Gear Up! Sturgeon
Sturgeon might be the coolest fish ever. They fight hard, grow large, and are relatively hardy fish that can survive being caught repeatedly when handled properly. On a good day, you can even caught 10 or more of these monsters, but without the proper gear, you’ll wind up disappointed and sore. Not to mention, you can damage the fish by using too-small gear. Avoid that by using these items below.
RODS
Bait fishing from shore?
My First Choice: No winner yet
Value Pick: Ugly Stik Tiger
Boat/Kayak fishing?
My First Choice: Daiwa Proteus
Value Pick: Ugly Stik Tiger
REELS
My First Choice: No Winner Yet
Value Pick: Cabela’s Salt Striker
LINES
Big fish or big water?
Use Power Pro Braid – 100 lb.
For leader use Dacron – 100 lb for pressured fish and Fluoro – 100 lb if not.
Smaller fish or small/still water?
Use Power Pro Braid – 100 lb.
For leader use Fluoro – 60 lb.
NETS
Most of the time, you won’t net sturgeon, but if you happen to catch a small one and decide to use a net, make sure it’s big and tough.
Need a great big net?
Use an RS Nets King Landing Net.
HOOKS
Fishing for sturgeon to 7′?
Use Owner 7/0 Circle Hooks.
Fishing for true monsters?
Use Owner 9/0 Circle Hooks.
SWIVELS
Heavy-duty swivels are a necessity for sturgeon fishing. Sturgeon are not gear shy, so err on the side of massive. Also, don’t use snap swivels unless you want fish to break you off.
Connections, leaders, etc.?
Use Rolling Barrel Swivels.
WEIGHTS
Slow or no current?
Use 2-Ounce Pyramid Sinkers.
Fast current?
Use 4-Ounce Pyramid Sinkers.
Insane current?
Use 8-Ounce Pyramid Sinkers.
Read more about Sturgeon Fishing or continue the Gear Up! process generally, or in detail for each species and style of fishing:
Gear Up! Bass
Gear Up! Bottomfish
Gear Up! Micro
Gear Up! Trout
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