The Essential Role of Nets and Cradles on the Fraser River
As the powerful currents of the Fraser River swell with the spring freshet, anglers from around the globe are once again testing their resolve against British Columbia’s most iconic resident: the White Sturgeon. To hook one of these armoured river kings is a heart-pounding thrill. To bring one boatside is a triumph of skill and endurance. But the true measure of a sturgeon angler lies not in the landing, but in the release. In this world-class, 100% catch-and-release fishery, our most important responsibility is to ensure that every single one of these living dinosaurs swims away strong and unharmed.
This is not a matter of opinion or preference; it is a biological necessity. The key to fulfilling this duty lies in the proper use of two critical pieces of equipment: the in-water landing net and the sturgeon cradle. For anyone planning to target sturgeon on the Fraser, understanding how and why to use this gear is as fundamental as tying a proper knot.
Why Old Ways Are a Thing of the Past
Not so long ago, the pinnacle of a sturgeon catch was a photograph of an angler on the beach, straining to hold up the head of a massive fish dragged onto the gravel. We now know, with scientific certainty, that this practice is incredibly harmful and potentially fatal for sturgeon.
These are not bony fish like salmon or trout. Sturgeon have a cartilaginous skeleton that does not provide the same internal support. When a large sturgeon is removed from the water, its own immense weight can crush its internal organs. Gravity becomes its enemy. Furthermore, dragging a fish across rocks, sand, or even the gunwale of a boat strips away its vital slime coat. This protective layer is the fish’s primary defense against infection and parasites. Removing it is like taking away its immune system.
The goal of modern sturgeon angling is therefore simple and non-negotiable: keep the fish in the water. This is where nets and cradles transition from being helpful accessories to essential tools of conservation.
The First Step: The In-Water Landing Net
A proper sturgeon net is unlike any other. It is a massive basket, often six feet or more in diameter, made of soft, knotless, rubber-coated mesh. Its purpose is not to lift the fish, but to safely contain it alongside the boat once the fight is over.
Think of it as a floating recovery room. Bringing a large, powerful sturgeon directly into a cradle can be a chaotic process. The net allows you to secure the fish in the water, giving it a moment to calm down and allowing you and your team a moment to prepare for the next steps.
Using the Net Correctly:
- Lead, Don’t Lift: As the fish is brought boatside, lead its head into the submerged net.
- Secure the Hoop: Once the fish is inside, secure the net’s hoop to the side of the boat. The fish should be resting comfortably in the deep mesh, still fully submerged and supported by the water.
- Prepare for Transfer: With the fish safely contained, the boat can be maneuvered to a calm, shallow area (if necessary) and the sturgeon cradle can be deployed without haste.
The net minimizes stress on the fish and the anglers, creating a controlled environment for the crucial next phase of the encounter.
The Cradle of Life: Mastering the Sturgeon Sling
The sturgeon cradle, or sling, is the single most important piece of conservation gear an angler can have. It is a long, wide sling made of heavy-duty, waterproof fabric, often with built-in rulers and flotation. It is designed to manage the fish in the shallows, allowing for safe examination and photography without ever bearing its full weight out of the water.
The Proper Cradle Protocol:
- Position the Boat: Once the fish is in the net or calm boatside, guide your boat to a suitable location, ideally a sandbar or gentle gravel shore where you can stand in knee-deep water.
- Deploy the Cradle: Unroll the cradle in the water alongside the fish, allowing it to sink beneath it.
- Guide, Don’t Force: Gently guide the sturgeon from the net or boatside over the top of the submerged cradle. Teamwork is essential here. One person should manage the head and pectoral fins while another manages the powerful tail.
- Keep Gills Submerged: The cradle allows you to secure the fish in the shallows while ensuring its head and gills remain in the water at all times. Air exposure should be minimized to an absolute minimum—seconds, not minutes. The mantra is “gills in, pictures quick.”
- The Scan and Measure: With the fish calmly resting in the cradle, you can quickly and efficiently use a PIT tag scanner to check for a pre-existing tag from the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society’s monitoring program. You can then use the cradle’s ruler to get an accurate fork-length measurement.
- The Photo Op: The cradle supports the fish for a quick, low-angle photograph. The days of “hero shots” holding the fish vertically or dragging it ashore are over. The best photo is one that shows a healthy, vibrant fish being respected in its natural environment.
The Final Act: A Strong Release
After the brief encounter in the cradle, the release is the final, critical step. Turn the sturgeon so its head is facing into the current. Hold it gently by the tail, allowing the oxygen-rich water to flow over its gills. You will feel the fish begin to revive and gain strength. Do not let go until it is ready. When it gives a powerful kick and swims away on its own accord, you have achieved a truly successful catch-and-release.
As stewards of this incredible resource, the responsibility rests on our shoulders. Using in-water nets and sturgeon cradles is the modern standard for ethical angling on the Fraser River. It is how we honour these ancient giants and ensure that they will continue to patrol the depths of this mighty river for generations to come.
