Night Fishing for White Sturgeon: Tips and Techniques

Night Fishing for White Sturgeon

Are you looking to catch white sturgeon at night? While it may seem challenging, night fishing for sturgeon can be a thrilling experience. In this article, we'll explore some tips and techniques to help you catch these amazing fish after dark.

1. Location, Location, Location

Before you start your night fishing adventure, it's important to know where to find sturgeon. White sturgeon prefer deeper, slower-moving water, so you'll want to focus your efforts on areas like deep channels, drop-offs, and holes. Additionally, sturgeon tend to congregate near the bottom, so be sure to keep your bait close to the riverbed.

2. Use the Right Bait

When it comes to sturgeon bait, many anglers swear by using smelly, oily baits like herring or salmon eggs. These baits have a strong odor that can attract sturgeon from a distance. Additionally, sturgeon have a keen sense of smell and can detect the oils in these baits from a long way off. Other effective baits include squid, shrimp, and nightcrawlers.

3. Choose the Right Tackle

When fishing for sturgeon, you'll need heavy-duty tackle that can handle these large, powerful fish. A sturdy rod with a strong backbone and a sensitive tip is essential for feeling the bite and setting the hook. Additionally, you'll want to use a reel with a high line capacity and a strong drag system.

4. Set Up Your Gear

When setting up your gear for night fishing, be sure to use a glow stick or lighted bobber to help you see when you get a bite. You can also use glow-in-the-dark line or leader to help you see your line in the dark. Additionally, using a rod holder or a bell on your rod can help you detect when you get a bite, even if you can't see your line.

5. Patience is Key

Night fishing for sturgeon requires patience and persistence. These fish can be slow to bite and may take their time before swallowing the bait. Be prepared to wait for extended periods between bites and resist the urge to check your bait too frequently. Give the sturgeon time to find your bait and take the hook.

FAQs

Q: What is the best time to catch sturgeon at night?

A: White sturgeon can be caught at night year-round, but the best time to fish for them is during the warmer months. Sturgeon tend to be more active in the summer, which makes them more likely to bite.

Q: What is the best bait to use for sturgeon?

A: Sturgeon are known to be attracted to oily, smelly baits like herring or salmon eggs. Other effective baits include squid, shrimp, and nightcrawlers.

Q: What is the best gear to use for sturgeon fishing?

A: When fishing for sturgeon, it's important to use heavy-duty tackle that can handle these large, powerful fish. A sturdy rod with a strong backbone and a sensitive tip is essential, as is a reel with a high line capacity and a strong drag system.

Conclusion

Fishing for white sturgeon at night can be an exciting and rewarding experience. By using the right bait, tackle, and gear, you can increase your chances of catching these elusive fish. Remember to be patient and persistent, and to focus your efforts on deep, slow-moving water. With a little practice and some luck, you