A burbot is a freshwater fish found in lakes and streams in Europe and North America. It is closely related to the ling and is often referred to as one of the ugliest fish around. Its single barbel protruding from its chin easily identifies this fascinating creature, which looks like the lovechild of an eel and a catfish. In the past two weeks, the Indiana State record for burbot has been broken twice.

In a fishing event on Lake Michigan on Dec. 30, avid angler Scott Skafar caught a burbot weighing 10.2 pounds, breaking the state record which had been in place since 1990 by 2.5 pounds.

Later that day, Skafar caught a second burbot that was nearly two pounds larger than the 1990 state record.

Due to the rarity of catching a burbot that large, Skafar, of Valparaiso, decided to look up the state record.

Initially, Skafar said he didn’t think much of them. “I looked up the record on my mobile phone and saw it was only 7 pounds, 11 ounces. I knew these were much larger.”

The burbot is a species of fish readily recognized by its distinctively catfish and eel like shape.

With its elongated, laterally compressed body and flattened head, it has both upper and lower jaws containing small teeth, and a single chin barbel similar to that of catfish.

Known alternatively as the eelpout, lawyer, ling, poor man’s lobster or freshwater cod, this unique creature is native to Lake Michigan.

Burbot inhabit frigid waters for parts of the year – where the temperatures are low enough for them to reproduce.

It took less than two weeks for someone else to beat Indiana’s burbot fishing record again, as Skafar predicted.

According to the DNR, Phillip Duracz broke Skafar’s record on Tuesday, Jan. 10 2022, when he caught a burbot weighing 11.4 pounds from Lake Michigan.

Duracz made history in 2021 when he broke the lake whitefish record with a catch of 9.34 pounds. The cold temperatures of November to April draw burbot closer to shore, providing anglers with abundant opportunities to fish this species. In addition to the thrill of the hunt, these freshwater cod delight diners with a flavorful profile that makes them an excellent tablefare.  

What Does Burbot Taste Like?

A burbot is a white fish with a mild flavor and a subtle sweet undertone, resembling haddock or cod in texture and flavor. Due to their lack of bones, burbots are easier and more enjoyable to eat. As a tasty boiled or steamed fish, burbot is often referred to as “poor man’s lobster.” The fish can be cut into large chunks and served alongside melted butter, which acts as a delicious dipping sauce.

Sources; Images via Indiana DNR Facebook., tastylicious,  themeateater