Loving the Ling: a Tribute to the Ugliest Fish in the Sea
Author: Mike Powers
The ling or “eelpout” is without 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 be ugly, but its redeeming qualities far outweigh any appearance deficiencies.
Eelpout, also known as spineless catfish, lawyer or burbot, tend to reside mostly in the deeper waters of clean cold Northern lakes. Their appearance is part eel, part catfish, sporting one 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 expect to catch large numbers of these homely swimmers, often weighing in the double digits.
Early evening and after dark are prime times for successful eelpouting. These ugly creatures of the deep are known carnivores; if it’s fishy and fits in their mouths, they will eat it. While this makes baiting them somewhat easier, 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 while 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 keep the catch online 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-fall to the bottom. The lure mingles with the muck and is then snapped back to the surface, at which point an eelpout may already be on board. During 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. Three 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 be earned if the shelter sports a logo from one of the sponsoring companies 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 actually catching these despicable creatures is not on your agenda, the Festival offers numerous activities to help 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 ensure there is something fun for participants of all ages, whether an angler or spectator.
Few creatures are as unappealing, yet offer so much in the spirit of fishing. There is nothing refined or fancy about fishing for eelpout; it is simply fun. For those who like to fish, enjoy the outdoors, and catch a lot of fish without regard to species, the eelpout is a beautiful thing indeed.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/loving-the-ling-a-tribute-to-the-ugliest-fish-in-the-sea-251684.html
About the Author
Mike Powers owns Clearwater Cabin Living, a collection of interesting links, articles and products that reflect and teach how to achieve the rustic cabin and outdoor, mountain lifestyle. You can visit his site at: http://www.clearwatercabinliving.com
I’m looking for a used fishing boat in MN. Help plz.?
I’m interested in being able to take it on small local lakes, as well as trailer it up to big lakes like Rainy. I’m thinking a 16ft Lund w/ motor& trailer for around $2000. I want to be able to throw the wife, kid, and gear in and go for 4 night camping trips.
1. How much horsepower do I need to be able to plane-out with that load?…the flip side is I don’t want too much horsepower because of fuel prices.
2. What are some of the pitfalls to watch out for with the boat/motor/trolling motor/trailer?
3. Are there some quick checks I can do to verify the engine age and reliability, boat leaks, trailer condition, etc.? I assume I would need to take it out on the water prior to purchase?
I don’t want to buy a lemon. Thanks for the help.
try minneapolis.craigslist.org
I’m not sure you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for in that price range, though it will really more likely depend on the size motor. 16 foot lund, depending on the model, can range all the way up to 90 hp, I think? I wouldn’t be surprised if you found something in the 30-45 hp range for the price you’re looking to stay within though.
Roller trailers are often preferred over the bunk style… Check the wiring connections and lights. I would recommend a lake test, and after being run in the lake, the big thing is to check the oil. If it’s milky, don’t do it! That means it wasn’t winterized properly, and could lead to some expensive repairs in the future. Make sure it shifts cleanly, and check the steering as well. You will also want to make sure it’s not taking on water. Start with it on the trailer, angled, then put the plug in. Launch the boat, and afterwards, yank the plug and make sure it’s still dry.
Good luck and have fun!
I’m getting my boat soon like a week from now, where is a good place to go fishing for white bass in MN?
anyone know where in MN is a great place to go fishing for white bass or yellow bass, on land or boat. I’m from Mpls so looking for a place that is in the range or 1 hour 30 min max from mpls.
Actually you are in the wrong state for that. We only have small mouth and large mouth bass in large numbers. Some lakes up north have silver bass. However they are not stocked by the DNR. Bass are not native to Minnesota. They where all stocked. You can try the DNR’s website to see if they know of any lakes. Personally I have never herd of any.
Does anyone know of a place where I can rent a fishing boat in mn?
I live in St. Paul, but I could pick it up if it’s up north towards superior. I would like it cheap. I would be up there for about 4 days.
Please help, thanks
I did a simple search on google for boat rentals st paul and found a number of listings.
I did pick up on one that offers boats on trailers:
http://www.fosterbrosmarine.com/rentals.html?gclid=CKLc4fLji5kCFQHHGgodT3YHnA
But you may want to look around to see what else may suit your needs.
Have Fun!
Good Luck – Boat Safe !
If I register my boat in MN, My home state. Can I use it in WI also without having to get tags there as well?
I bought a 15ft boat that has MN numbers on it. The boat was registered in this state by the previous owner. I want to register the boat in MN where I live, But I am going to be doing most of my fishing in WI. Do I have to get Stickers, or any other identification to use the boat in WI?
NO, as long as your boat is registered in another state and you do not use wisc. waters more that 60 consecutive days.
here is a summary of WI boat registration exemptions
Exemptions
Any boat from another country that is temporarily in Wisconsin.
A ship’s lifeboat.
Any type of military boat.
Any boat registered with a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band.
Any boat in Wisconsin for a race for no more than 10 days.
Any boat registered in another state and using Wisconsin waters for no more than 60 consecutive days.
hope this helps
What are the best fishing lakes in the Twin Cities?
I’m looking to take the boat out and do some fishing but I don’t have time to drive very far. So, what are the best lakes in the Twin Cities, MN for fishing? Thanks for the input!
Devils creek,.