Herm & his grandson were with me today, looking for at least one sturgeon bite for Hunter. He was hoping for a big one and so were we as both of us wanted to see him battle a beast. The weather looked good except for the NE winds blowing opposite the current. We had big rollers as we neared the location and although doable, it wouldn’t be easy. We soon found out that the rod holders wouldn’t be of any help and had to hold them instead. There was just too much movement from the waves to detect any bites. A few false strikes were followed by a solid take on Hunter’s rod and he was locked up. I had instructed him on what to do and he did it perfectly. He now realized what I had been talking about when I said that these fish are strong but fought through the pain to eventually bring his prize to net. Not a real monster but definitely a good one nonetheless! It was also his first sturgeon and several pics were taken to show off later. Lines were reset and we were back at it once again when Herm received his first official bite. Seconds later he too was tight to a big one and it wasn’t coming in easy. When it jumped behind the boat, I realize how big it was and knew he was in for a long battle. She actually jumped three times during the fight and made countless runs taking plenty of line from the reel. It was all Herm could do just to hang on, but eventually he also brought the fish to net and was in awe at its size. This one would require the help of Hunter to bring it aboard and even at that, it was difficult. It was a two person job to hold it as well and they were glad to toss it back after the pics were done. We fished through the rest of the morning easier, when the wind calmed down and we were able to finally use the rod holders. There were 3 more good sturgeon and a nice channel cat caught by noon and we decided to end it for these fish in pursuit of some walleye. Hunter hadn’t caught a walleye before either and as luck would have it, he was the first to hook up. Although not one he could take home, it was a real nice picture fish! He also caught the second one and this time it made the cut and wound up in the livewell for them to take back later in the day. We made multiple drifts over fish but with limited success. With very little wind for movement and tons of floating weeds to contend with, it was tough. I switched locations a couple of times and although I was seeing them on the bottom, we weren’t getting bit. I knew I needed to make an adjustment and pulled out another rod to try something different. Within a few casts, I was hooked up and brought an over to the net. Several casts later, another fish came aboard and fell in the slot making it into the well. I immediately switched Herm up and he too got in the game with one over and another keeper. Next up was Hunter and a little while after he had a bent rod but was into a nice smallie instead. We managed to get into a pile more fish both overs and keepers in the remainder of the afternoon and they at least had one limit to take home. By 4:00 we were done and headed back to the ramp to take out. Herm really wanted Hunter to experience a sturgeon and possibly catch some fish to eat and today he managed to do just that. In fact, he got to battle several large ones and learned a few new techniques that should help him on his home waters. As they had a long drive, we parted ways quickly, satisfied from the day we just had. Who could ever imagine fighting that many big fish in one day? I know Hunter will be changing all his media pics very quickly, showing him as the « Great Hunter » from now on!!

Day two for Jim and Alyssa saw bluebird skies and flat calm waters. Perfect conditions to get that big early morning bite! We headed directly to the sturgeon area hoping to tangle with a couple more before noon. With no wind at all I would be able to move around if needed, increasing our chances for a hookup. Once I located what I needed and dropped anchor, it was only be a matter of time. I knew we would have action and anticipated great results. With the lines set we anxiously awaited the arrival of our first bite and it was a surprise. A nibbler turned out to be a darn perch and I didn’t even pass them the rod. Bait thieves are all over the bottom down there but usually they are goby minnows and not perch. I re rigged the rod and we waited once again. The next time we were bit however, it felt like the real thing. Alyssa was up first and was now tight to what seemed to be a smaller sturgeon by the weight. The fight was tough but didn’t last long and she had the fish to the boat quickly. I was thrilled and surprised to see that it was actually a channel cat and it was big. It had been a couple of months since anyone brought one of these things aboard and I was excited to see this one. Apparently so was Alyssa as he had never caught one before! Once aboard, I boga gripped it and gave it to her for some pics. It was heavy alright as she struggled to lift the cat several times for pictures. We released it back afterwards and resumed the task a t hand. I really wanted to get them into a giant and hoped the next bite would be the one. Our first area went dead and I decided to search around looking for a better concentration of fish to anchor on. Eventually I found what looked good and dropped