2014 Episode Synopsis


Episode 244 : Lucky Bug Salmon & Heavyweight Sturgeon

Today, the Mercury Marine destination takes us out to beautiful British Columbia on the Fraser River. Charlie joins long time friend and legendary guide Len Ames, as the two enjoy the fast paced Pink Salmon Action. The Pinks only come in every two years, so when they come back, be ready to enjoy the action and numbers. Then, what is fishing the Fraser without taking an afternoon for the mighty Sturgeon, and what an afternoon it was. Spending more time fighting fish than waiting for hits is about as good as it gets. If you are looking to enjoy this tremendous fishery, contact Len’s Sportfishing Adventures, 1-866-991-0287 or www.lenssportfishing-bc.com

Charlie has fished for Pinks many times before, but only with a fly rod, this time, spinning gear is used to show it can work equally or even better for those not adept to Fly fishing. Okuma SST species specific rods with medium/light action, and the Okuma light weight RTX reels are a perfect combo. Even small reels can pack on a tremendous amount of line when it is the ultra thin Seaguar Kanzen, but don’t forget the leaders of Seaguar Fluorocarbon. This abrasion resistant, invisible fluorocarbon will make a difference rewarding you with extra hits, especially in the clear waters. Len was anxious to show just how well drifting with an indicator works, and when matched up with a Lucky Bug (Bingo Bug), it was hammered! Free drifting in the current worked, but especially well when reaching the end of the drift when lines tighten up slightly. This allowed the Lucky Bug (Bingo Bug) to start wiggling. The Bingo Bug is basically a fly with a molded plastic lip, which turns this into an action packed attractor, moving like a real bug, fresh from a hatch, and wiggling like a little crankbait. It can be worked slow, has movement on its own in the current, and comes in a wide range of colours and sizes. It is one of those lures you have to try first, before you understand how effective it really can be.

Then, for even more fun, an afternoon of Sturgeon fishing! 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 shows over the years, have probably 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. Big comfortable jet boats and the knowledge of where these fish hold is what make this such a great experience. A good guide can make the experience so much better.

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. Sometimes, even the hits can surprise you. The usually slow but decisive hits allow you to get ready, but not this season. Look away for only a second, and before you can react, a rod is pinned to the water, with line screaming from the reel. The hits were quick and powerful and they were simply slamming the baits. Using Mustad Circle Hooks, only steady pressure is needed for the circle hook to turn and lock in, and these fish were doing it all by themselves with the rod still in the holder. Most times, it was all Len or Charlie could do, just to pry the rod out of the holder from the quick and powerful hits. Charlie has been using the Seaguar Kanzen braided line with incredible results. This line is thin, strong and features a high density weave for maximum knot strength, abrasion resistancy, and durability. Perfect for bottom fishing and for these heavyweights.

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. With the first turn of the handle, you can tell these reels are designed to last. 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.

A strong rod is certainly needed, but at the same time, a slower action rod with a soft upper part of the 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.

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. Charlie loves the new Viking jackets he has been using, they look like regular, stylish jackets, but they are 100% waterproof, so no need to bring the extra bulk of extra rainwear, your regular jacket has you covered. Even the Bekina boots are used when the rains are heavy. They are the lightest, most comfortable rubber boots Charlie has ever worn. Actually, they aren`t rubber, but a foamed Polyurethane much more durable than rubber and 40% lighter. The Fraser River Sturgeon is simply a must do trip. If you have never done this before, you might want to pick the Pink Salmon years and enjoy both, but even on a non Pink year, Chinook, Coho, Sockeye and Chum Salmon are still here in abundance to enjoy. Beautiful scenery and cooperative giant fish, how can you not keep going back for more!

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