Fishing Harness Info

[woodywsu]

I know we have some shark fishing outfitters on this site but others feel free to chime in.

I'm looking for suggestions on fishing harnesses for fighting oversized sturgeon. I would like harness to be able to clip on the reels (Shimano Tiagra 30A) but also have a seat for the butt of the pole. Pros/cons? Harness needs to be adjustable to fit bigger guys as well. Looking for comfort and support. Fighting OS sturgeon has taken over two hours before and is back breaking work. Plus, I would hate to see a $1000 dollar rod/reel combo disappear off the boat.

[fishcrazy]

I've done lots of OS fishing. No way you will ever find a harnes in my boat!

We use a fighting belt and that is all. I've had people almost go over while fighting them sea monsters. If someone was to go over while tied to one it wouldn't be perrty.

Good luck


Kris

[L-ofalab]

I like a belt to put the rod end in, it gives you some leverage and you won't go overboard. If you are worried about losing the rod and reel put a safety line on the reel and around the cleat, just make sure it can be removed easily.

[cohoho]

Echo that response - just get a fighting belt.  I fish for big fish in the ocean in Florida Keys and Hawaii and of course do the Sturgeon over size thing here - No way in heck do you want to attach a person to a 400-600lb or more fish that will stay on the bottom in fast-cold water.  On the flip side- If your fighting an OS for 2hrs then you need to step up your gear and ensure you come off anchor and go get the fish, not bring him to you.    One day we got 9 to the boat, none of them took more than 30 minutes, assign jobs, start the kicker, drop the anchor line bag and go after them.  2hrs has to put a serious hurt on that fish.. 

[woodywsu]

The 2 hour and 40 minute fight was completely out of the norm. Most of the OS are to the boat within an hour. We throw anchor within minutes of hooking up usually as soon as the other rods are coming in. I'm looking for some type of security measure on a rod/reel combo over $1k. I take a lot of people out that don't have a lot of fishing experience and my concern is the rod/reel disappearing out of the boat. If I were to harness someone it, I would also harness them to the boat. The biggest fish caught in this stretch was just shy of 14' with a girth of 120"

[cohoho]

 I appreciate securing gear, but big reel drag is everything... Man o man 14footer - freaking pig for sure...     I have gotten several taped at 10-11 but never bigger...  My bud lives and has fished for sturgeon every weekend in Portland for 30 years and biggest is 13 at dam when you could fish that...  i know there are bigger fish in there for sure.  Would love to hit the Frazier one or two times for that fishery toooo.. Would love to link up for a trip.. 

[magnus100]

We harness up every year and catch many oversize sturgeon. With a harness and two speed reels women and kids can catch giant fish.  Absolutely tie a line to them and they should also always have a life vest on. We use a Braid brute buster Tuna belt and Butt harness. It is awesome. The hooks on it simply slip thru the eyes on the reel, they do not clip on.  Most oversize can be caught and released in 15 to 25 min putting less stress on fish. Send me a pm if you want more info. Can't wait to fish.
Good luck to all,
Mike