the lines in hopes of a bite. Several drive byes later, we got bit and I locked the fish up. Jim was getting this one and I knew it was the right one! He fought it for almost five minutes before we saw the size he was dealing with. One leap had jaws dropping! This was going to be a long battle and I was glad Jim was on the other end of the rod. I saw what he was capable of yesterday when he fought his first sturgeon perfectly. There were times when he had to do the sturgeon shuffle around the motor as the fish couldn’t make up his mind where to go. Another jump later it was screaming off line again, like it had just been hooked up! This thing just didn’t want to give up! It sounded to the bottom and he pumped it back up a few more times and then it jumped again. This time however, it was less than a foot from us and déjà vu was back! The damn thing nearly hit the side of the boat! Several times afterwards we caught a glimpse of the fish in the water and it was definitely large. I’m sure the battle lasted around fifteen minutes before I got it in the net. I don’t think either of them could believe the size of this thing, laying there. The fight may have been over but the hard part was just about to begin. We now had to hoist it aboard for some pics and this definitely wouldn’t be easy. I required the help of Jim to lift the net over the side and onto the tarp. This fish was heavy and pissed! It was all Jim could do to hold the tail and not get whacked! He decided right then and there that holding it was out. We would be doing the floor shot once again! His daughter gave him a couple of hands but this fish was so powerful that she could barely do anything to help restrain the monster. Once we were done, I had to lift the front end to release the fish and it was then that I realized the actual weight. Definitely one of the biggest this year! With difficulty, we somehow managed to roll it out of the boat and she was on her way back to the bottom where she began. Jin and Alyssa both agreed unanimously, we were done! We were going to fish for something smaller now with the remaining time we had left. They had to be back at the hotel for check out shortly after noon and we were pressed for time. I packed everything up and headed to a drop shot an area looking for smallies and walleye. With practically no wind and current, the boat was barely moving. Apparently neither were the fish either, as I was marking them but they weren’t eating anything. Jim locked up on a quality smallie but when it went to the air, it also jumped the hook. Time was ticking and I decided to head shallower and try trolling certain areas looking for a few more bites. We did have a couple but one ended in a bite off and the other was a smallie that jumped ant threw the lure as well. We decided to end it before noon and called the day. Despite difficult conditions for the bass & walleye, they were absolutely perfect for the sturgeon. I’m sure that if we had of remained anchored up there would have been others coming aboard. It’s quite understandable however not to want more when you deal with something that large! In the two days,  Jim & Alyssa  had caught some really great fish. Pretty large ones too! They would be heading back home with great memories of their Canadian fishing trip along with excellent videos and pictures as well. Hopefully I will see them again next year when they plan their father & daughter outing once again!!

A father & daughter fishing trip was planned by Jim a few month ago and it began today. Alyssa met up with her dad here in Montreal and spent a day in Quebec city before returning back for the main event. I was hoping the weather would cooperate, but we all know how that goes! An early morning thunder shower gave way to mostly overcast skies, but held off on the rain. All stations showed thunder storms throughout the day but by viewing the radar, I realized we would be fine. First stop of the day was going to be the sturgeon and I hoped they would  bite. There was some wind but conditions looked great to get bit as I anchored up and prepped the lines. We had a number of false bites as lines were getting bumped into by some of the fish down there. The first rod I handed Alyssa ended quickly as the sturgeon didn’t stay pinned for more than 15 seconds. The next time I handed her the rod however, it was all she could do just to hang on. I coached her on how to pace herself and what to do to conserve strength as it was going to be a long battle. I didn’t see the first jump behind the boat but it sounded large! I could see that she was struggling a bit and the fish looked like it was in control. As it started to pass the boat, I was afraid of the anchor rope and went to get the bumpers in case I had to un pin. All of a sudden it took to the air and catapulted itself right onto the front deck of the boat. My worst nightmare had come true! This beast was out of water and still green. I immediately tossed the net on top of it and hoped it remained calm. I grabbed a pair of gloves and decided to try something as I knew taking any photos would be next to impossible. Jim now had the rod and my thoughts were to somehow pick it up and throw it back for the balance of the fight. This wasn’t easy as the sturgeon was pissed off and kicking like crazy. I somehow