, 12:41 PM

Nice work, always good to see a successful unguided trip. Also agree with Rav, please be mindful of the proper handling practices as these prehistoric gentle giants deserve the utmost respect. Thanks for sharing and congrats!

RavYak · #8 10-03-2017, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROA

Awesome. What rods reels and line did you use? I am gearing up for a trip myself.

Technium rods are bullet proof and reasonably priced, lots of guides use them and they are readily available both here and in BC.

Talica 16 reels are a common reel but you see lots of other ones too, you want at least 25 lb drag and capacity close to 300+ yards, guidelines recommend 130 lb minimum braid so that takes a big reel(16 size Talica is just big enough, 20 would not be overkill). I think most guides use tuffline because you can get it in that 130 lb rating instead of having to go with say 150 lb power pro. The recommended line rating is that high to avoid abrasion(which braid handles poorly) and so that it doesn't cut into the fish if they get tangled in it.

Some guys use reels like a TLD 20 to save some money but they don't hold up to the abuse over time because you have to use them close to full drag.

Don K · #9 10-03-2017, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROA

Awesome. What rods reels and line did you use? I am gearing up for a trip myself.

We have a few rods set up, all 8' one piece sturgeon rods.
Savvy Sumo, Rapala R-Type and Rapala Magnum.

For reels we use Rapala Benthos and Hydros as well as Penn.

Line is 130lb Tuffline braided, 150lb leader.

250lb ball bearing swivels, 9/0 Gamakatsu and Leader circle hooks as well as weights varying from 16-22oz.

It's not cheap to get yourself set up but it is something you'll enjoy doing if you commit the time and money...

We started in the S Sask and basically took what we learned there and away we went. Key is figuring the right bait, be it salmon, roe, stink, lamprey, worms...etc. That's half the battle. The only other problem you'll have is whether or not you brought enough beer for camp!

Don K · #10 10-03-2017, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RavYak

Always a good time out at the Fraser.

Just gotta say since you are doing self guided trips(or have a poor guide) that you need to follow the White Sturgeon Handling Guidelines linked to below. Fish over 5 feet are for no reason to be removed from the water and guides will usually ask you not to post pictures if too much of the mouth/gills are out of the water let alone ones like yours above.

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/docs/ws_guidelines.pdf

Just giving you the heads up since some people don't know about these guidelines and I have heard they are actually enforced but not entirely sure about that.

I can't wait to get back out there again maybe this fall or next spring.

Ya we know the rules, we only lifted the one slightly out so the kids could see the size of it and quickly put it back in and sent it on its way. The others we picked up for photos were in the 5' range or under just to release hooks.

We are very cautious when boating/landing the fish so they are in and out in a hurry.

Sledhead71 · #11 10-03-2017, 03:16 PM

Awesome Don, looks like a very successful trip...

We were blessed in 2012 with a 11' 2" giant from the depths.

Don K · #12 10-03-2017, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sledhead71

Awesome Don, looks like a very successful trip...

We were blessed in 2012 with a 11' 2" giant from the depths.

That's awesome!

We had a giant on one morning but it was headed straight under a boat that pulled in behind us and dropped anchor... I could feel the line rubbing on his anchor and didn't want a wreck so I tried to put the breaks on him. Straightened the hook... Had to try!

Be in search of a 10'+ again next year. Nothing like it!