Florida Biologist Theory on Sturgeon Jumping

Seems logical to me. Hmm, maybe we should slap lart 2X8s on the surface of the water ala the clonk?
National Geographic News

That was something new to think about. I still think they are doing it to clear/remove debris from their gills. Just my thoughts

I thought they were doing it to mess with me. Jumping Sturgeon on the Rainy River all around, and no bites

Kind of like Musky follows

Rootski

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I thought they were doing it to mess with me. Jumping Sturgeon on the Rainy River all around, and no bites

Kind of like Musky follows

Rootski

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Ahhh…I guess a figure eight with a big ball of crawlers is what we need to do up there to get those jumpers to bite

Looks like just another theory to me.. anything can sound logical with the right person explaining a theory.

The only time one really witnesses numbers of sturgeon jumping here is when the river is relatively void of traffic, and its usually calmer wind(minimal chop). It happens in the early morning and evening mostly, sometimes in the middle of the night.

The most active display of sturgeon jumping I even encountered was on pool 4 earlier this year. It was very impressive, almost spooky because I couldnt see a thing(middle of the night). If they did this as a feeding display.. I sure dont know what they were eating because they didnt like our bait offerings, and we were obviously surrounded.

I personally think they do it more for fun. Maybe its a form of communication/socialization amongst other things.. very possible. But what that communication means I have no idea. I dont think they are expeling all that much energy to jump a few times. With an ample food source, I am sure they have an extra calorie to burn from time to time.

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Ahhh…I guess a figure eight with a big ball of crawlers is what we need to do up there to get those jumpers to bite

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Now that’s funny right there…thanks

I thought this was interesting though…

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A single sturgeon produces a series of sounds just before and just after jumping, Sulak says, with a loud crash in the middle as its body slams against the surface of the water.

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Not sure how they recorded that though. He says they do (make noises), but doesn’t say the method they used to figure it out. Plus, it doesn’t mean they are communicating. Maybe the noise they make is the equivalent of a human grunt when exerting oneself.

Last night they were jumping quite a bit. I saw one that I would guess was about 50-60″ from about 50 yards away. I just happen to be looking at the right place at the right time. After dark it was pretty consistent.

They do seem to grunt a bit when expelling gas/air from their bladders…maybe to get set up to fly out of 20 to 70 feet of water?

This reminds me of 20 questions…always liked that game.

So cool of a fish…so many questions. Thanks for digging that up pug!