Sturgeon 101

[rags]

O.K. all you Phd's in shallow water Sturgeon fishing here is an idea. I know alot of our members would love to learn how to fish for Sturgeon near Astoria. Like myself these members probably have boats but are a little nervous on going out on the Columbia and dealing with shipping lanes, sand bars, etc. We need an expert to show us the way! Would a few of you professors be willing to meet some of us and give us a class? I will volunteer my boat and I am sure others will too. Maybe we could all meet on a Saturday with our boats and you pros could start the class. Any volunteers or boaters who want to learn this fisheries? [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[swampy]

That would be alopt of fun , rags, I'd do that !!!...I know why you are anxious and for all the right reasons what with the big water and shipping lanes etc . but I would encourage you to give it a try as it ain't that big of a deal ... we anchored amongst a large group of sturgeon anglers ...put dead stinky stuff on the bottom and waited ...as always just be certain your boat is in "ship-shape" and you have a good anchor and go give it a shot !!!

[Hookset]

Rags good idea. How much does it pay? If I teach the class, that's 50 dollars for gas (truck and boat), 30 dollars an hour x 8hours= $240, 20 for bait, 10 for tackle and 15 for food amounts to $350 per day. Doesn't even include depreciation or insurance. When you add it all up, fishing is expensive, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Seriously, I like your idea and a IFish sturgeon fishing trip and picnic (pizza and beer) would cover the activity. I'll be there this weekend chasing the sturg in case some fellow IFishers would like to show up. Reply back here, I maybe leaving tonight.

hook

[ 06-14-2001: Message edited by: hookset ]

[rags]

Hookset! $350 per day? I think I'll sale everything and find a cheaper hobby. Oh well, we only go around once. Swampy, you are probably right, not that big of deal. I am going out June 23rd if anyone is interested. Maybe we can all show up and follow the crowds. I just thought it would be fun for some experienced and novice fisherman to show up and we(novice)could learn from the best, the Ifishers.

[Salmonator]

Don't neccessarily follow the crowds. There are a few spots down there where I can limit 4 people within an hour and there isn't another boat within a half a mile. I think you could find fish in every bit of water deeper than 4 feet on any given day. You just have to find them.. Joe

[Hookset]

Ok Joe, prove it! Now that you sold your boat, guess that'll be a little tough. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

You still have your GPS with all the waypoints stored? Since your presently boatless, I'll be happy to see if the locations still hold fish. No need to thank me, happy to lend a hand.

Rags, not sure if I can make the 23rd. If I do I'll let you know. Since the fish are bitting now, I can't want that long myself. On the other hand, your showing a good deal of self restraint. [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Have a great weekend,

hook

[ 06-14-2001: Message edited by: hookset ]

[Salmonator]

Gregg, you don't think i'd sell the gps with the points still on it do you? Thats all I needed was a big old thunderjet sitting in all my spots before I got there. Those points are on a nice little word document on my computer. I'll make sure I pull the plug tonight so you don't try to hack your way in!

[Hookset]

Not very friendly Joe, not friendly at all. What is the world coming to. [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

Guess I'll just make my own waypoints and little word document.

Like Joe said, lots of places to catch sturgeon in the estuary. So please, if you see my boat, just park at least 1/2 mile away. I'm not really fishing, I'm just on vacation.

hook

[Phunybonz]

I know this has been asked dozens of times but, which ramps are most perfered.
If anyone needs a financial partner (Gas and bait,ect....) I'll be in chinook, Wa. and ready to meet wherever.

[Hookset]

Popular ramps are Hammond, Warrenton, Chinook and Tongue Point. The East boat basin probably sees the least traffic. Boats putting in at the east bb usually fish off Astoria and may not travel as far below the bridge. It really comes down to where the fish are being caught.

hook

Phunybonz, Are you heading to Chinook this weekend? Not sure about room yet or not, I'll let you know.

[ 06-14-2001: Message edited by: hookset ]

[Phunybonz]

Yep, will be there friday night and staying thru Sun. Most likely be in the rv park. We are not leaving Pdx till 6or7, that will give me plenty of time to get the good news. By the way, your on my want to fish with list. Go figure......

[whitewaterbill]

Salmonator....I might pay a little for those points....How about a trip on the SG and you give me all the places???

No.....I didn't think so! Well thanks for all the help you gave me last year anyway!

you are a class act!

Bill

[Salmonator]

Are you trying to tell me that you didn't hit the little mark button on your gps while we were fishing that last spot? I would have to say that the salmon tips you gave me this last spring FAR outweigh those Astoria sturgeon tips. I'm getting ancy to get into another boat. I'm driving up to Oak Harbor Wa Sunday to look at a potential fish vaccum which I had better buy it since I already reserved a campspot at Ft. Stevens for the weekend of July 21st for three days of coho and gators. BTW, anyone thinking about getting a camp spot at any of the state parks had better get reserving! I got the last two day spot at Ft. Stevens for that weekend! Joe

[Lives_to_fish]

Saturday afternoon I am going to put in at hammond and drop some pots west then run east and fish the Youngs bay area. Anyone else going to be in that area. I drive a 18' Jon boat with a 45 jet. Say hi if you are in the area. Any pointers from you old codgers, (I mean experienced gentlemen). Just kidding, I'm no spring chicken myself.

LTF