Delta Explorer - Spring 2008 - (Page 51) Sturgeon fishing on the California Delta can be the best fishing you have ever done, but it is not for everybody. You need to have patience and be willing to handle the elements. proach, but I will try and keep it real simple. Buy a pre-tied sturgeon rig. That is as simple as it gets. All you have to do is decide what size hook you want to use and that is determined by what bait you are using. Kahle hooks are what most sturgeon rigs are made with, but I feel Octopus hooks are the best choice for sturgeon fishing. Gamakatsu hooks are a good choice because of how sharp and how strong they are. Owner also makes a very good octopus style hook you can use to sturgeon fish. Try both hooks out and see what hook you prefer. Like I stated before, the hook size will be determined on what the bait size is. Generally, a 6/0 to 8/0 hooks is fine. Something you should always remember is be sure to change your hooks if they become dull. Sturgeons have very tough skin in their mouths so sharp hooks are a must. Some people even discard their hooks after hooking a few fish. I would suggest you carry a hook sharpener and save some money. When determining what size weight to use or what style weight, your best bet is to use a pyramid sinker. I feel pyramid sinkers are best for sturgeon because they will stay put on the bottom. Clip your slider to the flat side of the sinker, because your goal with sturgeon is to keep your bait resting on the bottom at all times. Normally, a 4 to 6 ounce sinker is ok but sometimes heavier is needed depending on the current. Adjust your sinker size to the current, but try and use the lightest possible sinker that will hold the bottom. Where to Go Like the stripers there are resident sturgeons that never leave the Delta. They can be caught year-round out here; however, the peak times seem to be November-January. The Delta is full of great areas to fish for sturgeon and when the fish move into the system they can be everywhere. They generally will cruise the edge of channels and move up and down off flats to eat. They love to feed on clam beds. Some of the most popular areas to fish on the Delta waterways are: The Power lines, Cache Slough, The mouth of 3-Mile Slough and Sandy Beach. Like I stated before when fishing for sturgeon you need to be patient and you need to be able to handle what Mother Nature dishes out. Sturgeons are bottom feeders and scavengers. One thing to keep in mind is when fishing for sturgeon is the Delta tides. Like other species of fish that cruise the Delta, they like the water moving. Sturgeon really like the tidal change out here on the Delta and here is the reason why: when the Delta water changes directions it causes everything on the bottom to be shifted and creates food for the sturgeon. A good day to fish on the Delta would be a day when you have a big tide and two tidal changes during the times you are fishing. The hour before a tide change and the hour after a tide change is prime time fishing. Conclusion So where to go? Where to go may not be as important as when to go. Pick your days wisely. Check things like weather, tides and moon phase before you plan a trip. Like I stated before fishing for sturgeon requires patience, lots of patience. The rigs are simple to use and the baits are even easier. Be sure to dress warm when fishing during the winter months. Another good thing to do is call ahead of time to the bait shop for fishing reports and bait availability. Good luck and remember always keep what you intend to eat. Recommended Guides for the California Delta Hitman Sportfishing Captain John “Hitman” Asher 707-374-5522 Right Hook Sportfishing Captain Jay Lopes 916-417-5670 Hot 2008 SUMMER Advertising / Editorial Deadline March 14, 2008 EDITION Call 707/374-3450 TACK SHOP P STOLE ONE STRIPERS, STURGEON, SALMON, BLACK BASS RIO VISTA BAITSacramento Delta Experts. & TACKLE Your ck! lways in sto A Live, Fresh and Frozen Baits THIS AD MENTION IVE AND RECE A Full Selection for ALL your Bait & Tackle Needs Ghost Shrimp Grass Shrimp Pile Worms Fresh Shad Salmon Roe Jumbo Minnows Blood Worms Sardines Anchovies Herring % 10 off CHASE YOUR PUR Thet! Rods, Reels and Premium Tackle Bes RIO VISTA SACRAMENTO BRIDGE RIVER HWY 12 LOCATED 1/4 MILE WEST OF THE RIO VISTA BRIDGE N ! Also Persuador Zoom Pro Worms fishing gear makes great gifts! 510 Hwy. 12, Rio Vista 707374-5522 www.deltafishingtackle.com please mention you saw it in the delta explorer spring 2008 / 51 http://www.deltafishingtackle.com http://www.deltafishingtackle.com
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