I've decided to try fishing again. I haven't done it in a long time, since giving it up because of chronic bad luck. But I really want to try catching some shovelnose sturgeon on the the Wisconsin River, so I went to a sporting goods shop to look at bait casting setups, but it's been so long since I bought any of this stuff that I'm lost. Shovelnose sturgeon run 2-6 lbs and are caught in the deepest channels using nightcrawlers and 1 oz sinkers. I looked at a number of rods and reels that seemed to be about right, but I don't know what the good brands are and what else I should be looking for. I don't want to spend a fortune and I don't want or need anything fancy, but I also don't want to buy crap that will fall apart the first time I use it. I'd appreciate any advice.

Some information from the WDNR.

http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/seasons/shovelnose.htm

Thanks. I've seen those regulations, and will be fishing in the legal part of the Wisconsin River (just a few miles north of here). What I really want is some advice on gear: what are the good brands, and how much should I expect to pay for a basic, no frills but good quality bait casting setup.

Well if you are looking at cheap reliable gear, I have one suggestion.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/s...r:referralID=NA

I rock Shimano Sidestab reels on all my gear. My stepdad(an amateur pro walleye fisherman) used to work part time at Gander Mountain in their fishing section and would try out all the high price stuff. He uses Sidestabs on all his gear too. Reliable and cheap. I've never lost a fish because of my reel and not everyone can say that.

As far as fishing sturgeon, I've never had the patience to wait for 'em. We back-troll with spinners when we go, which isn't often, and does take some skill and a lot of gear.

If you need some walleye tips, I have a few...

Maybe I'll bug you for walleye advice sometime.

The morel season is just about over here. I was planning on heading northwest tomorrow, toward Black River Falls, but after spending half of today in some county parks on the way and finding a total of 3 morels, I decided to give shrooming a break until the chanterelles arrive in June, and go fishing tomorrow. So I got a sturgeon setup and a license and am hoping to eat caviar tomorrow.

Mmm...sounds good. Can't help you with that kinda fishing though. Here is just flounder, trout, rockfish. Always, always, always, use peeler crabs for bait.