11-12-24 REELLIFE digital - Flipbook - Page 18
ESSENTIAL ICE FISHING
GEAR FOR BURBOT
Ice fishing for burbot
requires the right gear and
equipment. While basic
ice fishing gear will suffice,
certain adjustments and
tools can improve your
chances of success. Let's
take a closer look at what
you will need.
for detecting subtle bites
on the bottom. A 10-15lb
line is plenty, but braid
will freeze in the cold as
it absorbs water. Some
anglers opt for a lighter line
in a clearwater situation,
to minimize visibility. Like
braids, fluorocarbon has
low stretch, helping with
hooksets in deep water.
1. RODS & REELS.
3. JIGS AND LURES.
When targeting burbot,
a sturdy medium-heavy
ice rod paired with a reel
capable of handling heavy
fish is recommended. Since
burbot are bottom dwellers
and tend to put up a strong
fight once hooked, a rod
with good sensitivity and
backbone is crucial. A rod
in the 28-36 inches in range
is ideal, allowing enough
flexibility to feel them pick
the bait up, but enough
strength to handle a large
fish.
Burbot are opportunistic
feeders, and their diet
consists mainly of smaller
fish, invertebrates, and of
course, crawfish. Therefore,
using a variety of baited
jigs and spoons is a proven
strategy. Glow-in-thedark lures are especially
effective, as burbot are
often most active in lowlight conditions.
2. LINE.
Braided line is preferred
by many burbot anglers
due to its strength and
low stretch, which is useful
SOME POPULAR JIGGING
LURES FOR BURBOT
GLOW JIGS & SPOONS: These
lures provide maximum
visibility in the dark, deep
waters where burbot often
reside. Tip them with cut
bait, or a curly tail grub, and
pound the bottom.
BUCKTAIL JIGS: Heavy
Bucktail jigs, especially
those with glow can mimic
small baitfish, drawing the
burbot's attention. Or the
material of the jig holding a
scent longer if used.
BLADE BAITS: These
produce vibrations that
catch the attention of the
burbot in deeper water
where sound travels more
effectively, typically tipped
with cut bait.
MACK'S LURE, SONIC
BAITFISH: My favorite
burbot lure is the Sonic
Baitfish from Mack's Lures.
Glow finish tipped with
my favorite cut bait is
dynamite. The lure itself is
so versatile in shallow and
deep water.
BAIT:
While artificial lures
are useful, tipping your
presentation with natural
bait is essential for burbot
fishing. Cutbait such as
store-bought smelt, or
herring work, I recommend
using fresh cut bait from
the body of water with
your fishing if state law
approves. In the lakes we
