Good time of year to fish for sturgeon. If it was me I would make a day of it. I'd fish for chum or coho in the morning, and maybe keep a doe or two (if retention is open) and use the belly strips or fresh chum roe as bait. There should (as mentioned above) be some floaters in the river. Pick one up and cut some pieces off. Word to the wise though, don't get it in your boat. Stink bait isn't called stink bait because it smells like roses. The uncured pink roe will work too, but chum roe will likely be more effective, as will stink bait.
As for tackle, I usually use 9/0 barbless hooks. I have seen some big fish bend smaller hooks. The bar rod works for smaller sturgeon, but you never know what you are going to get and a big boy will likely snap it.
I'm sure there are some shore guys here that would be willing to hop in your boat if You have room, in exchange for a little gas money and some information.