Ben Burg, an individual deeply connected to the traditions of sturgeon spearing in the Winnebago system, was born into a family that has resided in the area since at least the early 20th century. His great uncle, a significant figure in the family history, was known for his spearing activities alongside the Stockbridge Indians, who were indigenous to the area. This tradition was carried on by Burg's father and eventually by Burg himself, who began spearing in 1944 and continued annually without interruption. His involvement spans several decades.

William Casper was born in Wisconsin and grew up in a rural area near Lake Winnebago. He developed an interest in fishing at a young age, encouraged by his uncles. Casper's career began at Giddings & Lewis, a machine shop in Fond du Lac, where he worked as a machinist and eventually became a maintenance foreman. His passion for fishing, particularly sturgeon spearing, led him to become an advocate for the conservation of the species.

Russell Collar describes his experiences fishing for sturgeon using snag lines. He explains his “closest call with a warden”, how to tie sturgeon, when his father was pulled in, and what happened to his albino sturgeon. He also describes his earliest memory of sturgeon fishing, and how he thinks the river has changed.

Ken Corbett tells stories of his time as a warden in an interview conducted by Ronald M. Bruch and Kathleen Schmitt Kline. He talks about dragging for set lines, how they caught poachers, crooked politicians, close calls, flying his plane, other wardens, undercover workers, and other experiences from his time spent as a warden.

Darlene Czeskleba talks about her and her husband, Don Czeskleba, in an interview with Kathleen Schmitt Kline. Her husband was a state fish hatchery manager, and she discusses his job responsibilities, awards, achievements, and involvement in sturgeon management.

Haze Diemel Jr. is interviewed by Ronald M. Bruch and Kathleen Schmitt Kline about his experiences sturgeon fishing and shares the history of the area. He tells stories about fooling the babysitters and past deputies and wardens, and explains Shadows on the Wolf. 

Serge Doroshov is interviewed by Kathleen Schmitt Kline about the founding of the World Sturgeon Conservation Society. Serge discusses sturgeon population and spawning and his work in the United States at UC-Davis.

Kathleen Schmitt Kline interviews Dan Folz about his involvement with sturgeon through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. He discusses studying and managing sturgeon and spawning site monitoring programs.

Vern Gebhart and his wife, Karla, talk about their history with sturgeon spearing. He tells stories about close calls on thin ice, the amount of sturgeon fishermen increasing, and the changes in the equipment used. Vern also discusses decoy carving with the interviewers, Ronald M. Bruch and Kathleen Schmitt Kline.

Dave Grignon, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Menominee Tribe, is interviewed by Kathleen Kline Schmitt about tribal history with sturgeon. From creation stories to modern day, Dave explains the cultural significance of sturgeon to the Menominee people through time, as well as the care given to cooking sturgeon in ritually appropriate ways.