Landing big Sturgeon from your kayak. What are your thoughts?

How are we supposed to land a sturgeon without a snare...from a kayak? Can we lasso the tail?

Nope,

Adam and I were talking about ideas that would work within the new DFG regs, but no matter how you slice it a big sturgeon is going to be a bear to tackle without a snare or tail loop. I think it will defiantly be a two person job. But if I know anything about kayak anglers, we will adapt and overcome and have fun doing it. If anyone has any ideas on how to land one, I would be interested in starting a round table discussion on what you think may work.

If the fish is thoroughly tired you don't need a snare or a rope. Just like Rob said slip the clip in and beat it to death right there.  Or wrap your mono leader around the base of the gill plates then beat it to death. Not a snare................. it got tangled in the line.

Andy, I'd love to, but I'm gonna get stuck at work. Let's get out there and hit it soon though.

All that just slip the game clip stuff is great...if you can bet your ass on being able to eyeball the difference between 40 and 46". I can't.

Only keep over 50" I always refresh marks on my kayak, both sides, prior to the season for sturgeon. At some point in time the fish is by those marks.

Tire him out, when he gets close enough, stick you thumb in its mouth and your fingers behind the gill plate, grab him so he's upside down, try to get your leg under him to keep him upside downish, he will relax when upside down, if it an obvious keeper, clip him and cut him. The biggest threat is getting your hook in your thumb. It's easier with a helping hand on the tail end, they don't bite and when you have the head only, he can't roll if you hang on.

im leaning more towards grabbing the tail...with a glove of course. thats if hes too big too net .

All great advice, I was wondering about this. Also do you think its possible if it is too big to handle single handedly, to take it close to shore and measure it there? Since i have a revo my main concern is how am i going to get it straight enough to be able to measure it.

im leaning more towards grabbing the tail...with a glove of course. thats if hes too big too net .

For a big Sturgeon, the tail is submerged and really hard for us yakker to grab it!  Grabbing by the mouth is probably the best solution for big one!

I've never used a snare for a sturgeon from a kayak. just slip your hand under the gill plates right in the middle and slide it into your lap you can use the current and the drift to help this happen if you try to pull it on the yak with the current pulling the fish away from you are going to have trouble. and never bring a sturgeon on the yak you do not plan on keeping. mark on the side of your kayak with a good marking pen the slots that you're allowed to keep for sturgeon and other fish

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sturgeon are easy once they get to the boat, they just sit there like a WSB does.  problem is getting it "inside" of the kayak.  because of their weight they can be difficult to put into the boat when you grab their head. you need to make sure you are properly braced to bring it in, and don't lean over.  if you lean it could flip you.

Get an AI then no problem pulling it on the yak 

Get an AI then no problem pulling it on the yak 

Yep AI + Boga Grip + Game Clip = No Problem

sturgeon are easy once they get to the boat, they just sit there like a WSB does.  problem is getting it "inside" of the kayak.  because of their weight they can be difficult to put into the boat when you grab their head. you need to make sure you are properly braced to bring it in, and don't lean over.  if you lean it could flip you.

Really?

Really?

no, i'm messing with you all.  you can't flip a kayak pulling in an 70lb sturgeon.

landing a sturgeon in a kayak is gonna be tough regardless , every fish is different too , dont let it fool you when you get it too the surface either , thats when the real fight could begin.... from the majority of times ive heard of people loosing there fish its because they assumed the fish was ready to go once it hit the surface...the second the snare made contact with the fish it darts off in a fury and SNAP!.  ive never landed a keeper on my yak so when the time comes ill find out what works but have caught plenty on my little skiff and just when i thought ive figured them out , they throw another curv ball at me...kind of why i love fishing for them!

landing a sturgeon in a kayak is gonna be tough regardless , every fish is different too , dont let it fool you when you get it too the surface either , thats when the real fight could begin.... from the majority of times ive heard of people loosing there fish its because they assumed the fish was ready to go once it hit the surface...the second the snare made contact with the fish it darts off in a fury and SNAP!.  ive never landed a keeper on my yak so when the time comes ill find out what works but have caught plenty on my little skiff and just when i thought ive figured them out , they throw another curv ball at me...kind of why i love fishing for them!

+1 that Gomez. I caught a hot one 2 years ago and I thought it was done at the kayak. Let my guard down just for a sec. Reeled it up to the left side of the kayak and it took off straight under the kayak to the right. Hot. Luckily for my cat like reaction time  I didnt flip over and braced to the right as it shot under.  We talked  on Sunday about the new regs. The main thing that concerns me is keepin the fucker hooked with a barbless after an airborne leap and a few rolls up the line. I cant wait!