Just wanted to get opinions on the harvesting of a legal Sturgeon. Myself….not a chance. I have no desire to do it.
I guess it’s not against the law, but wouldn’t a 50+” fish be very old and full of who knows what?
What would you think if you witnessed a boat tagging a fish and taking it home?
Good question Dtro!
I just posted a chart from the DNR site that says a 50″ fish is about 25 years old.
Personally I have no desire to take one…or even taste one.
That’s me personally. It is legal to take one 50 incher per year. So, who am I to say “bad fisherman” if someone take home a (legal) fish?
FYI~ according to one study 97% of all sturgeon over 50″ are females.
Actually, what bothers me more than someone taking a legal fish home…is folks that practice catch and release that don’t know how to hold a fish. I’ve seen too many pics of folded back gill covers and even fingers in the gills.
I don’t have the data to support my claim, but I’m guessing there are a number of dead sturgeon because of what I call the death hold.
With that being said…I’m sure there are many that are getting tired of my post reguarding “how to hold a sturgeon”. 
Most if not all, just don’t know that it hurts them…IMO anyway.
Here’s the way I look at it.
In every body of water you have predators and prey. There are fish that reproduce like mad because everything preys on them, and other fish that aren’t going to get eaten. Other than people what is going to kill a 30 inch Walleye or a 50 inch Sturgeon? On the other hand, Perch, Crappies, Sunfish, and fish like that are eaten up all the time. If we want to protect the resource and be consistent with nature then maybe we should selectively harvest the same way. I see no reason to eat a 30 year old Strugeon even if it is legal.
My .02 
Rootski
The DNR has a system. They allow an angler to harvest one 50″+ fish per year with the purchase of a license. It is a persons right to do so. I for one, have no interest in harvesting one – but I feel it is not my place to tell others what to do. I have smoked a few from LOW that friends and I had kept many years ago and they were excellent – but the thought of eating one that was a bottom feeder for 30 years in the rainy river made me uncomfortable at best when it was time to eat. To each there own. Keep one if you want, just don’t make me eat it 
! Just like a big walleye or musky – it is the anglers right to kill any legal fish.
Tim
Rootski…I couldn’t agree with you more…however there is a culture that holds sturgeon in very high reguard for eating…and I believe they are Polish/Russians.
PS…I would be the first to use the TIP line that’s programed in my phone if I would see anyone harvesting these dinosaures outside of the laws.
But less bones! 
I have a hard time believing anyone would want to keep a “trophy” fish or any species. But, it is legal to do so, and if a person would want to keep it, what can you do 
I have seen people keep fish that no person in their right mind would want to eat, but it is done every day. I think the majority of people who would keep fish like this, are not real fisherman, and by that I mean not very knowledgable, or spend much time on the water, but happen to “get lucky” and stumble upon a fish of utter size, and keep it because it is the biggest fish they have ever caught.
We have all heard the stories about the lady fishing with worms off the dock and catches a 60″ Muskie, or a 30″ Walleye, or a 8lb bass. Happens a few times every year and they get their picture in the paper. Is it wrong, Heck no, would I do it, Never.
But if you see a nice hamburger walking down the road, I would hook that baby, take it home and give it a good eating
I wouldn’t do it. I have a friend that purchased a tag, though, and is dead-set on keeping one. We’ve made our feelings known. I’m against him keeping one, but if he is going to, I won’t stop him. He knows that if I get a legal fish, though, it’s going right back in the drink.
Last night I did wonder how sturgeon tastes, though. It wasn’t that good 
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Last night I did wonder how sturgeon tastes, though. It wasn’t that good
What exactly was going through the poor sturgeons head in that picture 
Somehow that picture is just…wrong. You been hanging with Dark 30 Ralf?
eek!!!!!! That is just wrong Chief Wiggam!!!!!!
I know folks up on LOTW kill and grill sturgeon. Many consider it a delicasy up there and slice/dice the fish into steaks.
To each their own if you want to eat them, since the DNR is quite observant on protecting these species, unlike other game fish that get harvested only for a skin mount.
I guess.. to each their own. I will stay neutral, but that doesnt mean I will advise anyone to keep a sturgeon to eat, and I would scold any person planning on keeping one just to *show off*. In fact, if it was in my boat, thatperson would be dropped off on a very remote shoreline with their catch.
