Another sturgeon trip

[Kent]

Just got back from another sturgeon trip to Idaho. This trip was with theangler and a neighbor. We got four to the boat (largest going 80 inches), and had six break off and one long release, after fighting it for awhile. Extremely frustrating to lose that many after getting them hooked. Had a great time meeting and fishing with theangler, and enjoyed finally getting out with my neighbor, after trying to many other times through the years.
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[Tincanfsh]

Hey kent,

Thanks for the report. Not every trip can be like your last trip.


Tincanfsh
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[Kent]

All in all not a bad trip. Both of them caught the largest fish of their lifetimes, and were amazed at the power of those sturgeon.
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[wiperhunter2]

So what went wrong with loosing so many big fish, were you using lighter line this time or just catching bigger fish? Sounds like another good trip even if the catching was slower. WH2
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[Kent]

All of the above, lighter line in some cases, fish going under the boat, leader that should have been replaced sooner, and perhaps a bad knot thrown in.
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[theangler]

[left][size 2]Hello Kent,
Thank you for hosting such an epic trip!!!! It was great meeting and fishing with you and your friend Val! Definitely couldn't ask for a better time fishing! great company, great fish, and an all around blast!

After losing the first one on lighter line I was determined but would have been better off cutting my losses and changing line then. I guess I should have took your advise, but we almost had the other big one thanks to your handy boat maneuvering. After it broke water about 150 yards out and we still had it on the line 10 minutes later I thought we were going to pull it off and land it on 20# but those beasts definitely surprised me!

Thanks again for hosting such a great trip, you've definetly done your homework on those BIG FISH!!![/size] [/left]
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[Lundman]

Great Job Kent,

So have you decided upon 40 lb. test and larger for you main line?

Probably should be a rule to re-tie after fighting a big fish - they do have a tendency to rub your line a little - even on their sides can cause damage.

Looks like your fast becoming the resident expert - now we have to take it up a notch - head to the Columbia River early next year and get a keeper 4.5' to 6' and taste one of the best eating fish.

Deep fry with a bear batter - these fish are worth the trip.

Also you might get into one that is upwards of 12' for your effort. That will test out your new tackle - and maybe get a salmon too.

How did those Penn's work - Can you cast a county mile??

Great report Kent - you had better keep quite because these guys don't know what they're missing. Wouldn't you like a trip to Powell for stripers better?
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[Kent]

Hey Craig,

I run 50 pound Berkley Big Game monofilament line and 50 pound dacron line for leader. I wish that I would have purchased 80 pound dacron line for leader material. I will be replacing my leader far more often; however, I tested it pulling it as best I could before ever fishing it, but I guess I can't pull with my arms as hard as a large sturgeon. If you are inviting me to fish the Columbia with you (your boat or mine) I accept. I am now the proud owner of five Penn 350 Leveline reels. I agree those are the sweetest reels made for sturgeon fishing. Ask theangler how well I can cast those babies. Yes guys keep going after those stripers at Lake Powell -- don't even consider going after those wimpy sturgeon. Also, keep reading the reports about how great the bass fishing on The Snake River is -- no reason to even consider going after the sturgeon. Craig, was that an adequate enough snow job?
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[Utcatman]

what area do you guys fish for the sturgeon?
JOe
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[Kent]

[reply]
what area do you guys fish for the sturgeon?
JOe We fish south of Mountain Home. [/reply]
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