Sturgeon Derby, Sept 22/2009

[Gateholio]

I get taken out on lots of events by some suppliers, and we have done a annual fishing derby for sturgeon for the last 3 years

I got up at 4AM, and drove like a maniac until I hit the lower mainland. Surprising how fast you can go with no one on the road!

Anyway, we were met at Sandpiper Golf course with a big tent and a full catered breakfast- no pics, sorry. I was abit late and just wolfed down some grub.

I was assigned to a boat with our guide Chad and 3 other dignitaries, Laura, Jay and Mark.

Both Mark and I had fished for sturgeon a few times before, so even though we had a coin toss, we declined our first and second place rod assignments tot he newbies.

Lucky Laura soon had her first fish on!

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs217.snc1/8425_160567495515_526315515_4090073_4291763_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs237.snc1/8425_160567605515_526315515_4090074_1821031_n.jpg

Next up was Jay, with a nice 5 and a half foot fish

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs237.snc1/8425_160567735515_526315515_4090075_2612418_n.jpg



I caught one, too!

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs237.snc1/8425_160567915515_526315515_4090076_405194_n.jpg


Mark hooked the smallest sturgeon the guide had ever seen, and he grew up fishing on the banks of the Fraser, bout 16 years ago. We micro chip tagged it and sent it on it's way!

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs237.snc1/8425_160568175515_526315515_4090077_2775634_n.jpg

Laura gets another!

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs217.snc1/8425_160568455515_526315515_4090078_8320393_n.jpg

Jay can't keep them off the hook!

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs237.snc1/8425_160568850515_526315515_4090081_1247479_n.jpg



To make up for his teeny catch, Mark caught a HUGE fish. We got it by the boat and scanned it bu couldn't pull it in, it was too big. We debated going to shore for pics. Then It gave a kick and got away from us!

But the poor thing was upside down, and just floating!

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs237.snc1/8425_160569485515_526315515_4090088_8216414_n.jpg

Our guide, Chad, immediately sprang into action, ditched the anchor on a float and turned the boat to the hapless sturgeon, then righted the mighty beast and it vigorously swam back down to the deeps!

The whole day, we had pinks jumping aorund us. Pinks everywhere!

[Gateholio]

All together, we each landed 4 sturgeon, including Mr Small

Most were in the 5-6 ft range, and it was a great time!

I couldn't stay for the evening festivities...I had to drive another 4 hours home:-(

[tuffteddyb]

that is wayyyyy too cool!

[newhunterette]

heyyyyyyyyyyyyyy I was told ya was supposed kiss their noses before releasing them

hehehehehehe

awesome Clarke - looks a great great time

[NaStY]

Nice fish Gates. Looks like you had some fun.....

I really miss fishing the Fraser. I now how the 'hunting' bug...

[Tikka270wsm]

Sturgeon fishing is something I've always wanted to do. Looks like you guy's had a lot of fun. Cool pics

[Leaseman]

Sturgeon fishing is addictive, especially considering the next bite could be "Mr. Big" (or mr small as shown....:tongue:)....

Hoping to take out a "sturgeon virgin" this weekend..... if he ever checks his mail!

[THE SWEDE]

See ya out there:smile:

[Brambles]

Nice fishing report Gatehouse, do they fight or just pull hard?

[Jetboater]

Sounds like the Neptune Derby... pretty sure my old man was there.

[stroh72]

How is Chad doing with his buisness? I grew up with him in Mission. Its funny how life goes for years he was trying to be a golf pro spent all his time down south then one day hes back guiding in his home town. Congrats on the fish.

[Gateholio]

How is Chad doing with his buisness? I grew up with him in Mission. Its funny how life goes for years he was trying to be a golf pro spent all his time down south then one day hes back guiding in his home town. Congrats on the fish.


I didn't discuss finances, but he seems to be doing okay, has a nice $$$ boat and seems to know every hole in the river!:smile:

[Gateholio]

Sounds like the Neptune Derby... pretty sure my old man was there.

Does your dad work for Neptune? Customer? Supplier?

[Jetboater]

Hes a customer... Talked to him earlier and he didnt go....Chad is a great guide and a great Golfer... Ive guided beside him a few times....

[BUCKJR]

Glad to hear you had a good time GATEHOUSE! Nuptune sure nows how to put on a great event. All of us guides at BC Sportfishing group always look forward guiding in that event. You'll definately have to try and stick around for the meal and festivites after next year.... definately worth it.