How To Catch Sturgeon

Have you always wanted to fish for sturgeon on the West Coast? Would you like to learn how to catch sturgeon? Sturgeon grows to be very large, strong, and known to leap out of the water. It has a good sense of smell and taste but poor eyesight. In this article, we discuss the fishing technique, fishing tips, equipment, and behavior of sturgeon to help you catch sturgeon.

How To Catch Sturgeon

The best way to fish for sturgeon, rig up the bait, cast it to the bottom, put the rod in the rod holder, and set the reel to free spool. Keep the bait at the bottom and wait. With the bait at the bottom, the scent will permeate the water and attract fish. Patience is a critical virtue to have when fishing for sturgeon. The best spots for sturgeon are at the bottom of the water.

1. Sturgeon Fishing With Setlines

Setlines are stationary fishing lines anchored to the bottom of the waterbody, typically deployed from the shore or a boat. Sturgeon anglers often use multiple setlines baited with a variety of natural baits to increase their chances of success. Setlines allow anglers to target specific areas where sturgeon are known to travel or feed, such as deep holes, river bends, or underwater structures. Once a sturgeon takes the bait and becomes hooked, anglers can retrieve the setline and battle the fish from the shore or boat.

2. Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing is a traditional and effective method for catching sturgeon. Anglers typically use heavy tackle and large hooks, usually a circle hook, baited with natural baits such as chunks of fish, squid, or worms. The rig is then lowered to the riverbed or lake bottom, where sturgeon often forage for food.

Sturgeon are bottom feeders, so this method allows anglers to present their bait directly in the path of these bottom-dwelling giants. Once a sturgeon takes the bait, anglers must be prepared for a powerful fight, as these fish are known for their strength and endurance.

Sturgeon Tackle Setup

When fishing for sturgeon, the fishing rod should be 6 to 9 feet long and be made of a single piece instead of a rod that is assembled. With the strength and size of the sturgeon, it can easily break the assembled rod when it is hooked. The reel should be rated for at least 80 pounds and have 250 yards of line. The tip of the fishing rod should be sensitive to detect the light bite of the sturgeon. Use a single barbless hook and not a barbed one.

3. Drift Fishing

Drift fishing involves allowing the boat to move naturally with the current while presenting baited rigs to sturgeon. Anglers often use a combination of heavy sinkers and buoyant bait rigs to keep their baits near the bottom as they drift along the river or lake. This method allows anglers to cover a wide area of water and present their baits to sturgeon as they move along their feeding grounds. Drift fishing can be particularly effective in rivers or estuaries with strong currents, where sturgeon are known to congregate in search of food.

4. Trolling

Trolling involves pulling baited lines or lures behind a moving boat to entice the sturgeon into striking. Anglers typically use downriggers or heavy sinkers to keep their baits at the desired depth while trolling along known sturgeon travel routes or feeding areas.

This method allows anglers to cover a large area of water and present their baits or lures at various depths to target sturgeon at different levels of the water column. Trolling can be particularly effective in large bodies of water such as lakes or reservoirs where sturgeon roam in search of food.

How To Catch Sturgeon In Florida

Sturgeon is a bottom feeder and preys on squid, shrimp, shad, nightcrawlers, clams, crayfish, leeches, snails, insect larvae, and small invertebrates. When fishing for sturgeon, use a fish finder to locate them at the bottom.

Use bottom fishing, vertical jigging, trolling, and drift fishing to catch sturgeon. Learning how to catch sturgeon is not difficult. You just need to use the right baits, lures, and the right fishing technique. Moreover, the right gear is also important as well as locating them.

Best Sturgeon Baits

1. Sand shrimp

Sand shrimp serve as a highly effective bait choice for anglers targeting sturgeon, offering a natural and enticing option to attract these bottom-dwelling giants. With their small size and delicate texture, sand shrimp closely resemble the preferred prey of sturgeon, making them irresistible to these fish.

