Gator Question

[local_hooker]

Have you ever fished the lower Columbia for sturg with out a fish finder??

Was it a waist of time??

My buddy asked me to go this week and he has no electronics.

thanks

Sean

[Tacklebuster]

Normally, I would say your electronics is the most important tool in catching sturgeon but after my last 2 trips to the estuary I ponder on that thought. The fish I saw taken were of no rhyme or reason. I spent hours working my electronics for two shakers while people were hooking fish in john boats with nothing more than an ugly stick. I would anchor up around other boats and just keep my eyes open. If you see people hooking up, move closer to them. I think it is hit or miss at this point and if they are going to be on a bite, the depth will not matter. I would however concentrate on current and would try to get into a nice current seam.

[Jellyhead]

I'd say it would all depend on who you're fishing with. Does he have previous experiance? Local knowledge?

As long as you can use landmarks, you can pretty easily get into sturgeon spots W/O electronics. If he's new and just fishing blindly, It may be a waste of time.

Aaron

[AngleThis]

In the lower river, gators may be found anywhere in or near the main channel, not just in the holes; they are moving through. Hence a depth finder may not be that important. Tell him to go where the boats are!

[KrystalFlash]

It's all about getting in the RIGHT boat.

Better lucky than Good!
KF

[Capin' Dan]

My favorite technique is look for the guides and do what they do. I have caught fish successfuly on the flats without them. just keep moving and look for the boats. Good Luck.