Lake Sturgeon Shore Fishing Adventure
Shared Trip
River Fishing
Shore fishing targeting lake sturgeon and multiple species$300 single angler rate, $100 each additional personCatch sturgeon, catfish, walleye, bass, and other fish
Get ready for some serious shore fishing action targeting one of North America's most prehistoric and powerful fish - the mighty lake sturgeon. Captain Brad has been guiding anglers to these ancient giants for years, and this dedicated shore fishing trip puts you right where the big fish cruise. For $300, you'll get a full day of expert guidance, plus each additional angler can join for just $100 extra. This isn't your typical panfish outing - we're talking about hooking into fish that were swimming these waters when your great-grandparents were kids. Along with sturgeon, expect to tangle with catfish, sheephead, walleye, bowfin, burbot, bass, suckers, and carp throughout the day.
Shore fishing for sturgeon is a game of patience mixed with pure adrenaline. Brad knows exactly where these bottom-dwellers like to feed, and he'll set you up in prime real estate along the shoreline. You'll be fishing heavy tackle with serious bait - think nightcrawlers, cut bait, and other sturgeon favorites. The beauty of this trip is that while you're waiting for that rod to bend double with a sturgeon, you'll be constantly catching other species. One minute you're reeling in a scrappy walleye, the next you're battling a hard-fighting sheephead. Brad brings all the gear you need, from heavy-duty rods and reels to tackle boxes full of proven baits. The setup is comfortable but focused - folding chairs, rod holders, and plenty of space to fight fish properly. This top-rated guide knows how to read the water and will move spots if needed to keep you on active fish.
Sturgeon fishing from shore requires a completely different approach than your average bass trip. We're talking heavy spinning gear or baitcasters loaded with 30-50 pound test line, because when a 4-foot sturgeon decides to run, you better be ready. Brad sets up bottom rigs with circle hooks - these are perfect for sturgeon since they hook themselves and reduce deep hooking. The key technique is patience combined with the right presentation. We'll anchor baits on the bottom in current breaks and drop-offs where sturgeon naturally cruise for food. Rod holders are essential since you might be waiting 20-30 minutes between bites, but when that rod tip starts dancing, it's game time. Brad also employs multiple rod setups, so while one is rigged heavy for sturgeon, another might be set up lighter for walleye or bass that are actively feeding in shallower water. The bite detection is all about watching your rod tips and feeling for that subtle tap-tap-tap that signals a fish mouthing your bait.
Lake sturgeon are the main attraction here, and for good reason. These living dinosaurs can live over 100 years and grow massive - we're talking fish that can stretch 6 feet and weigh 200 pounds, though most catches range from 3-5 feet. Sturgeon are bottom feeders with incredible strength, and when you hook one, it's like being connected to a submarine. They're most active during cooler months and in deeper water near shore during summer. The fight is legendary - long, powerful runs followed by bulldogging near the bottom. What makes them special is their prehistoric appearance with bony plates instead of scales and that distinctive shark-like tail.
Bowfin are another prehistoric species that'll test your tackle. These native fighters are often called "living fossils" and they scrap like nothing else in freshwater. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're in shallow water spawning. A 5-pound bowfin fights like a 10-pound bass, with vicious head shakes and determined runs. They're olive-green with a distinctive black spot near their tail, and males develop bright colors during spawning season.
Burbot might be the ugliest fish you'll catch, but they're absolutely delicious and fight surprisingly well for a bottom-dweller. These freshwater cod relatives are most active in cold water, making fall and winter peak season. They look like a cross between a catfish and an eel, with a single barbel under their chin and mottled brown coloring. Most run 2-4 pounds, but big ones can push 8-10 pounds and provide steady, determined fights.
Sheepshead (freshwater drum) are the most underrated fighters in the system. These silver-sided battlers use their deep bodies and powerful tails to maximum advantage, often making multiple runs before giving up. They're excellent table fare despite their reputation, and they're active year-round in deeper water. The bigger ones, 15-20 inches, will surprise you with their strength and stamina.
