I know there is a section for the sturgeon excursion, but it has been pretty slow! I have talked my dad into taking his boat up for the weekend and we were wondering if someone could give us a bit more details… Like when people usually get there, where the best place to launch is, any kind of “get together” for the ido guys, any chance of getting lodging, or overnight slips? Thanks in advance! And also who should I get crawlers from??
Make it a three day weekend at least. Long way to drive for a regular weekend.
Most of us will be up there Thursday afternoon. I woukd imagine you will be able to leave your boat in the water. There is a good DNR landing right there on Wheelers point. Th IDO people usually gather riday and Sat. night in the bar area at the Wigwam resort which is right there by Wheelers point. Hope this answers some of your questions. If you order your Crawlers from 4 seasons sports in Redwing….I will be delivering them up to the excursion. Get ahold of them if you want.
Awesome! Thank’s guys. One last thing is lodging, I’m assuming it’s pretty booked, does anyone have any suggestions on a place to stay?
Some people spend the whole week, some show up Friday while others like myself show up Thursday morning.
There is a beautiful launch at Wheelers Point. You can’t miss is on the way to the Wigwam (Wiggy).
Usually IDO members show up at the Wiggy in the evening to trade stories, share a few brews and keep on the look out for Sasquatch. 
I am willing to bet that the Wiggy is full, so you may want to start making a call to other resorts for openings. Most offer dock space.
Four Seasons Bait in Red Wing is offering flats of crawlers for $50 which is a decent price.
Chappy beat me to it.
How many? We have room for a couple…
I’m the “dad” that got talked into this. No biggie, as we fish Kabe & Rainy in the spring and fall. Not sure how many lads my son has recruited, but I will be bringing a 22′ deckboat converted to purely fishing with rough liveaboard accommodation (full camper enclosure, heat, sleeping space). At night I can anchor, push up in the weeds, nose up on shore, etc, but snagging a tie off somewhere so the boys can go ashore to hang with the IDO guys would be nice.
Wigwam still had rooms in the lodge as of yesterday.
Rooms are usually pretty cheap up there. $25 to $35 a night per guy is common. Just pick your dates and start calling resorts on the point. Someone will have a opening.
Wigwam and Adrian’s Resort are Ido sponsors, please give the first crack at your patronage!
Adrian’s 218-634-1985.
See ya all up there! 
Room’s booked at Adrian’s and a flat of crawlers is awaiting. Anyone wanna give me a basic rundown of a sturgeon setup they run up on the Rainy? I’m planning on bringing one of my retired muskie rigs. 6’6″ Extra heavy compre rod, with a 6600 on it with PP80lb test. Then I usually run a swivel up about 2 feet with a flat sinker above it and then what do you guy’s run for a hook? I have an entire arsenal of hooks for river fishing but not sure what you guy’s have found works best! Thanks in advance!
I have had good success using a Gamakatsu(sp?) 2/0-4/0 circle hook. I know BK has used those in the past but has evolved to another brand.
Just a suggestion; you may want to hold in your hand the X-heavy rod to detect bites rather than using a rod holder. The reason being is that if the sturgeon feels any type of resistance they will drop the bait and will be gone in the blink of an eye, typically. If you have something with a softer tip and lots of backbone, that would be optimum.
Exactly with Francis said.
I’ve been using the Team Catfish 3/0 Double Action hooks for the last couple years. Both Team Catfish and Gammi make good hooks. I would however shy away from the 2/0’s.
I lost a big fish >ONCE< using the 2/0 (bent straight) and promised myself I wouldn’t let that happen again.
Just my experience. 
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