Anglers often rig sand shrimp using various methods, such as threading them onto hooks or incorporating them into bait rigs to present them effectively. Whether fishing from the shore or a boat, deploying sand shrimp near areas of sturgeon activity, such as deep holes, river bends, or underwater structures, can yield impressive results.

The natural appearance and scent of sand shrimp in the water effectively entice sturgeon to strike, often resulting in powerful bites and exhilarating battles for anglers. Overall, sand shrimp stands as a reliable and highly effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of sturgeon, providing both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

2. Clams

Clams are an excellent bait choice for anglers targeting sturgeon, offering a natural and appealing option to entice these bottom-dwelling giants. With their firm texture and strong scent, clams closely resemble the preferred prey of sturgeon, making them highly attractive to these fish.

Anglers typically rig clams using various methods, such as threading them onto hooks or incorporating them into bait rigs to present them effectively. Whether fishing from the shore or a boat, deploying clams near areas of sturgeon activity, such as deep holes, river bends, or underwater structures, can yield impressive results.

The natural appearance and scent of clams in the water effectively lure sturgeon to strike, often resulting in powerful bites and thrilling battles for anglers. Overall, clams stand as a reliable and highly effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of sturgeon, providing both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

3. Crabs

Crabs serve as an exceptional bait choice for anglers targeting sturgeon, offering a natural and enticing option to attract these bottom-dwelling behemoths. With their robust texture and distinct scent, crabs closely resemble the preferred prey of sturgeon, making them irresistible to these fish.

Anglers often rig crabs using various methods, such as threading them onto hooks or incorporating them into bait rigs to present them effectively. Whether fishing from the shore or a boat, deploying crabs near areas of sturgeon activity, such as deep holes, river bends, or underwater structures, can yield impressive results.

The natural appearance and aroma of crabs in the water effectively entice sturgeon to strike, often resulting in powerful bites and exhilarating battles for anglers. Overall, crabs stand as a reliable and highly effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of sturgeon, providing both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

4. Shad

Shad serves as an excellent bait choice for anglers targeting sturgeon, providing a natural and irresistible option to attract these formidable fish. With their oily flesh and distinct scent, shad closely resemble the preferred prey of sturgeon, making them highly appealing to these bottom-dwelling giants.

Anglers often rig shad using various methods, such as threading them onto hooks or incorporating them into bait rigs to present them effectively. Whether fishing from the shore or a boat, deploying shad near areas of sturgeon activity, such as deep holes, river bends, or underwater structures, can yield impressive results.

The natural appearance and scent of shad in the water effectively entice sturgeon to strike, often resulting in powerful bites and exhilarating battles for anglers. Overall, shad stands as a reliable and highly effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of sturgeon, providing both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

5. Smelt

Smelt serves as an exceptional bait choice for anglers targeting sturgeon, offering a natural and enticing option to attract these formidable fish. With their slender bodies and silver scales, smelt closely resemble the preferred prey of sturgeon, making them highly appealing to these bottom-dwelling giants.

Anglers often rig smelt using various methods, such as threading them onto hooks or incorporating them into bait rigs to present them effectively. Whether fishing from the shore or a boat, deploying smelt near areas of sturgeon activity, such as deep holes, river bends, or underwater structures, can yield impressive results.

The natural appearance and scent of smelt in the water effectively entice sturgeon to strike, often resulting in powerful bites and exhilarating battles for anglers. Overall, smelt stands as a reliable and highly effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of sturgeon, providing both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

6. Eel

Eel serves as a highly effective and versatile bait choice for anglers targeting sturgeon, offering a natural and irresistible option to attract these formidable fish. With their elongated bodies and oily flesh, eels closely resemble the preferred prey of sturgeon, making them highly appealing to these bottom-dwelling giants.

Anglers often rig eels using various methods, such as threading them onto hooks or incorporating them into bait rigs to present them effectively. Whether fishing from the shore or a boat, deploying eels near areas of sturgeon activity, such as deep holes, river bends, or underwater structures, can yield impressive results.

