2013 Episode Synopsis
by Charlie Wray

Episode 228: BC Sunset Sturgeon

Today the Mercury Marine Destination takes us out to beautiful British Columbia, near the city of Chilliwack. It's time again to run the mighty Fraser River and tackle the feisty monster White Sturgeon that call it home. Charlie meets up with long time buddy Len Ames from Len's Sportfishing Adventures. The tremendous Sturgeon fishing is always a highlight and this year is no different. Fishing the currents of the Fraser isn't easy, but with experience, it sure looks simple. Even rigging the bait needs to be done in just the right way and the results will speak for itself. Anyone that has watched the show for a few years has noticed this annual trip out with Len Ames, but it is simply a trip that gets more enjoyable every year, and who would get tired of the monstrous Fraser River White Sturgeon. The power, the long runs, the jumps, the action of multiple fish days, how can it get any better than this. Well, part of the fun is also fishing with Len, Greg Wolf, or any of the other courteous, knowledgeable guides.

Charlie has been asked several times about this Sturgeon trip, and many folks have been under the impression that you might only catch one or two nice fish after a few days on the water. I can assure you, there are no editing tricks going on, the only trouble editing the show is deciding which Sturgeon to eliminate to fit into a half hour show. It is not unusual to have double digit fish days with a few over the 6 foot mark, and quite often, over the 7 foot mark. Even the smaller Sturgeon fight hard, but the 7 foot Sturgeon pull, and they pull hard, but what a great feeling it is. Locked into an unseen monster as your taunt line starts up, then a jump from a 300lb+ beast! Isn't this what all anglers dream of, cooperative fish on a calm protected river. Depending on the time of year, you can also enjoy Trout and Salmon fishing as well when you need a break to rest your arms from the monsters. Len's Sportfishing Adventures 886-991-0287 or www.lenssportfishing-bc.com

The Sturgeon have been a little fussy this season, normally you let them take the bait until they almost hook themselves, but lately, waiting that long only leads to them dropping the bait. Timing the hook set perfectly with a barbless Mustad 10/0 Big Gun hook is the ticket this season. A couple of hard pulls from the Sturgeon, then a powerful hookset. Not only do you need to set the hook hard enough to penetrate the rubber like mouth of the Sturgeon, but combat the 16 oz weight holding the bait in the current. You need to move that weight against the current before any pressure reaches the fish, so set the hook hard! Charlie has been using the new Seaguar Kanzen braided line this season with incredible results. This line is thin, strong and features a high density weave for maximum knot strength, abrasion resistancy, and durability.

Charlie has also been using the new Okuma Makaira reels for a few years now. This is a high end Big Game reel that is designed for years of dependable service on monstrous fish. If you are serious about large fish, these Makaira reels feature 2 speeds and an incredibly smooth drag, even with the immense drag pressures these reels are capable of creating. Helical gears for extreme smoothness and gear meshing, silent anti-reverse, ratcheting drag lever, these reels have it all. The first turn of the handle will tell all. These reels are very well built. For the Fraser River Sturgeon, the size 20 is ideal, even for the long runs of the largest Sturgeon. The 130 lb test Seaguar Kanzen packs tightly on the reel, and being thin, you can pack a great deal of line on the Makaira 20.

Hard hook sets are needed, but so is a slower action rod. Tips need to be flexible to detect bites, load well under great pressure and have enough play to absorb the shock of powerful headshakes. Not to mention possess great lifting power. The Okuma XH Celilo rods are perfect and did an incredible job. Okuma is also coming out with a specialty Sturgeon rod for this market, keep your eyes open for this one as well. Big comfortable jet boats and the knowledge of where these fish hold is what make this such a great experience. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, bright and sunny one day, soaking rains the next. Bring your Viking Tri-Zone raingear, the zip in fleece is great for cool mornings and can zip back out again when it warms. Simply a must do trip if you have never done this before. If you have, you know you just want to keep going back.

Continue to Episode 229

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