- Because many white sturgeon are very large, a long, heavy-action rod is necessary to catch them. Rods that are 7 to 9 feet long are fine. Pair one with a heavy-duty bait casting reel and fishing line that is 30-lb. test or heavier. Sinkers should be heavy enough to stay on the bottom. The best hook sizes are 7/0 to 10/0. Finally, carry a net big enough to hold a fish that is 80 inches or longer.
- White sturgeon are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat whatever food is present. Try to mimic what the sturgeon feed on in a river. Use salmon parts--belly strips or salmon roe--if you can. Eels are a popular bait for white sturgeon. Worms and night crawlers also work. Attach whatever bait you use to a large hook and fish along the bottom.
- Many white sturgeon anglers put their rod in a rod holder and wait for a bite. The problem with this approach is that white sturgeon--as large as they are--usually do not attack a bait violently. If your rod is in a holder, it's easy to miss a bite. When a white sturgeon takes the bait, you may only feel extra pressure on your line. As soon as you believe the fish has the hook in its mouth, set the hook with a firm upward motion.
- Most people fish for white sturgeon with the anchor down. However, once a fish is hooked, it is a good idea to pull the anchor in because a large white sturgeon can easily strip all the line off a reel. When the boat no longer is anchored to the bottom, you can maneuver it, follow the fish and prevent it from taking all the line off the spool.
