Sturgeon, magnificent and ancient fish, demand respect and careful handling, particularly in catch-and-release fisheries. With their immense size and delicate internal organs, traditional methods of lifting fish can be incredibly harmful. This is where the sturgeon sling becomes an indispensable piece of equipment, revolutionizing the way anglers interact with these giants of the freshwater world. More than just a piece of gear, the sturgeon sling is a symbol of responsible angling, prioritizing the health and survival of these incredible creatures.
What is a Sturgeon Sling?
A sturgeon sling is essentially a heavy-duty, reinforced fabric cradle designed to support the entire body of a large sturgeon while it remains in the water. Unlike nets that can cause fin damage or lead to the fish’s weight being concentrated at specific points, a sling distributes the fish’s weight evenly, minimizing stress and potential internal injury.
These slings are typically made from durable, rubberized mesh or heavy-duty synthetic materials that are soft on the fish’s skin and allow for excellent water flow. They feature strong handles or straps at both ends, allowing multiple individuals to safely lift and maneuver the fish. Some slings are designed as “side slings” that can be positioned alongside a boat, enabling the fish to be slid directly into the cradle while remaining submerged. Others are more akin to large, deep cradles that can be used on shore in shallow water or with a portion of the sling extended into the water from a boat.
How are Sturgeon Slings Used?
The primary goal when using a sturgeon sling is to minimize the fish’s time out of the water and provide maximum support. Here’s a typical use scenario:
- Preparation is Key: Before a fish is even hooked, the sling should be readily accessible and positioned for immediate use. If fishing from a boat, a side sling might be deployed, or a regular sling laid out on a wet, padded surface on the deck. If fishing from shore, a suitable shallow, clear area should be identified where the fish can be brought in and the sling deployed in the water.
- Bringing the Fish In: Once a sturgeon is hooked, the fight should be as quick as possible to minimize stress on the fish. For large sturgeon, this often means releasing the boat’s anchor and “following” the fish to bring it to a pre-determined landing spot in shallow water or alongside the boat. The goal is to bring the fish to the sling, not the other way around.
- Maneuvering into the Sling:
- Side Slings (Boat-mounted): These are perhaps the most efficient. The sturgeon is carefully guided alongside the boat and gently slid into the submerged sling. The sling’s design allows it to conform to the fish’s body.
- Standard Slings (Boat or Shore): For these, the fish is carefully nudged or guided over the submerged sling. Once the fish is positioned centrally, the ends of the sling are carefully lifted, ensuring the fish’s weight is fully supported as it’s lifted just enough for measurement, tagging, or a quick photo.
- Keeping the Head Submerged: It is paramount to keep the sturgeon’s head and gills in the water as much as possible throughout the entire process. This is vital for their oxygen intake and overall survival.
- Handling and Measurements: With the sturgeon safely in the sling, anglers can then perform necessary actions like:
- Hook Removal: Using long needle-nose pliers or a specialized hook remover, barbless hooks are carefully and quickly dislodged. If a hook is deeply embedded or bleeding is excessive, cutting the line at the hook and leaving the hook in is often the best course of action to minimize trauma.
- Measurements: Length and girth measurements are often taken by conservation societies for data collection. The sling provides a stable platform for this.
- Tagging: If part of a tagging program, the sling allows researchers or guides to safely tag the fish without causing undue stress.
- Photography: Quick, respectful photos can be taken with the fish still in the sling and largely submerged, or carefully lifted just above the water line for a brief moment.
- Release: The most crucial step. The sling is gently lowered back into the water, and the sturgeon is given time to recover. It should be pointed nose-first into the current, and anglers should support it until it shows strong signs of recovery and is ready to swim away under its own power. Never simply drop or release a struggling fish.
Advantages of Using Sturgeon Slings:
- Minimized Stress and Injury to the Fish: This is by far the most significant advantage. By supporting the entire body weight evenly, slings prevent internal organ damage, muscle strain, and spine compression that can occur when large, heavy fish are lifted vertically or by their tail.
- Reduced Air Exposure: Slings allow for the sturgeon to remain largely submerged during the entire handling process. Limiting air exposure is critical for their survival, as sturgeon can suffocate out of water and their delicate slime coat can be damaged.
- Enhanced Safety for Anglers: Handling a large, powerful sturgeon can be dangerous. Slings provide a controlled and safer way for multiple people to manage the fish, reducing the risk of injury from thrashing tails or powerful movements.
- Facilitates Data Collection: For conservation efforts, slings make it much easier to accurately measure, tag, and inspect sturgeon while causing minimal disturbance. This data is invaluable for understanding sturgeon populations and their health.
- Promotes Conservation: By ensuring the highest possible survival rates for released sturgeon, slings contribute directly to the sustainability of sturgeon fisheries and the long-term health of the species.
- Professional Image: Guides and anglers who utilize slings demonstrate a commitment to ethical angling and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
Disadvantages of Using Sturgeon Slings:
- Bulk and Portability: Sturgeon slings, especially those designed for very large fish, can be bulky and take up significant space in a boat or vehicle. This can be a consideration for anglers with limited storage.
- Cost: High-quality, durable sturgeon slings are an investment. While their benefits far outweigh the cost in terms of fish welfare, it is an additional expense for anglers.
- Requires Multiple People for Very Large Fish: While slings make handling safer, truly massive sturgeon still require the coordinated effort of two or more individuals to lift and maneuver safely. Solo anglers might find it challenging with exceptionally large specimens.
- Learning Curve: While relatively simple to use, proper technique is important. Anglers need to practice deploying and using the sling effectively to ensure smooth and safe handling of the fish.
- Not Suitable for All Environments: While ideal for most river and lake settings, very rocky or rapidly flowing areas might present challenges in deploying and retrieving a sling safely without snagging or undue risk.
- Can Still Cause Stress if Used Improperly: While a superior method, incorrect use of a sling (e.g., dropping the fish into it, pulling it out of the water abruptly, or keeping the fish out of water for too long) can still cause stress. Adhering to best practices is essential.
In conclusion, sturgeon slings represent a significant advancement in ethical angling for these magnificent fish. Their advantages in terms of fish welfare and angler safety far outweigh their minor drawbacks. For anyone serious about targeting and releasing sturgeon, investing in and properly utilizing a sturgeon sling is not just recommended, it’s a fundamental part of responsible and respectful fishing practice.
