STURGEON Picture

[Hoytstaffshooter83]

Fish was caught on the Fraiser years ago.

Hoyt, We hooked up one a few years ago that when measured at the side of the boat it was just a tad over 12 feet. I was fishing with Mike Lombard from Portland fishing adventures just up from the Fishery.

The fish went thru 4 of us numerous times for nearly 3.5 hours. I pulled myself for at least 2 of the 4. I had the drag tightened max, and both thumbs locking the spool and still could not stop this beast. I actually tried to break it off and it wouldent pull. We finally landed it but I cant see landing it any quicker.

2 of us are lifters and Im 6-3 275 and bench pert near 400. The rest of my muscles are relative. So does the old lore prevail, "If ya dont see em in an hour, you may never?"

Just wondering what you guys would do in the same situation. It aint about muscles and stamina to decrease the fight time. Not many out there have the power 2 of us had that day. Our rods were short and strong, great for pullin. Mike stayed right on top. We drifted 6 miles...

I suppose the only thing to do would be to wrap the line on a cleat and break it off with the boat.

After that fish, we were done for the day. 


size means nothing when fighting these fish, no gym exercise will train you for one of these fish... and I do have 3 national certifacations in Personal training.... each fish is diff for sure, I put a 13ft to the boat 2 years ago by myself in 45 min.... I have also seen a 7ftr take 3 guys an hour.. its a fish by fish basis.. I think with the right gear and people fighting the fish/ running the boat any oversize 15 ft or under can be landed in an hours time..... my biggest ever we tapped at just under 14ft, I have hooked them bigger then that.. maybe your fish just had a hair up its ass.. either way it doesnt change the fact that those fish are old as hell and going to spawn and that much stress for that much time either kills them later or makes them not spawn.. either way a very very bad thing to have happen

[HawkenBob]

I was kinda looking for your opinion on "how long" you should fight one then break it off in fear of it dieing?

So, if the fish aint a comin in. How long would you say. You must have some idea if you proclaim that fish above "probably died".

 

[Hoytstaffshooter83]

all the studies I have read say 45 to an hour is optimal, any time after that increase the chance of death exponentially.. so id say 70 min tops, I have never had to cut one lose but I would not hesistate to do so If i thought the fish live was at stake, remember these fish are over 100years old.. they are all we have left like that, they need to be respected and cared for.....

[fc2038]

Yea, I seen that a couple years back. That is one big fis!