So how big of net do I need for sturgeon? What do you guys like. I see Cabelas has some that are 44″ deep. Not sure if that is big enough. Looks like these run about $70. Not sure if that will work or I need to just jump up to a musky net. The bigger nets Ive seen start about $130 and go up from there. Just not trying to break the bank on a net that gets used one trip a year.
Thanks.
Interesting to see what suggestions you get. I’ve always just hand landed them, if not released at boat side. Never thought about having a net to land them.
I have a big net ,works well ,but I only net when I want a pic.They take up a lot of room in the boat.
BB2
For once a year, could you borrow one? I’ve got a huge Beckmann that hasn’t been wet in a few years.
Hand landing is pretty hard to do by yourself. Lots of room for mistakes, wetter hands/arms, and no gill grabbing allowed in my boat. Plus, i can weigh a fish in a net.
Sturgeon are generally bigger than musky, so i’d for sure have a net ‘Musky’ sized.
If you want to fit the state record, you’ll need a bigger net yet.
I was going to buy a huge one, but ended up having a nice big beckman fall into my hands this spring instead.
I have been using the cabelas big game net for a few years and have put several 5′ sturgeon in it as well as 50# flatheads; but i do have a bigger one now; as i do want to catch bigger fish and not crowd them in the net as much.
Funny thing is Ive been making this trip for many years now and never had a net. Last few years Jon J has been bringing his big musky net with and its been nice on those bigger fish. Fish into the upper 40″ range are not much problem to tail grab and haul in. 50″ fish get to be a little more of a challenge. Those in the 60″ range get to be tough to keep a hold of that tail long enough to get into the boat. Thats where the net is nice. Hanging over the side of the boat holding onto that big of fish in freezing cold water might not be the smartest thing either. Lots of power in those tails.
any one use a cradle or know how well they work?
I see no reason to try to get one out of the water if you are not going keep it. Just photo alongside in the water reach down with hook out slip the hook out and away she goes. They are just to big to handle properly for those not familiar with handling very large fish. Personal I do not measure or lift up my muskies anymore unless absolutely necessary to get hook out or cut them. At least sturgeons are much tougher than muskies and pike in regards to handling but that doesn’t mean everyone needs to be manhandled weighed taped etc.
Mwal
Good points guys. Guess I can always fit a smaller fish in a bigger net. Bigger fish in a smaller net is not going to work. Seen a few for a buck and a quarter that I may need to go look at again.
IF I was going to, I would use a cradle. Good for the fish, allows handling if needed or desired.
craddle is probably the answer if your are going to net plus they support whole fish
Mike, lemme know if you want to borrow a net.
I’ve seen the way DNR biologists handle them. I don’t think handling them is a problem, but to each, his own.
Mike, I also have a net I use on the Croix for sturgeon. You are welcome to it for your trip. And if you need a net man…………. 
I own a 60″ cradle. Don’t use it much, i just weigh my fish in the net.
Who needs to net a 40″ sturgeon…I lift them over the rail with the rod 
Who needs to net a 40″ sturgeon…I lift them over the rail with the rod
So does Bill Brasky!
… and perhaps Chuck Norris???
Mark
P.S. Musky net if I was fishing them, then into a measuring cradle… just like I do when I want to measure a ‘skie…
If your rod isn’t heavy enough to lift a little 40″ fish in the boat, your rod isn’t strong enough for a big sturgeon…Just my opinion.
I’m 50/50 on releasing 40-50″ boat side
all 50″+ get put in a net and hauled overboard for a weight, maybe a measurement, and a picture. Having a fish in a net over the side of the boat, in the water allows me a few seconds to prepare the scale and camera. I set the camera to snap pics. Weigh fish in net, measure on board, lift for photo, gently put back in water.
MY buddie’s alter ego (When hammered) is bill brasky
Never tried a craddle . Might have to look on youtube to see how they work. Seems like they might be a pain in the ass in the river. Could see the current catching it and sweeping it away.
If I cant find a decent price on a big net might take one of you guys up on borrowing one.
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