managed to slide it over the rail and it just screamed line from the reel, heading straight to the bottom. A potential disaster fixed! Jim still fought the fish for more than 5 minutes before I was able to get it into the net. This may not have been the largest sturgeon but it will be one that I think everyone will remember for quite some time! I now had the task of helping Alyssa hold the fish for some pics and that wasn’t easy either. All I could do was have her sit and prop it up on her lap as there was no way she was lifting this monster on her own. With a little more help we were able to toss it overboard after and watch it swim off unharmed. I wanted to get the lines back in quickly as I had noticed that the winds were starting to pick up. This time however, we wouldn’t be able to leave them in the holders and had to keep them in our hands. The waves were bouncing us around way too much! About 5 minutes in, I detected a bite and loaded the rod for another battle. Jim was handed the rod as Alyssa & I cleared the other two, giving him room to battle the fish. He fought it like he had been doing it all his life and tried putting the wood to it without success. As many times as he reeled it in, it went right back out and took even more line. Twice the line rose and both times it took to the air with a spectacular jump. Around ten minutes into the fight, he mentioned it was close and then it happened. The third jump was almost a disaster again when we were face to face with his fish. It had gone out of the water less than a foot from the boat and brushed the side upon re entry. I swear these things are trying to get even with me! Thankfully they don’t have teeth! Several minutes later, I was able to net it and this fight was done. Jim really didn’t want to hold the fish after he saw what his daughter went through so he opted for the floor pic instead. We released it back after and packed everything up to go for much smaller fish. Walleye & bass were on the list as Alyssa had never caught either. I set up a couple of drop shot rods and instructed both of them on the way to fish the area. On my first demonstration I got bit and loaded the rod. I passed off to Alyssa and she landed a nice keeper eye. Shortly after, she had another and this one was an over . Pics and a release and back in they went. They were both missing several bites and I was marking plenty of fish here too. Eventually Jim stayed pinned on one of his strikes and boated another over walleye. Pics and a release were all we got! Several drifts through the area should have provided more fish than they were getting but for some reason it wasn’t. Jim did however manage to hook another but this one was a smallie and it leaped in the air on the hook set. It had been a while since he had caught a smallmouth as largemouth were what he was used to. Alyssa also managed an even bigger smallie not long after giving them both an official slam. I was informed that they wanted to get off by 2:30 & when I looked to see the time, I realized we only had 5 minutes to go. They had a great day catching fish that they hadn’t experienced before and left with plenty of video, pics and memories of the day. They will be back in the morning for round two and hopefully bigger and better! Maybe this time they can battle a much larger sturgeon. Hopefully no more incidents like today though!!

Yesterday’s no show of 8 guys in the morning for a half day, was followed by today’s rescheduling due to possible rain showers. Gotta love back to back cancellations! Instead of doing nothing, I did something about it today. Christiane & I headed out by 9:30 to do a little pleasure fishing. We wanted to get a couple of walleye for our dinner and casted for them at the start. Although not terrific, we did manage enough fish to feed the two of us and of course, the cat! The weather was excellent with no rain in sight and practically no wind either. It was absolutely perfect to anchor up for a possible sturgeon bite! I headed to an area further away and once I located the fish, dropped down and set the lines. The damn gobies were relentless and I had to relocate several times before I finally was free of them. It’s impossible to stay in one place lately and keep the baits in long enough to get bit! No wonder the bass don’t hit surface much anymore. They have an all you can eat buffet on the bottom everywhere they go! It took a little while for one of the rods to get bit and I think I woke Christiane up when I hollered, « we’re on »! She took the rod and battled a big fish, by the way it acted. As I was clearing the area to make room for her to fight the fish, it jumped and she saw what she was dealing with. I on the other hand didn’t and had no idea other than the loud splash it made upon re entry. The fight was like usual, tough! These things really are mean and when they’re large, take time to land. This one was no different as it took close to 10 minutes before we even saw it. Although not a real giant, It was still big and beat her up pretty good. I ended the pain when I was able to net the thing and a sigh of relief was had. I don’t think she was ready to hold it for the pics but I wanted some shots regardless. I had to eventually help her lift it and we rested the beast  in her arms for several quick shots. I