Presistoric fish you can catch
August 20th 2009 01:17
Does anyone else think this looks like a cross between a pike, catfish, and shark?
You may not be making a trip to Jurrasic Park but, catching a sturgeon is the next best thing. These fish, found in Asia, Europe, and parts of North America, are virtually unchanged from their prehistoric origins dating back to around 200 million years ago.
A short nose sturgeon looks a little different.
Sturgeon are one the the unique fishes that lack scales. What they do have is a bony covering called scutes as well as protruding whiskers or barbells which drag the bottom of rivers or lakes similar to catfish.
Here's what you do with sturgeon. Pet 'em back!
Since sturgeon are protected in many areas, you may hook up with one when you're trying to land something else. Hopefully, that something will be big because specimens around 7-10 feet (2-3.5 meters) are not uncommon and lines up to 80 lb. test can be found. If you're in sturgeon waters, plan on using a braided line around 40-50 pounds and think of 20 lb. line as the minimum. If you're lucky enough to hook up with one, take a quick picture to savor the moment because most sturgeons are protected and it must be returned to the water.
As noted, sturgeons are protected. However, that is not to say they are totally unused by man. Their eggs are used for the fortunate to produce caviar. One of the reason you pay so much for caviar is because sturgeon can live over 100 years and take 20 years to reach sexual maturity. These features, combined with overfishing and pollution have resulted in a serve conservation threat to most species.
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I picked up a bit of interesting information in doing this research--if you're Jewish, you may have to forgo sturgeon. Jewish law permits only the eating of fish with scales and since sturgeons lack true scales, Orthodox groups don't allow sturgeon. On the other hand, conservative laws allow it. But, since most areas prohibit the keeping of sturgeon, it's mostly a moot point.
As noted, sturgeons are protected. However, that is not to say they are totally unused by man. Their eggs are used for the fortunate to produce caviar. One of the reason you pay so much for caviar is because sturgeon can live over 100 years and take 20 years to reach sexual maturity. These features, combined with overfishing and pollution have resulted in a serve conservation threat to most species.
<<<<<>>>>>
I picked up a bit of interesting information in doing this research--if you're Jewish, you may have to forgo sturgeon. Jewish law permits only the eating of fish with scales and since sturgeons lack true scales, Orthodox groups don't allow sturgeon. On the other hand, conservative laws allow it. But, since most areas prohibit the keeping of sturgeon, it's mostly a moot point.
Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!
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