The ling or “eelpout” is with out a doubt a disgusting, repulsive, annoying, slimy, smelly and unattractive fish in the sea. Despite these negative qualities, it has a delicious lobster-like taste and boasts its own annual festival near Walker, Minnesota. Why? The eelpout may possibly be ugly, but its redeeming qualities far outweigh any appearance deficiencies.
Eelpout, also recognized as spineless catfish, lawyer or burbot, tend to reside mostly in the deeper waters of clean cold Northern lakes. Their appearance is part eel, component catfish, sporting 1 single chin whisker known as a barbel. Its physique is lean and mean with considerable strength, challenging anglers with an audacious game of hide-and-seek. Its primary draw for many anglers is the ease with which they are caught. During the winter months, eelpout relocate into water 25 to 50 feet deep for spawning. As a result, anglers can anticipate to catch big numbers of these homely swimmers, often weighing in the double digits.
Early evening and after dark are prime times for prosperous eelpouting. These ugly creatures of the deep are recognized carnivores; if it’s fishy and fits in their mouths, they will eat it. Even though this makes baiting them somewhat simpler, it is this trait which also makes them an unwelcome guest to other anglers, as they tend to steal bait. Like other nocturnal creatures, eelpout prefer to sneak up on their victims even though they rest.
The strength, depth and aggressiveness of this species require stronger equipment than most game fishing. Stronger lure combined with leaders of at least three feet and a swivel will maintain the catch on the internet and prevent lure from twisting with the fish. Glow hooks and rattle spoons with minnows top off the lure, which is then allowed to free of charge-fall to the bottom. The lure mingles with the muck and is then snapped back to the surface, at which point an eelpout could already be on board. In the course of the spawning period in late February, a catch of 100 or more is not uncommon, weighing on average between 3 and 8 pounds.
Those who love the ling are welcome to pay its tribute at the annual International Eelpout Festival on Leech Lake in Walker, Minnesota. 3 full days commemorating the ugliest fish in the sea begins with an Opening Ceremony, complete with Torch Lighting. Entrants are encouraged to use their imagination when constructing their fishing shelter, as prizes are awarded for the most lavish structure built on the lake. Extra points may possibly be earned if the shelter sports a logo from 1 of the sponsoring organizations of the tournament. Prizes are also awarded for the single pout with the most weight, for the most combined pout tonnage by a single angler and for most combined pout tonnage by a team of anglers.
If truly catching these despicable creatures is not on your agenda, the Festival provides quite a few activities to support celebrate the eelpout in style. The Eelpout Peelout is a 5K run which challenges its contestants to be the first to win the race and win the angling contest. The Snowmobile Radar Run, Eelpout Bowl Rugby Tournament, the Polar Plunge, a black-tie dinner on the ice and an “On-Ice” Auto Race guarantee there is something enjoyable for participants of all ages, whether an angler or spectator.
Couple of creatures are as unappealing, yet give so significantly in the spirit of fishing. There is nothing refined or fancy about fishing for eelpout; it is simply enjoyable. For those who like to fish, get pleasure from the outdoors, and catch a lot of fish with out regard to species, the eelpout is a beautiful thing indeed.
