x
Breaking News
More () »

Idaho men catch monster sturgeon in Snake River

Last Saturday, Steve Carroll and Bryce Thompson were kayaking on the snake river, looking for sturgeon, about five miles downstream from Glenn's Ferry when Thompson hooked the fish.

BOISE -- A local man posted this video on YouTube of the moment his friend caught an eight-foot-long sturgeon.

Last Saturday, Steve Carroll and Bryce Thompson were kayaking on the Snake River, looking for sturgeon.

They were about five miles downstream from Glenn’s Ferry when Thompson hooked the fish.

"His reel was just screaming,” Carroll said. “I've never heard a reel scream like that before,”

RELATED: WATCH: Idaho men pull 'monster' sturgeon from Snake River

Thompson hooked the sturgeon, measuring eight feet long and three and a half feet around. Carroll guesses it weighs at least 300 pounds.

"All of a sudden that fish, just right next to the boat just comes 'Free Willy style' right off the bow,” he said. “And thank god that thing wiggled a little bit to the left."

The video has been viewed hundreds of thousands of views. While Carroll hopes his YouTube channel will help inspire people to take up the sport, he said it's important people have the proper gear in order to be safe.

"Having a boat that can handle your weight, the weight of the fish and also the river conditions,” he said. “You're going to need something at least 12 feet long, 34 (or) 35 inches wide and something that's built tough."

In addition, he recommends having a knife handy, just in case you need to cut a line that might be tangled.

Carroll also says it is critical to know how to handle sturgeon, not only for your safety but for the safety of the sturgeon.

"Don't get them up on the rocks. When you do catch them, roll them over on to their backs so they'll go docile,” he said. “You definitely want to use monofilament mainline… That will prevent the fish from being cut."

Before You Leave, Check This Out