5 Best Sturgeon Catch and Release Tips

Sturgeon are prehistoric fish that have roamed the earth for over 200 million years. These fascinating fish can live for over a century and grow to enormous sizes. Sturgeon are also known for their delicious caviar, which is highly prized in many cultures. However, due to overfishing and habitat destruction, many sturgeon populations are threatened or endangered. This is why catch and release techniques are so important for sturgeon fishing.

Catch and release fishing is a method of fishing that allows anglers to enjoy the sport of fishing while minimizing harm to the fish. Instead of keeping the fish, anglers carefully handle the fish and release it back into the water unharmed. Catch and release techniques for sturgeon are particularly important because sturgeon populations are often threatened or endangered.

Here are 5 tips for successful catch and release techniques for sturgeon:

Use the right equipment:

When fishing for sturgeon, use heavy-duty equipment that is designed to handle their size and strength. Make sure your line is strong enough to withstand the fight of a large sturgeon without breaking.

Handle the fish carefully:

When you catch a sturgeon, handle it gently and carefully. Wet your hands before touching the fish to avoid removing the protective slime layer. Hold the fish horizontally and support its weight to avoid injuring its spine or internal organs.

Keep the fish in the water:

Avoid removing the fish from the water for too long. Sturgeon are large fish that require a lot of oxygen, so it’s important to keep them in the water as much as possible. If you need to remove the fish from the water for a photo, do so quickly and make sure the fish is fully revived before releasing it.

Use a dehooking tool:

If you need to remove the hook from the fish’s mouth, use a dehooking tool to do so quickly and safely. Never use your hands or pliers to remove the hook, as this can injure the fish’s mouth.

Revive the fish before releasing it:

After catching a sturgeon, make sure it is fully revived before releasing it. Hold the fish in the water, facing into the current, and move it back and forth gently to help oxygenate its gills. When the fish is ready to be released, it will swim away strongly.

Practicing the best Sturgeon catch and release tips are important for conserving sturgeon populations. By using the right equipment and handling the fish carefully, anglers can enjoy the sport of fishing while minimizing harm to the fish. Remember to always follow fishing regulations and guidelines to ensure the long-term survival of sturgeon populations.