Are You a Successful Sturgeon Fisherman?

[fishineer]

In a separate thread on smelt, Pilar stated that he was a "successful sturgeon fisherman" and that the reason was because he paid attention to details, i.e. he gets his own smelt and prepares it himself.

So, my question is, are you a "successful sturgeon fisherman" and if so, why? What do you think is the one thing that makes you consistently score when you go hunting for sturgeon?

I have a lot of successful fishing trips because I get out there and have a great time, but I wouldn't call myself a successful sturgeon fisherman. I think I know the basics, I just need to move up to the next level. What do you all think?

[KarenLee]

Pilar is a successful Sturgeon Fisherman because he catches fish. Right bait, right presentation, right hole. Nothing special about catching sturgeon except recognizing the bite. A lot of beginners can't tell a bite from the boat rockin. I've fished with Pilar for ten years. I class him as a succesful sturgeon fisherman. I'm probably better than a novice but not a succesful sturgeon fisherman, (I still get skunked occasionally)so I guess that makes me a SOP (seat of pants)fisherman. I'm still learnin.

[Phunybonz]

Not sure I should tell you this, but it all starts with "Bad to the bone" at max volume!Gators come from far and near to attend the show! The man simply has paid his dues.

[boater]

i realy think everyone is difrent, i call myself a successful sturgeon fisherman because i catch enough to have it when i want it, how much more successeful can you be ? some days i could realy care less if i catch anything, i just enjoy being on the river, sittin and sippin on a cold one.

[Pilar]

Right on Karenlee. I'm still trying to figure out who you are so give me a little time, then E-mail me and clue me in.

It's simple, attention to details. If you are near boats that consistently reel in fish and you do not, they have knowledge you lack. They may be sitting in an exact location or use a specific bait or method. Two things matter more than any others.

1) Location, Location, Location. They are lazy and move slowly. Put the bait where they sit and get bit immediately. Or wait for them to swim past the other baits to yours.

2) Recognize the bite. Most fish will not bury the rod tip. They pull slowly and let go. It looks alot like the boat rocking. Only the little ones pound on your bait with reckless abandon. You have to catch them pulling on your bait. I wait until the line is slacking and when it goes tense again I set the hook. Use the lightest rod you can. I prefer the Loomis HSR932C in a GL2. You can feel the bite, it almost isn't fair for the gator.

Now if I could just figure out how to be consistent and successful on springers.

The bend is your friend!