The natural appearance and scent of eels in the water effectively entice sturgeon to strike, often resulting in powerful bites and exhilarating battles for anglers. Overall, eels stand as a reliable and highly effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of sturgeon, providing both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

7. Herring

Herring serves as an exceptional bait choice for anglers targeting sturgeon, providing a natural and irresistible option to attract these formidable fish. With their oily flesh and strong scent, herring closely resemble the preferred prey of sturgeon, making them highly appealing to these bottom-dwelling giants.

Anglers often rig herring using various methods, such as threading them onto hooks or incorporating them into bait rigs to present them effectively. Whether fishing from the shore or a boat, deploying herring near areas of sturgeon activity, such as deep holes, river bends, or underwater structures, can yield impressive results.

The natural appearance and scent of herring in the water effectively entice sturgeon to strike, often resulting in powerful bites and exhilarating battles for anglers. Overall, herring stands as a reliable and highly effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of sturgeon, providing both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

8. Anchovies

Anchovies are a top-notch bait option for anglers targeting sturgeon, offering a natural and alluring choice to entice these formidable fish. With their slender bodies and potent scent, anchovies closely resemble the preferred prey of sturgeon, making them highly enticing to these bottom-dwelling giants.

Anglers often rig anchovies using various methods, such as hooking them through the lips or threading them onto bait rigs to present them effectively. Whether fishing from the shore or a boat, deploying anchovies near areas of sturgeon activity, such as deep holes, river bends, or underwater structures, can yield impressive results.

The natural appearance and aroma of anchovies in the water effectively attract sturgeon, enticing them to strike with powerful bites and offering anglers thrilling battles. Overall, anchovies prove to be a dependable and highly effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of sturgeon, providing both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

9. Squid

Squid serves as an exceptional bait choice for anglers targeting sturgeon, offering a natural and enticing option to attract these formidable fish. With their firm texture and strong scent, squid closely resembles the preferred prey of sturgeon, making them highly appealing to these bottom-dwelling giants. Anglers often rig squid using various methods, such as threading them onto hooks or incorporating them into bait rigs to present them effectively.

Whether fishing from the shore or a boat, deploying squid near areas of sturgeon activity, such as deep holes, river bends, or underwater structures, can yield impressive results. The natural appearance and scent of squid in the water effectively entice sturgeon to strike, often resulting in powerful bites and exhilarating battles for anglers. Overall, squid stands as a reliable and highly effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of sturgeon, providing both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

10. Roe

Roe, or fish eggs, stands as a highly effective and natural bait choice for anglers targeting sturgeon, offering a protein-rich and enticing option to attract these formidable fish. Sturgeon are known to feed on the eggs of various fish species during certain times of the year, making roe a particularly appealing bait option.

Anglers often rig roe using various methods, such as threading them onto hooks or incorporating them into bait rigs to present them effectively. Whether fishing from the shore or a boat, deploying roe near areas of sturgeon activity, such as deep holes, river bends, or underwater structures, can yield impressive results.

The natural scent and texture of roe in the water effectively entice sturgeon to strike, often resulting in powerful bites and exhilarating battles for anglers. Overall, roe stands as a reliable and highly effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of sturgeon, providing both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

11. Salmon

Salmon serves as an exceptional bait choice for anglers targeting sturgeon, providing a natural and irresistible option to attract these formidable fish. With their oily flesh and distinct scent, salmon closely resemble the preferred prey of sturgeon, making them highly appealing to these bottom-dwelling giants.

Anglers often rig salmon using various methods, such as threading them onto hooks or incorporating them into bait rigs to present them effectively. Whether fishing from the shore or a boat, deploying salmon near areas of sturgeon activity, such as deep holes, river bends, or underwater structures, can yield impressive results.

The natural appearance and scent of salmon in the water effectively entice sturgeon to strike, often resulting in powerful bites and exhilarating battles for anglers. Overall, salmon stands as a reliable and highly effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of sturgeon, providing both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

Best Sturgeon Lures

1. Salmon Lures

Salmon lures are a versatile and effective option for anglers targeting sturgeon, offering a flashy and enticing presentation that can mimic the movement of injured or fleeing prey. These lures often feature vibrant colors and realistic designs that closely resemble salmon, a preferred prey of sturgeon.

