Sturgeon catching is as ‘good as it gets’ – But where are the anglers?

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BY DAVE HURLEY

PITTSBURG – Sturgeon fishing is ‘off the hook’ in Suisun Bay, however with the transition to a catch-and-release solely season, six pack operators have been lucky to be out on the water a day or so per week. Sturgeon catching is probably nearly as good because it has ever been as six-pack operators are bringing as many as 20 diamondbacks to the boat on a single outing, together with outsized fish to 80 inches plus. Whether or not it’s angler’s protesting catch-and-release, the lack to reap a fish, or the overwhelming cynicism concerning the science resulting in the harvest closure, numbers of anglers are denying themselves the enjoyable and recollections skilled whereas cranking in a number of sturgeon to the boat.

White sturgeon fishing was reopened after practically 50 years of closure in 1954, however because of the lack of awareness concerning the species, it took many years for sturgeon fishermen to unlock the puzzle. Most sturgeon fishermen up into to 1990’s skilled years of empty journeys earlier than touchdown their first diamondback. No prolonged studying curve applies now because the introduction of cured salmon roe, sharing of data between skilled anglers, clustering of sturgeon in Suisun Bay, and enhancements in electronics have led to exceptional motion. Regardless of the motive, anglers who aren’t going are lacking out on all of the enjoyable.

Hooking and combating a sturgeon is among the best thrills for northern California anglers as every fish has a thoughts of its personal. Some will bulldog you and maintain close to the underside, some will launch themselves fully out of the water, and others will make a run in opposition to the present to wrap your line across the anchor line. In any case, it’s at all times an journey.

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Captain Steve Mitchell of Hook’d Up Sport Fishing out of Pittsburg was out on Friday and Saturday, and he stated, “We’re experiencing just about continuous motion apart from the slack tide. On Friday, Jason Johnson and his daughter Aubrey have been out on a scouting journey, and we let Aubrey reel in a number of fish, together with one over 80 inches.” The boats which might be fishing are concentrating proper in entrance of the Pittsburg Marina, however Kyle Clever of Head Hunter Information Service went downstream in direction of McAvoy’s Boat Harbor in Bay Level, and he stated, “The chunk has been wonderful as we introduced 43 sturgeon to the boat in three days, and these fish have been in all places. I had one buyer out solo, and he tapped out after bringing 14 fish to the boat – and that was with solely 4 rods out.”

The truth is sturgeon harvest could by no means once more be an possibility in California. Any risk of harvest relies upon the findings by the California Division of Fish and Wildlife because of the petition to checklist the species as ‘threatened’ underneath the California Endangered Species Act. Restricted harvest over the previous yr could also be one other issue within the ‘off the hook’ motion. In any case, the chunk ought to maintain out till the water turns too chilly earlier than warming up once more within the spring. It’s greater than good, and no matter your emotions about knowledge, the catch-and-release restrictions, and Division of Fish and Wildlife, don’t deny your self the enjoyable.

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