2014 Episode Synopsis


Episode 254 : B.C. Bonanza

Today, the Mercury Marine Destination takes us over to the mighty Fraser River in British Columbia. Charlie once again joins up with long time friend and legendary guide, Len Ames of Lens Sportfishing Adventures. Knowing a friend is also in the area, Charlie invites good buddy and inventor of the Freedom Jigs, Michael Tamburro to experience his first Sturgeon. Having never caught a Sturgeon before, let alone the monsters in The Fraser River, he is sure to have his hands full. Then later in the day, every second year is the run of Pink Salmon, and the guys put the Freedom jigs to the test on the Salmon. If you are looking to enjoy this tremendous fishery, contact Len’s Sportfishing Adventures, 1-866-991-0287 or www.lenssportfishing-bc.com

The tremendous Sturgeon fishing is always a highlight and this time 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 themselves. Anyone that has watched the shows over the years, has 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, and how many 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. 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 Michael 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 resistance, 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, as well as 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 Okuma 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 is needed to allow the Sturgeon to take the bait, especially with Circle hooks. 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.

Then it is time for the Pink Salmon, and they simply love a quickly moved jig, especially tipped with a Pink grub or twistertail. Once the fish moved in, double and triple fish on were normal and the action was crazy. The Freedom jig used today was the Zodiac, this is the Freedom version of the Ball head jig. The great feature of Freedom, is that they have interchangeable hooks and you can use whatever hook style best suits your presentation. Since the hook is not imbedded into the head, the hook has independent freedom and this gives your live bait or plastics tremendous movement, and the twitching of the rod tip provided incredible jigging action, much more than a standard jighead, and the more the action, the more interest from the Pink Salmon. This was the additional action needed to drive the Salmon crazy, and the hits were nonstop. Many different weights of Freedom Zodiacs are available, including a lead free version that is incredibly tough. With a simple twist, new Mustad hooks were put on as different styles of plastics were used, it is that simple to change hooks, a couple of seconds, old hook off, a couple more, new hook on.

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!

Continue to Episode 255

Go Back