What a great day I picked to burn a vacation day........
Launch around 8:30am, hoping to catch the right tide for my new favorite spot, that my bass bud shared with me. I passed a big, floating marker bouy and a few hundred feet down stream was a big skiff doing something but I saw no fishing rods. Another giant bouy downstream. So i stopped to see. Boy-O-Boy am I glad I did!
Biologist boat from VCU university was catching Atlantic Sturgeon with a 200'+ bill net. I asked if I could watch the guys could not have been nicer. Matt Balazik, PhD biologist with VCU and Corp of Engineers, has been leading a James River Sturgeon program for years. They had 3 "big" fish, in the tank. I mentioned how big they were and was told that these 5.5'ers were only medium.
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I've lived my 52 years no more then 6 miles from the James river. I can't imagine how many times i've been on it. Last week was the first time I actually saw a sturgeon leap from the water (Breach). I thought that was so cool. Then this week...........I get this........! I'm still kinda in shock. My index finger is tired from texting pics and clips from today to friends and family. What an awesome way to burn a vacation day. Cloudy, spotty drizzle, almost no wind.
Matt was a constant teacher as he explained everything they were doing. I stopped him and ask if he would repeat for me to share with my 4th grade next door neightbor, Caleb. Well, how cool is this.............?
Atlantic Sturgeon In James River VA Sept 2020 - YouTube
And here is a release.
James river Sturgeon release - YouTube
Take 8 minutes and watch this video. Lots of good in this world!
James River Sturgeon - YouTube
Also, check out James River Sturgeon on Facebook. I don't think you have to have FB to browse it.
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on a lesser note i did catch the end of the tide and the fish were hungry. I quickly went thru 4 dozen minnows. Landed about 30 fish. i kept 2 on the live well until another friend showed up for a pic to share. I keep Caleb posted until this virus is gone and he can be on my boat again.
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Just yesterday, Marsha called me to make sure I was on the way home, as we had an uninvited indoor house guest. Caleb loves all creatures.
Caleb and the Skink - YouTube
He returned the skink to the woods.........on the other side of his house! Marsha didn't think that was far enough away.
Take THAT 2020! Good always wins!!