With that being said, I will add more. I will have a sturgeon tag in possession when I am on the water fishing for them. The reason being, the 63″ sturgeon whiskerhooked caught ALMOST didnt swim away. It took a long time to revive the fish and I honestly thought it was not going to make it. It was a great sigh of relief several minutes later when the fish finally kicked out of my hands, kept itself upright, and slowly swam into the depths. If that fish would have died, there is no way I would have left it dead. It would have been taken home.. with much regret.
Everyone else paid the same for their fishing license as I did, and the same for the tag. They have as much right as the next guy to keep one, but that doesnt make it right. I will be the 1st to call tip if one is being harvested illegaly.
The Wisconsin CO’s checked me one night recently on the water and asked us to keep an eye open for people catching fish and stripping eggs and to call 911 immediately to report it. I there are individuals out there that will just cut them open and take the eggs and sink the fish. I asked if they had a reason to suspect this was happening in the area.. he didnt give an answer one way or another, but it would seem to me if they are looking for it, they have had the problem somewhere recently.
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Rootski…I couldn’t agree with you more…however there is a culture that holds sturgeon in very high regard for eating…and I believe they are Polish/Russians..
DTRO QUOTE: Just wanted to get opinions on the harvesting of a legal Sturgeon. Myself….not a chance. I have no desire to do it.
I guess it’s not against the law, but wouldn’t a 50+” fish be very old and full of who knows what?
What would you think if you witnessed a boat tagging a fish and taking it home?
Hmmm, who you bringing out fishing buddy?
I’ll tell you what………. If I see you keeping anything with whiskers besides a 2lb channel. I’m gonna come sink your battleship. 
Laws are there for a reason. As long as they are within the guidelines its an individual choice, I might cringe when I see it happen and offer as much info as possible to benefit the fish……Unless its my boat (then it goes back no Ifs ands or butts) and those rules are clear up front. But its not my place to say “put it back”
Fisher Dave brings me to a question.
My understanding that to legaly fish for Sturgeon, you had to have a tag in possession, but Daves comments make that seem incorrect. Can sombody spell it out for the slow kid
It would seem like fishing for trout without a trout stamp, because you are releasing the fish?
Thanks,
The tag is only if you wish to harvest a sturgeon. CPR you don’t need the tag. Doesn’t hurt to have for $5 though.
All good points.
It’s not uncommon to revive a big guy (or girl rather) for 10 to 15 minutes prior to their swimming away.
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All good points.
It’s not uncommon to revive a big guy (or girl rather) for 10 to 15 minutes prior to their swimming away.
That is an understatement.. you left out the part your abdomen will get pounded by the waves and boat wakes while *reviving* these fish. Its much easier said than done.
Big fish caught on the heaviest equipment are much easier to release than fish caught on lighter gear. A 50″+ fish will do a great job of rearranging your boat and possibly knocking you off your feet trying to get a photo, one that is played out on light gear are quite docile and are easier to handle.. but harder to revive.
I guess for those most concerned about the release.. leave the bass rods at home and break out the heavy gear. Your not going to horse these things in with anything, but the fight time decreases dramaticly with a rod designed to handle 50#+ fish.
Kinda depends on what kind of boat is being used. I spend the better part of 15 minutes tonight over the side of the boat with out any ill effects….besided the occasional splash of water in the face.
Fish ON!
Maybe you need to try fishing out of a bass boat. Nice and comfy to lean over the edge of, and you get back to the ramp in a hurry
Bite your tongue Ryan!
I dont think it makes a difference what kind of boat it is when the cruisers are out.. 3′ wakes and holding onto a heavy fish that is trying to sink, not swim..
My excess abdominal cushion(pot belly) might not make it any easier
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My excess abdominal cushion(pot belly) might not make it any easier
Thats great
I have no interest in keeping one. (personal preference)
Now if someone had cooked up a sturgeon legally I would have no issue trying it.
If it is taken legally I have no problem.
(Devils advocate)
Whether we like it or not, it is there right as long as they follow the rules.
I do know individuals that have a problem with people forcing there opinions and beliefs on them when they are following rules/laws.
Everyone has the right to there opinions but getting on someones case for a personal opinion is well, insulting and offensive.
Mmm, caviar. 
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….Sorry Briank, I figured it was about time I shoot that back at you 
