How to Cure Salmon Roe for Sturgeon Fishing

Salmon roe is one of the best baits for targeting sturgeon. The fish seem to have a particular taste for the bright orange eggs. However, to get the best results when fishing for sturgeon with salmon roe, you need to cure the eggs properly. Curing the salmon roe helps preserve it, adds flavor, and changes the texture to make it stay on the hook better. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about curing salmon roe for sturgeon fishing.

Why Cure Salmon Roe for Sturgeon

You may be wondering why you can’t just use fresh salmon eggs right out of the fish for sturgeon bait There are a few reasons to take the extra step of curing the roe

• Preservation – Curing the salmon eggs with salt helps them last longer so you can keep leftover bait in the fridge for future trips. Fresh eggs go bad quickly.

• Flavor – The curing process infuses the eggs with salt, sugar, and other spices that give them a stronger smell and taste that attracts more bites from sturgeon.

• Texture – Curing firms up the eggs so they stay on the hook better when casting and don’t fall off as easily. Soft fresh eggs tend to fly off the hook on casts.

• Color – Certain cures, especially ones with borax, give the salmon roe a brighter, more vibrant orange color that makes them more visible underwater.

So while fresh roe will catch fish, properly cured eggs are much better for targeting big sturgeon. It’s worth taking the time to cure up a good batch of bait.

Cure Recipes for Sturgeon Roe

There are many recipe variations for curing salmon eggs for sturgeon. Most share some basic ingredients like salt and sugar for preservation and flavor. Beyond that, anglers use different combinations of spices, borax, and other ingredients to create their signature cures. Here are some popular recipes to try:

Simple Cure

• 1 cup salt
• 1 cup white sugar
• Salmon eggs

The simplest sturgeon roe cure only uses basic salt and sugar. It’s easy to mix up and does a decent job, though more elaborate recipes work even better.

Advanced Cure

• 1 cup non-iodized salt
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 tsp. borax
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• Salmon eggs

This cure adds borax for color, along with garlic powder and vanilla for extra scent and flavor. The borax helps the eggs absorb the cure faster too. Be sure to use non-iodized salt, as regular table salt can make the eggs mushy.

Pro-Cure Cure

• 1 cup Pro-Cure brine mix
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 tsp. Pro-Cure vanilla scent
• Salmon eggs

You can also use commercial curing mixes like Pro-Cure as the base. Mix with sugar and scents for a fast and effective salmon roe cure.

Sugared Cure

• 2 parts white sugar
• 1 part non-iodized salt
• Salmon eggs

A super simple cure is a 2:1 mix of sugar and salt. The high sugar content firms up the eggs nicely. Add some vanilla for extra scent.

Curing Process for Sturgeon Roe

Once you have your desired salmon roe cure recipe, the process for applying it is straightforward:

1. Rinse the eggs – Start with fresh clean salmon eggs. Rinse them briefly under cold water to remove any blood or impurities.

2. Drain the eggs – Let the rinsed eggs drain in a colander to remove excess moisture before curing.

3. Mix the cure – Combine the salt, sugar, borax, and any other cure ingredients in a mixing bowl.

4. Add eggs – Pour the rinsed and drained eggs into the cure mixture. Mix gently to evenly distribute.

5. Let sit – Cover and refrigerate the cure mix and eggs for 6-12 hours to allow the eggs to fully absorb the flavors.

6. Drain excess – After curing, drain off any excess liquid in a colander.

7. Store cured eggs – Keep the cured roe refrigerated in a sealed container until ready to use.

The exact curing time can vary based on factors like egg size and cure used. Smaller eggs may only need 6 hours, while larger ones need 12 or more. The eggs are ready when they feel firm, bouncy, and hold together on the hook.

Using Cured Roe for Sturgeon

Once your salmon eggs are cured, you’re ready to thread them on hooks and go catch some sturgeon. Here are some tips for rigging and fishing cured salmon roe:

• Use circle or octopus style hooks in size 1/0 to 5/0. Match to egg size.

• Thread eggs on the hook in nickel to golf ball sized blobs.

• Tightly wrap cured eggs to the hook shank with mesh or thread to prevent slipping.

• Add a sinker 18″-36” above the hook depending on current.

• Cast the roe out and let it slowly drift along the bottom with slack line.

• Use roe with lighter cures in clearer water and darker ones in dirtier water.

• Re-bait frequently after catches as eggs get washed off and torn up.

With the right bait cure and rigging approach, salmon roe is killer for targeting trophy sized sturgeon. Curing the eggs properly helps make sure you get bites from these massive bottom feeders. Whip up a big batch of cured eggs and get out on the water to hook your own monster!