also had to help her toss it back as her arms were like jelly from the fight. I began to reset the lines and before I could get the second rod in the water, the first one got hit. One lift and we were locked up again! I passed her the rod and just laughed! She on the other hand didn’t find it too amusing. After the fish jumped, I could see her pain. This one was a monster and by the looks of it, was in contention for one of the biggest this season! After the second jump, she begged me to take the rod and I had to comply. There was absolutely no way she would be able to fight two big fish back to back with this one being so large. I never pick up a rod other than to hook up and was ready for the challenge. What I wasn’t ready for however was what was to happen next. I pumped the fish up from the bottom and must have pissed it off at the same time as it tried to take me out. I literally had to jump backwards when it leaped up, hit the motor and landed half in the backwash. I was sure it was coming in the boat but was glad that she slid back into the water. This has been a fear of mine for a while and it nearly happened. You never want one of these things to land in the boat green, as it will trash everything in sight. Including body parts! The battle lasted almost 10 minutes longer and eventually I passed the rod back to Christiane to finish the fight. Almost 5 minutes later, we were finally starting to see signs of fatigue with plenty of air bubbles rising to the surface. Not long after, it was in the net and ready for the pics. This one was almost twice the weight of the first one and I had difficulty hoisting it aboard. I knew I was going to have to lift it with her help and between the two of us, we finally got it done. I shot fast as she didn’t know how long she would be able to hold this fish. Tossing it back was also difficult but we managed to slide her over the railing and she swam off unharmed. After this, I packed everything up and pulled the plug on sturgeon. In fact, we were heading home as we already had enough fish for dinner. I’m sure that if my client hadn’t cancelled today, he too would have gotten into fish just like these. Possibly even more as I would have stayed out longer and started earlier! All I know is that Christiane benefited from another’s loss by landing yet another giant sturgeon. Tired and satisfied, we called it a day. I wasn’t about to put her through more pain despite the fact that the fish seemed like they were really active. She was happy just to leave on a high and would likely be napping back home shortly after. Another great day despite the not so great weather forecast!!

A slight break in the action today, so I headed out with Alyssa. We would be spending her birthday on the water doing something relaxing, for a change. Although a 7:00 meet time seemed early to her, she arrived awake and ready to fish. The winds were blowing pretty strong once again, so I decided to pass on any possible sturgeon action as I wasn’t sure if I would be able to anchor. We headed out to open water instead, to drop shot some walleye and smallmouth. The action was really slow but I figured it would improve as the day went on. We made multiple drifts over the best areas and although I was marking fish, they seemed in a negative state and not very cooperative. A few bites were had and a couple of small fish were landed but it was slow! I made several location changes with similar results at each stop. We did manage to get a fish here & there and one really giant smallie made it to the net on the second spot. I had hoped for some walleye for Alyssa to have for dinner and really needed to pull out all the tricks in order to get anything. Frequent drifts across specific areas yielded a few more fish with only one keeper walleye. Several other fish were landed but they were either bass, pike or short eyes. I made a decision to completely vacate this area and opted for a move closer to the channel. We were still fishing drop shot rigs but casting them instead of drifting and covering a steep break. I missed a fish on my very first cast and a couple more strikes a little later. Alyssa may have had a couple of bites as well but between the waves and the damn wind, it was hard for her to tell if they were actually fish. I moved once again and decided to try jigging while she continued drop shotting and before we knew it, she was locked up. Too bad it was a smallie and not a walleye though as we threw it back! I managed to miss a couple of good hits and land only two high end keepers. I couldn’t get another bite after and scrambled to many other areas looking for a few more fish. All we ended up landing after were short walleye and some perch. One of the perch was big enough to keep and it went in the livewell with the walleye. As we were both wanting to get off the lake around 3:00, we called it a day. Regardless of how the fishing turned out, we still had a great time relaxing and catching some fish. Alyssa was just happy to be in fresh air on the boat & enjoying a day off while fishing. We parted ways at the ramp and I headed home to fillet the fish. We would hook up again in a couple of hours at a restaurant, along with many others to continue her birthday celebration. It would be the perfect end to a great day of R & R!!