February 29, 2012
By Jeff Simpson
Burbot, also often referred to as eelpout, are not a very respected fish and are often times coined as an 'ugly' fish, the "ish" of fish. Some people do not dare to touch the slimy fish because of its tendency to try to wrap around an object as a snake would. Not an avid fisherman like Aaron Guthrie of Bemidji, though. Aaron often travels to Lake of the Woods targeting the burbot he loved to eat.
Aaron Guthrie spent the day fishing Lake of the Woods near long point for his share of walleye and sauger with family members. As evening approached they switched gears, adding minnows to their lures to target some 'pout'. Guthrie was fishing 34 feet of water when he landed a monstrous burbott. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime 'pout" Guthrie had to say about the 19.54 lb trophy. Clearly finding his catch a thing of beauty.
Dennis Topp, assistant area fisheries supervisor in Lake of the Woods County, was the DNR officer to watch the trophy hit the scale and help Guthrie begin the certification process. "It's kind of a big deal!" Topp said with enthusiasm. He had also certified the previous state record eelpout that measured in at 19lbs 3oz and was also caught on Lake of the Woods.
Be sure to visit www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com to view the most up to date fishing reports and information on the Lake of the Woods area.
