CAUTION: Jumping Sturgeons on Suwannee

YoYamma · 04-20-2007, 12:01 AM

We have been thinkin' about riding the Suwannee River on the Doos but I'll tell you the sturgeons are makin' me think twice about it! I guess these collisions happen a lot more than you would think on this river, those are huge average 40 lbs, 4 to 8 foot long Gulf Sturgeon and they are coated with big boney plates like armor... here's some more articles on it, last year they had 8 people hit by these things:
if these links don't work run a Google on
"sturgeon injures boater suwannee"
http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs...73276454764279
http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/07/northcentral/sturgeon.html
http://www.lakecityjournal.com/show_...5924022da27b07

Sanford · 04-20-2007, 12:34 AM

Geezzz...I don't think I've ever seen one. Over here we deal with spinner sharks jumping out of the water when riding and while sharks don't bother me, hitting one while on my SJ does.

If someone got killed hitting a duck while riding, I can only imagine what hitting a 6ft fish will do.

Used98760XL · 04-22-2007, 10:44 PM

Ride farther up, nowhere near as many if you put in at Branford.

OrlandoWR3 · 05-21-2007, 01:47 AM

Its true that there are many sturgeons on the Suwannee River, but the chances of you getting hit by one is pretty slim. I lived on the river and have spent countless hours on all sorts of watercraft and I have never been hit, or even had a close call. they are dangerous though if you are unfortunate enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. the further up river you go, the less chance of encountering them. Clay Landing, Manatee Springs area is a hot spot for them.

Eco Jim · 07-03-2007, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YoYamma

We have been thinkin' about riding the Suwannee River on the Doos but I'll tell you the sturgeons are makin' me think twice about it! I guess these collisions happen a lot more than you would think on this river, those are huge average 40 lbs, 4 to 8 foot long Gulf Sturgeon and they are coated with big boney plates like armor...

I'd love to do the Suwannee sometime. Right now USGS Surface Water Data has it at about a three year low for water level. Are You interested in doing it when the river fills up? I also have a place in Wildwood so I'm conveniently positioned to make the trip anytime you can and conditions are right. Listed below is the data site for the height of the Suwannee for the previous 1000 days.

"Yes its all one address".

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/fl/nwis/dv...eter_selection

YoYamma · 07-04-2007, 09:01 AM

Jim thanks for the link, if the fish collisions go away maybe we can do that when the water comes back up. Florida has been dry lately for sure:

Gator88 · 07-04-2007, 01:35 PM

Yeah, the water levels are low all over. The east St John's (from Lake Monroe) is not safe any longer do to low water levels which come out of nowhere. One members got stuck in muck for hours there...

We need some rain, big time.

Eco Jim · 07-05-2007, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gator88

Yeah, the water levels are low all over. The east St John's (from Lake Monroe) is not safe any longer do to low water levels which come out of nowhere. One members got stuck in muck for hours there...

We need some rain, big time.

I opened the OWR link and must say it's really nice.
Great Job Orlado Watercraft Riders!!