Strugeon Fishing HELP!

[cohoho]

OK guys, here is the chance to give some advice to a beginner Sturgeon Fisherman....  Normally, I wouldn't throw this out there, but used to have a group of folks up North that shared activities like this all the time, but being new here and meeting nothing but the corporate (wife's Coworkers) Non-Outdoors types since arriving.   I figured what the heck.....   So here is the deal, I've decided that Sturgeon is what I will be concentrating on as my relief in the fishing area for the future.....  Sorry, but too many people here versus number of fish for the Salmon enjoyment.  Again nothing personal, just not what I am use too, from where I came from.....(Alaska)  Now, Sturgeon is a different story, been watching several shows, and holy crap what a fish....  It is high on the big overall wish list..... Does anyone do it alot, secrets please?  Thinking of starting after the new year into the spring to be ready when the big guys arrive late spring....   I've got a good boat (23 Thunder Jet) to handle most waters and wheather Mother Nature can throw.  The Columbia is only three hours away, so I am up, if anyone has some secrets and the know how to share.....  What equipment are you running, setups, etc..... Photos?  Willingness to show a rookie Sturgeon Fisher guy the ropes? I provide boat and transportation..... Split the cost of gas, add a beer or two......   Even thinking of changing the sign in name.....??  Had COHOHO for a reason......  And it wasn't due to being in the Christmas spirit.... Once I figure Sturgeon out, they will become an obsession with me....Then, I figure I can use it as leverage for some secret Elk and Muley spots......   So here is the opportunity to get on board early...... Mike

[WDFW Hates ME!!!]

Mike i can help... Alot.

[WDFW Hates ME!!!]

I will PM ya letar. No time right now.

[Antlershed]

Hmm...where to start....

Rods/Reel/Line:

You can either go with a heavier salmon type rod in 8'6" and some 50lb braided line, or you can go with the heavy duty 7' Ugly Stik and 100lb braided line. I don't use mono because it stretches and when you get hung up it is a pain to break off.

Gear:

Rig it up with a sliding lead, using a ball bearing swivel on the line to clip your lead to, then run a bead on the line, and then tie on a big clip. Tie up your own leaders or buy some pre-made, I tie my own. Hook size will be dependent on bait. Anywhere from 3/0 for Anchovies to 9/0 for Shad. Tie a loop in the end of your leader so you can clip/unclip it from your mainline when you need to re-bait. Lead sizes will depend on current and water depth, anywhere from 8oz up to 30+oz.

Bait:

Depends on the time of year and what the fish are after. Choices usually range from Smelt, Anchovies, Shad, Squid, Herring, Sand Shrimp.

There are a ton of good areas from Kalama all the way down to the mouth of the river. I have spots that were shown to me, and are kind of my go to spots. I have started to find some new spots though. A good fishfinder is key and just cruise around deep holes looking for fish. If you dont find any fish deep, try in shallow.

And some porn...

[ICEMAN]

I love porn!

[huntnphool]

Damn it, sorry about that dial up guys, I forgot to resize. Here you go.

[huntnphool]

next two...

[huntnphool]

You will need a anchor set-up like this one. I will send you private pics if you want them, detail on what you will need. My boat is 22".

[Antlershed]

Ahhh, yes, huntinphool....I forgot about the anchor system. I agree it is a must.

[huntnphool]

Also, if your heading up by the dam for the giants, you are going to want to go with someone and learn the ropes before you take your boat out there. We lost a couple brand new sleds up there this year, its not as easy as dropping your anchor. Both boats sank before the people on board could cut the rope, they all survived though.

[ICEMAN]

Also, if your heading up by the dam for the giants, you are going to want to go with someone and learn the ropes before you take your boat out there. We lost a couple brand new sleds up there this year, its not as easy as dropping your anchor. Both boats sank before the people on board could cut the rope, they all survived though.

Yeah, that is a nice little reminder for folks. Nothing worse than having to stop your fishing to pull some guys out of the drink, ends the day for everyone.  I am surprised they do not have reminders of that threat at all the ramps.

[cohoho]

Antlershed and Huntnphool,   I am a sponge, set-up for anchor system is something pretty new to me, everything before is either beach it or back troll, so very curious...   The gear situation, believe I got covered from my heavy King rigs to medium ocean Halibut rigs...  Circle or J hooks?  Looking at lining up a guy from Portland Area that runs there 7 days a week and pay for the first couple before I head solo.  I've run some of the most challenging rivers and tides in the salt in Alaska and will heed to the above warnings and not let MAN Pride get in the way....  Way too cautious and respectful of water to think of any other way.........Not too bashful to learn the new-different ways of dealing with things down here...  Now those are some of the photos that I'm talking about.....   The ones that, well, eat real well.... 

[ICEMAN]

You will be anchoring up all over the place, sometimes in relatively swift water. Some boats do not like this too well, bow down, dive for the bottom.

Sturgeon fishin is basically plunking. Park your bait and wait.

[addicted]

could have sworn i saw your rig and boat today cohoho 

[huntnphool]

No worries Coho. You are in the right frame of mind hooking up with someone before you go out there. I fish the lower river for the most part, Deep River/Tongue Point and below. You wont have a problem anchoring down there with a good system. I use 4/0 hooks and catch my share of fish, even when bringing rookies. Looking forward to seeing lots of guys on here down on the river.

[washingtonmuley]

sent pm

[Antlershed]

Cohoho, I wouldn't use circle hooks. We have tried them and they dont work real well. Sturgeon bite really soft (most of the time), almost looks like a trout bite.

The anchor setup has a bouy on a  pulley system so that you use the boat to pull the anchor for you. I have seen similar setups used in AK for halibut fishing, but up there they used a big ring instead of a pulley, and they were able to due to the style of anchor. The style of anchor you will want to use on the Columbia you will need the pulley and bouy. Sorry, it is kind of hard to explain without pictures.

[huntnphool]

Here you go Coho, this is the rig I am using, by far the best one I have tried.

http://www.ezmarine.com/page3.html

[cohoho]

Cool,  Thanks alot guys, will be doing some home work and getting stuff ready.  I'll let you know when I get ready to run and see who's where at that time...   Mike