Sturgeon tips please.

[rather-b-fishin']

I am going to be up to the Rainy River, out of the Frontier landing, the 22nd of this month, and I was wondering if someone could clue me in on what type of rods, line, and hook size I should be using. I have found some 8/0 hooks at a sports shop near home, are these big enough? Also any advice on where and how to fish these monsters would also be a great help. Thanks.

[big musk411]

Rods med heavy to heavy action. We used catfish and muskie rods. Heavy Bass rods should be fine. Clicker reels are a plus.

Line 20+ pound mono.

Get some keel sinkers in the 1-3oz range[the ones with the berings in the front and back]. Tie on about a 2' leader and then a circle hook. I like the sized 1 or 2 odd because the are thinner and your night crawlers will stay on better. Put as many crawlers as you can fit on your hook. Anchor and drop the bait down. If you dont get anything in a half hour move to a new spot.

[Jim Panfish Uran]

Dude I think the 8/0 hooks wold be too big, man stay with 1/o or even a 1 or a 2 would work. ANd hey the best note that I have had has come right at dark or after dark. That's all I can add. Good luck and let us know how you are coming along.

[CatManLee]

I like to use 5/0 Octopus hooks for Sturgeon. I'm no "Sturgeon Expert", but a 5/0 hook is not too big. An 8/0 hook is a little on the large side, but I would bet you still catch some fish with 'em.

I would also recommend using the heaviest line you feel comfortable with. The biggest Sturgeon I have caught was only 38lbs, but it still took me over 1/2 an hour to land it with 30lb Fireline and my MH Catfish rods.

Good Luck

[tearin' lips]

Rather B,

I agree with everything that big muskie said. A 1/0 hook is plenty for sturgeon. I like to go 20 pound mono, but I know some friends who use sixty pound tuff line. It just a matter of personal preference when it comes to line.

I also know alot of guys that fish with a big game rod that has no flex, if that is your style that is fine. I prefer to go with a 6'6" fenwick MH which is the same as my muskie rod, and that is perfectly fine. I have caught tons of sturgeon on a 6'6" MH.

Basically you can get away with a walleye rod if you wanted to(though I don't reccommend it). We have caught sturgeon ranging from 45-58 inches via walleye rod while walleye fishing. You just have to play them more and don't make any stupid mistakes.

As far as the leader goes I like to run about a 18"-24" under most circumstances, but I will run a 10"-12" leader under heavy current situations like in the spring.

Good Luck and I hope that we provided some valid and helpful information.

[Sand Bay Sultan]

first off approx. what part of rainy are you planning on trying, if you are going to be on the birchdale to International falls end I could probably give you some good advise