A Tremendous Catch: The Record-Breaking White Sturgeon Of British Columbia

A gargantuan white sturgeon that is over ten feet long and estimated to be at least 100-years-old has been caught by fishermen in British Columbia. This exciting event unfolded on Father's Day, when novice fishermen Steve Ecklund and Mark Boise embarked on a fishing trip near Lillooet, B.C. Joining them were expert guides from River Monster Adventures, Nick McCabe and Tyler Speed, who helped them land this enormous fish.

The sturgeon proved to be quite a challenge, as it took two hours to wrestle it into the boat. Videos captured the thrilling moment of the fish leaping out of the water, showcasing its incredible size and strength. This sturgeon was truly a sight to behold!

White sturgeons are the largest freshwater fish in North America, growing up to 14 feet long and weighing as much as 1,500 pounds. According to the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society, these remarkable creatures can live for over 150 years, which makes this catch even more extraordinary.

This particular sturgeon had not been previously tagged, which leads River Monster Adventures to believe that this may have been the first time it had ever been caught. Considering its age, this news is quite surprising. Ecklund reported that the sturgeon measured 10 feet and one inch long, with an impressive girth of 57 inches!

"Our last fish of the day ends up being the largest sturgeon caught in the company's history!" Ecklund exclaimed in a Facebook post. "This beast would definitely push 700lbs and be north of 100 years old." River Monster Adventures commented on the post, stating, "We are lost for words what a true dinosaur."

The guides utilized sonar equipment to search the river for the biggest catch possible. Once the sturgeon was caught and photographed, it was released back into the river, following a 25-year rule in British Columbia that protects these magnificent creatures. Violating this law can result in hefty fines, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts.

Despite their potential to produce up to three million eggs per spawn, sturgeons only spawn every few years. This characteristic makes it difficult for their populations to recover against various threats. Unfortunately, sturgeon populations are declining in parts of British Columbia, as well as in other regions where they exist, such as California.

In California, there have been instances of over five consecutive years with very low population growth from spawns. The decline is attributed to the destruction of habitats critical for spawning and a decrease in food supply. Additionally, poaching remains a significant threat, as sturgeon eggs can be sold on the black market for between $100 and $150 per pound.

In 2003, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada classified all populations of white sturgeon in Canada as "endangered," with the exception of the Lower Fraser River population, which is now considered threatened. These classifications highlight the urgent need for continued conservation efforts to protect these ancient fish.