Anglers can choose from a variety of salmon lure styles, including spoons, spinners, and plugs, depending on the prevailing conditions and the behavior of the fish. Whether cast and retrieved or trolled behind a boat, salmon lures provide anglers with a versatile and productive option for targeting sturgeon in a variety of water conditions.

The lifelike appearance and realistic action of salmon lures in the water effectively attract sturgeon, enticing them to strike with powerful bites and offering anglers thrilling battles. Overall, salmon lures prove to be a dependable and highly effective option for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of sturgeon, providing both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

Sturgeon Fishing Tips

1. Most sturgeon can be found in areas with access to saltwater bays and the open ocean.

2. Always have a good fish finder when fishing for sturgeon from a boat. If you are interested in finding the best fish finders, then read this review.

3. Finding the depths where the sturgeon may be holding out, and locating good resting spots, or feeding grounds on flats are important to successful sturgeon fishing.

4. If you find sturgeon in the water column, instead of at the bottom, don’t try to fish them as they are not actively feeding if they are not at the bottom.

5. Sturgeon will likely go with high tides into flats and tidewaters that are too shallow at low tides.

6. The best time to fish in tidal cycles is just before the tide breaks down or when it starts to come in again when the flows are softer.

7. When fishing for sturgeon in bays and straights, fish in calm and shallow waters when the currents are moving fast. Then move into deeper water when things slow down.

8. If the wind and tide are moving in the same direction, your chances of successfully catching a sturgeon increase.

9. When fishing for sturgeon, be patient. The scent of the bait will spread through the water as you wait and it will attract fish in your direction. Be ready to wait after making the first cast.

10. Sturgeon has a great sense of smell and taste.

11. Try to get bait that is fresh as much as possible.

12. Sturgeon feeds mostly on slow-moving or freshly killed prey.

13. Sturgeon is not known to be too keen on chasing lures.

14. Sturgeon’s bite is very light, therefore, watch the rod tip very closely. The tip will bounce, but the line won’t start screaming off the reel.

15. Use sharp hooks.

16. Consider using a fighting belt when fishing for sturgeon.

17. Look for sturgeon around ledges, small channels, sand flats, and other rocky areas.

18. Sturgeon has poor eyesight and uses its good sense of smell to find food.

19. Sturgeons are very sensitive to sound and use their lateral lines to pick up electrical fields.

20. When you feel a hard pull, set the hook as hard as you can, then set it again. Sturgeon’s mouth is hard to hook as it is rubbery and leathery.

21. Always carry a net that can take a very large fish.

22. If you catch a large sturgeon in a boat, release the anchor. Then follow the fish. It will be easier to land it when you are mobile.

23. When you want to release a sturgeon, point it into the current, holding it close to its tail. It will begin to swim away and then release it.

24. Get a fishing guide which will have the right gear and guide you with his experience and knowledge of sturgeon in the area.

25. Use a single barbless hook, not barbed hooks.

26. With sturgeon fishing, you drop the bait down to the bottom, wait, and haul in the fish when it is hooked. It is not precision casting, therefore, the important factor when sturgeon fishing is strength and not castability.

The Bottom Line

Sturgeon is the largest freshwater fish in the world. Sturgeons are bottom feeders that test your patience more than you can imagine. It is a huge, and powerful fish. Sturgeon has a good sense of smell and taste. Fresh bait, like night crawlers, is the best bait for sturgeon fishing. The keys to successfully catching a sturgeon are finding the resting spots like holes or feeding grounds and the depths where the sturgeon is holding out.

In this article, we discussed the fishing method, equipment, fishing tips, and behaviors of this fish that will increase your chances of catching it. If you also fish for other fishes like wahoo, amberjack, paddlefish, and Mahi Mahi, then read these articles on how to catch wahoo, how to catch amberjack, how to catch paddlefish, and how to catch Mahi Mahi.