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Leader line - hooks for sturgeon

JakeJ_Mn
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JakeJ_Mn Collaborator

JakeJ_Mn

Posted
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Wondering what's the best type of line to use to make sturgeon leaders? How long of a leader? Also, hooks - I have 5/0 and 7/0 circle hooks??

I use fluorocarbon for my walleye leaders, but 50# test fluoro seems pretty stiff for sturgeon - any thoughts??

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bobbymalone Mentor

bobbymalone

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I always just use the same braided line I use for the mainline for making leaders... This isn't a deal where fish will get spooked by the leader. I also make them short. Like a foot or less.

I use 5/0 or 6/0 circle hooks, but that's for croix sturg. I know those RR sturg get bigger, so I might go bigger. Circle hooks are a key component though.

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DTro Grand Master

DTro

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Some people like to use a mono or flouro leader as a shock absorber, but IMO, a reel with a good drag that is properly set and matched with a proper rod is what is important.

I stick with 80lb braid because it will cut through the current better and you will need less weight. I use a very short leader on the Rainy (16" or less). A quick side story to this, I remember one of the first years up there our boat was doing very well and we had talked to a guy that was not having a lot of luck so we shared tactics and discovered he was using a leader that was 3ft long or something like that. The next day he shortened it up and his catch rate went way up. Basically you want to keep your bait on the bottom and not moving. Now on the St Croix down here with the soft silt you actually need a longer leader otherwise you end up burying your bait.

As far as hook size, I like to go bigger and will use a 6-8/0. I load it up with a ton of bait too. My favorite is either 5-6 fatheads only or a combo of crawlers/fatheads.

Also don't be fooled into thinking No Roll sinkers are the way to go. When fishing from a boat, stick with bank, flat bank, or pyramid sinkers. You will be able to use a lighter weight compared to a No Roll and lighter weight means better bite detection. Last year I couldn't believe the people chucking out downrigger ball sized lead when it wasn't needed. Only go as big as you need to stay on the bottom.

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  • 2 weeks later...
Big Country Proficient

Big Country

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DTro, you and Waste Water planning an early sturgie trip this year up to the Rainy? Me Frank and the boys will be there, but only when we can get the boat into the dock at the resort after some ice leaves. That'll probably be, oh, I don't know, maybe June crazy BC

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