2010 Episode Synopsis
by Charlie Wray
Episode 207: New Brunswick Sturgeon
Today, the Mercury Marine Destination takes us to the St. John area of New Brunswick. Another long road trip for the Ram, but the 2500 Diesel doesn’t even feel the 1850 Crestliner Raptor it is towing. Not only is the Ram comfortable and incredible for towing, but the diesel is designed to be worked and is ideal for long trips. Today, we are fishing the little known Sturgeon fishery on the East coast. Charlie is joined by Emmerson Simpson. Emmerson is better known for his Sharks Unlimited Shark charters in the Bay of Fundy for the Porbeagle Sharks, but like any avid fisherman, Emmerson fishes for everything in his area.
The Crestliner 1850 Raptor is perfect for this trip, since it is the TE ( trolling edition ) it not only has a nice sized casting deck at the front, but the majority of the room is dedicated for those who need the room in the back of the boat, and this was perfect. Once the baits were cast out, the comfortable chairs make it a pleasure to sit back and wait for the action, with more room than expected for an 18 ½ foot boat. The bait of choice was the simple but effective Dew worm on a Mustad bait hook. This sounds simple enough, but the worm must be bunched on the hook as many times as possible, and even the tail of the worm has to be bunched on, or the Sturgeon will pick only the free tail of the worm, and pull the remainder off the hook. The more times the worm is pierced the better, this only releases more scent, and draws more hits and action. Hits can be very light, but the no stretch 50 lb test Tuf-Line XP showed even the slightest touch. Having the rods at the perfect angle also helped to notice the light hits, it also helped in the hook sets. The fully adjustable Cannon rod holders and track system was perfect for adjusting to the perfect angles.
The Okuma Convector GL downrigger rods have just the ideal action for these Sturgeon, and the Okuma Akena 400 size reel is small and comfortable, yet holds enough line if that monster of a lifetime joins in. When you are far from home, it sure helps when your truck is as dependable as the Ram, 18 hours from home is a far drive in anyone’s book, and when you are not in your own backyard, the 4 wheel drive can sure get you out of a jam on strange boat ramps, and it did on this East coast trip. For all your fishing and outdoor needs, visit your nearest Sail Outdoors Superstore or www.sail.ca
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