Using a 12 foot rod with a six ounce weight and fishing for fish over 100 pounds was way out of my league. I could not cast the rod. Gary had pitty on me and cast for me.
My first sturgeon was a 2 footer - small, but about six years old. But what a beautiful fish. The scutes on the back were sharp and rough - probably to protect them from being eaten.
Not too long after, the slow dip of the rod indicated another sturgeon. I set the hook and it did not budge - I had the bottom - so I thought. Soon the bottom moved up river. Forty minutes later, Gary tailed my fish - a seven and a half footer - probably about 180 pounds. Here I am about to release the largest fish I have ever caught in my life.
About 30 minutes later, Gary lands a six and a half footer.
Then late in the afternoon, I got a four footer. Here Gary is unhooking it. A great fish, but much smaller than the big ones.
We caught some squawfish and bass, but went sturgeonless for that evening and the next day, but what a trip. One good enough for a lifetime of memories and thrills.
Those fish better get ready, because I will be back to wrestle with them once again.