Walleye round out the target species list as the premier eating fish. These golden-flanked beauties are most active during low-light periods - dawn, dusk, and overcast days. Spring and fall offer the best action, especially when they're schooled up in deeper water near shore. A 20-inch walleye provides excellent sport on medium tackle, and there's nothing better on the dinner table.
This shore fishing adventure offers something most trips can't - the chance to catch true trophy fish without needing a boat. Brad's expertise puts you on fish that most anglers never even see, let alone catch. The variety keeps things interesting while you're waiting for that once-in-a-lifetime sturgeon bite. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a new challenge or someone wanting to experience what freshwater fishing was like a century ago, this trip delivers. At $300 for the primary angler and just $100 for additional fishermen, it's a world-class fishing experience that won't break the bank. These prehistoric giants are waiting, and Brad knows exactly where to find them. Don't miss your chance to battle a fish that's been perfecting its
Acipenser FulvescensLake sturgeon are the giants of freshwater - true living dinosaurs that can live over 100 years. Most we catch run 3-6 feet and 30-100 pounds, but they can get massive. These bottom-feeders cruise deep holes, drop-offs, and rocky areas using their whiskers to hunt for crayfish, worms, and small fish. Spring and fall are best when they move into shallower water. What draws people is the sheer size and prehistoric feel - hooking one is like connecting to ancient history. The meat's excellent too, with some making caviar from the eggs. Bring heavy tackle and a big net - their bony plates are sharp. Best tip: use a glob of nightcrawlers on bottom rigs near structure and be patient. These fish move slow but hit hard.
Amia CalvaBowfin are prehistoric fighters that'll give you a workout. These living fossils average 18-30 inches and can hit 8+ pounds, with females getting bigger than males. They love shallow, weedy areas where other fish can't handle the low oxygen - bowfin can actually breathe air when needed. You'll find them in marshes, backwaters, and vegetated shorelines. Spring through fall are prime times, especially at dawn and dusk when they're actively hunting. What makes them special is that raw power - they fight like nothing else and have survived since dinosaur times. They're also surprisingly good smoked if you can get past all the bones. Pro tip: use cut bait on the bottom near heavy cover and hold on tight when they hit.
Lota LotaBurbot are the only freshwater cod - weird-looking fish that thrive when everything else shuts down. They average 12-16 inches but can reach 3+ feet and 25+ pounds. These eel-like fish with the single chin whisker love cold, deep water near rocky bottoms, drop-offs, and structure. Winter's prime time - they're most active under ice when other species go dormant. What's cool is they're active fighters in freezing conditions and have sweet, flaky white meat that tastes like lobster. They're not picky eaters either, hitting cut bait, small jigs, or live minnows. Key trick: use a glow jig and recharge it every 15-20 minutes. Fish right on bottom in 20+ feet of water during coldest months.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the gold standard for eating fish with those distinctive glassy eyes that help them hunt in low light. Most run 14-20 inches and 1-5 pounds, but 8+ pounders swim around deeper structure. They prefer rocky or gravel bottoms near drop-offs, weed edges, and timber. Evening and early morning are prime, especially spring and fall when they move shallow to feed. What guests love is the consistent action and that buttery, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're smart though - you need to match the conditions and find the structure they're using. Live bait works best: minnows, crawlers, or leeches on jigs or bottom rigs. Key tip: fish breaks and edges at different depths until you locate schools, then work that zone methodically.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are structure specialists with human-like teeth that'll test your hook-setting skills. These "convict fish" with black bars typically run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches around docks, bridges, and rocky areas. They're year-round targets but spring spawning runs bring the biggest numbers. What makes them popular is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves that require perfect timing and sharp hooks. Plus, the white, flaky meat is some of the best eating around. They feed on barnacles, crabs, and shrimp right against pilings and structure. Success tip: get your bait tight to cover, use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and set the hook hard the instant you feel weight - hesitate and they'll steal your bait.
Port Huron, MI