With these big tides I do not know why you are working such deep water. This was my sturgeon routine for over 15 years. Big tides go shallow. My perfect scenario is a minus tide on the out go. I would highly recommend you run about 10 miles west and try San Pablo bay. Look for the pumphouse off of Hamilton field. It is in about 16' of water. (looks like a shack on a bunch of pilings). It is easily visible from the Petaluma river channel. Head towards Hamilton field and drop anchor in about 10'. On a big minus tide the water should start getting muddy in the last 2 hours of the out go. That is when the bite will go on. Sturgeon feed in the shallow water of San Pablo bay. The big tide will turn over the bottom, and also provide enough current to keep the boat straight. Choice of bait is really not that critical. I have used primarily shrimp baits. Grass shrimp is my favorite, then ghost and mud shrimp. Eel will work well too. I have used scents but find the scents bring in more stripers. Keep this in mind. In nature there is no free lunch. Right time and place make much more difference then bait on the hook. This area of San Pablo bay is very muddy flat bottom with miles of the same depth. There is no structure on the bottom, so your exact spot is not as critical as the right depth. In short, 8-10' of water at the last 2 hours of a minus out go. Good luck. If you have any questions about San Pablo Bay send me a private message.