Alright, let’s talk about catchin’ them sturgeons in Oregon, ya hear? It ain’t rocket science, but you gotta know a thing or two if you wanna haul in a big one.
First off, you need some good gear. Don’t go out there with no flimsy little pole, ya need somethin’ strong. A good, sturdy rod, that’s what I’m talkin’ about. And a reel to match, somethin’ that can hold a whole lotta line. Them sturgeons are strong, they’ll pull and pull, and you don’t want ’em breakin’ your line, now do ya? So get yourself some heavy-duty line, the kind that can handle a fight.
Now, let’s talk hooks and weights. You don’t wanna just use any ol’ hook. You need a strong hook, somethin’ like a 5/0 circle hook, they say that’s a good one. And you gotta have a weight, somethin’ to keep your bait down on the bottom where them sturgeons are feedin’. A 4 oz flat sinker might do the trick, but you might need somethin’ heavier if the water’s movin’ fast.
- Strong rod, medium-heavy to heavy
- Reliable reel, high-capacity
- Heavy-duty fishing line
- 5/0 circle hook
- 4 oz flat sinker (or heavier)
Okay, so you got your gear, now what? Well, you gotta have bait, and not just any bait. Them sturgeons, they like the good stuff. Crawfish, that’s a good one. Freshwater clams, if you can find ’em. Salmon eggs, or even a whole salmon carcass if you got one. Shad and other small fish work too. The fresher the better, ya know? If you ain’t got no fresh bait, you can try addin’ some scent, somethin’ smelly to get their attention. Shrimp oil, shad oil, sardine oil, all that stinky stuff works good.
Now, here’s the thing about sturgeons, they’re bottom feeders. That means they hang out on the bottom, lookin’ for food. They got these little whisker things on their snouts, they use ’em to feel around and smell for food. So you gotta get your bait down there on the bottom where they can find it. And then you gotta be patient. Sturgeon fishin’ ain’t no quick thing, sometimes you gotta wait a while. You just gotta keep your bait on the bottom and wait for them to bite.
When you finally get a bite, don’t go yankin’ on the rod right away. Let ’em take it for a bit, let ’em swallow that bait good. Then, when you feel that line tighten up, you set that hook! And then the fight is on! Like I said, them sturgeons are strong, so you gotta be ready to work. Reel ’em in slow and steady, don’t try to rush it. And if they start pullin’ hard, just hold on tight and let ’em run. Sooner or later, they’ll tire out, and you can reel ’em in.
Once you get ’em up to the boat or the shore, be careful! Them sturgeons are big and slippery. If you’re plannin’ on keepin’ it, make sure it’s legal size and you got your tag. If not, handle ’em gentle and get ’em back in the water quick. They’re a precious thing, ya know? We gotta take care of ’em so there’s plenty for the future.
So there you have it, that’s the basics of sturgeon fishin’ in Oregon. It ain’t fancy, but it works. Just remember, get yourself some strong gear, use good bait, and be patient. And most importantly, have fun! There ain’t nothin’ like the feeling of haulin’ in a big ol’ sturgeon. It’ll make ya feel like a real fisherman, I tell ya.
Tags: Sturgeon Fishing, Oregon Fishing, Fishing Gear, Fishing Bait, Fishing Techniques
