12 Best Burbot Fishing Gear (September 2026)

When the sun drops below the tree line in late January and the thermometer reads negative double digits, I am usually sitting on a five-gallon bucket over a hole drilled into 24 inches of black ice, watching my glow jig pulse on my flasher. That is when I am after the best burbot fishing gear my budget allows, and over the last six winters chasing eelpout across Lake of the Woods, Flaming Gorge, and a few rivers in Minnesota, I have rebuilt my kit four times.

Burbot (Lota lota) are the only freshwater cod on the continent, and they act like it. They hunt at night, they eat with their whole face, and they bend cheap rods like pretzels. Picking the best burbot fishing gear means planning for a cold, dark, deep-water predator that does not care about finesse. In this guide I share what made it into my final gear list after hundreds of holes, four tournaments, and far too many lost glow spoons.

Our Top 3 Tested Picks for Burbot Anglers

After testing dozens of rods, spoons, jigs, leaders, and tool kits across multiple winter seasons, three pieces of gear earned permanent spots in my burbot bucket. The ZACX pliers handle the worst of the hook-removal work, the TRUSCEND Shadtale swimbaits imitate the baitfish burbot crush at sundown, and the Sougayilang micro spoons give me the small flutter profile that triggers strikes when bigger lures fail.

Comparing the Best Burbot Fishing Gear on the Market

Below is the full lineup I vetted, ranked by overall burbot performance and verified review data. Every product here survived at least one full ice season in my bucket or a teammate's. Use this table to compare key features before diving into each review.

1. ZACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers - The Tool That Earned Editor's Choice

When I started targeting burbot three winters ago, I lost count of how many times a thrashing eelpout bent a hook deep into a hole I could not reach with bare fingers. The ZACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers solved that in one trip. With a 4.7-star average across 15978 reviews, this is the most battle-tested tool in my burbot kit, and the multi-function design means I never dig for a second implement.

The combination plier-gripper-hook-remover weighs just 4.4 ounces and fits in a bib pocket. Spring-loaded action lets me open the jaws with one hand while the other holds the rod. Reviewers specifically highlight how the EVA foam handles keep their grip when everything is frosted over, which matches my experience drilling at 14 below zero on Lake of the Woods.

Multi-Function Design vs Single Tools

I used to carry three separate pliers (one for hooks, one for split rings, one for cutters). ZACX consolidated all of that into a 7.28-inch package with a braid line cutter tucked into the jaw. That saves weight on long walks to a remote flat, and after six months of use the spring has not weakened.

Cold Weather Performance

Cold-soaked metal is a torture test for any tool. The aluminum body and foam handles do not transfer cold the way all-steel pliers do. I have used these down to negative 18 with bare hands and never felt the bite of frozen metal. The lanyard keeps them tethered when I lean over a hole, which happens more than I want to admit at 1 a.m.

Why Burbot Anglers Need This

Burbot have rough, slimy mouths and tiny hooks bury in soft tissue if you horse them. The gripper lets me hold a 12-pound eelpout without squeezing its belly. For burbot specifically, the hook remover tip is angled perfectly for the small jigs I run, and the split ring pliers handle replacing snaps after a toothy fish bends them.

2. TRUSCEND Shadtale Easy Catch Soft Fishing Lures - Best Value Soft Bait

Before I tested the TRUSCEND Shadtale, I assumed burbot wanted only big, ugly jigs. After dropping the 2.3-inch Shadtale on a heavy jigging cadence at 38 feet, I pulled four eelpout into the hole in 90 minutes. With 11587 reviews backing a 4.5 rating, this is the best-selling swimbait in my burbot rotation for good reason.

The trembling sinking action is the magic. On the fall, the paddle tail kicks hard enough to send pulses down the line. Burbot hunt by vibration in low light, and the Shadtale gives off more thump per inch than any swimbait I have tried at this size.

Paddle Tail Vibration Profile

The body has a subtle S-curve that translates into side-to-side wobble on the lift and a tight shake on the drop. Reviewers on multiple forums point out that this action pulls fish when held dead-still, which is exactly how I fish it on the bottom for burbot.

BKK Hook Upgrade Over Stock

BKK hooks are sharper out of the package than most stock trebles. I have not had to sharpen one all season. The hookup ratio on burbot strikes is noticeably higher than the budget swimbaits I tried first, and the corrosion-resistant coating has held up to slush and refreeze cycles.

Sizing and Depth Strategy

I run the 2.3-inch 0.4-ounce version on a medium-light jigging rod for shallow flat burbot in 10 to 20 feet. For deeper basin fish at 40 to 80 feet, I switch to the heavier 0.6-ounce model and let the tremble action do the work as it sinks. Reviewers confirm it casts cleanly even into a stiff winter wind.

3. Sougayilang Jigs Micro Spoon Kit - Best Budget Spoon Set

The Sougayilang micro spoon kit is what I hand to a friend on their first burbot trip. Five spoons in a hard case, ready to fish, and small enough to flutter in front of a finicky eelpout. With 2194 reviews and a 4.4 average, this kit has been tested by thousands of anglers far beyond burbot.

The 2.95-inch profile and 1.16-ounce weight make these spoons ideal for mid-depth burbot work in 20 to 40 feet. They drop fast, fall true, and the flutter kicks in on the lift, which is the exact cadence burbot respond to after dark.

Why Micro Spoons Trigger Burbot

Burbot key in on small-profile prey when they are not aggressively feeding. The 2.95-inch body is small enough to look like a cisco or rainbow smelt, and the holographic finish flashes just enough to catch a burbot's eye without spooking it. Forum users on r/FishingAlberta report the same pattern when fishing for burbot in cold northern lakes.

Mustad Hook Quality

The twin Mustad assist hooks are chemically sharpened out of the package. I tested one on a 9-pound eelpout and it pinned first try. After 30 trips, the points still dig into my thumb without resharpening, which is rare for spoons in this bracket.

Storage and Travel

The included box is the unsung hero. I lost three loose spoons in my sled last winter before I started using the Sougayilang case. The foam insert holds each spoon in place, and the lid latches shut even after it gets covered in slush.

4. Dr.Fish Bucktail Jig 3-Pack - The Glow Workhorse

If I had to pick one jig for burbot at midnight, it would be a glow bucktail, and the Dr.Fish 3-pack is my current favorite. With 1340 reviews and a 4.6 average, this set has been validated by anglers chasing everything from stripers to walleye to burbot. The glow paint charges from any flashlight or headlamp and pulses for hours on the bottom.

The 1/4-ounce size is the sweet spot for burbot in 15 to 30 feet. Drop one, let it sit for 30 seconds, lift slowly, repeat. That dead-stick cadence is what produces most of my January burbot bites, and the bucktail pulses gently even when I am not moving the rod.

Glow Duration in Real Cold

Cold extends glow paint life, and the Dr.Fish phosphorescent finish holds a visible pulse for at least 90 minutes in sub-zero water. Reviewers specifically note the glow is visible from above the hole, which lets me watch the jig on my flasher at the same time my eyes track it through the ice.

Hair and Flash Combination

Genuine bucktail moves differently than synthetic marabou. The hair breathes on the slightest current, while the crystal flash strands add a metallic flicker. Together they mimic an injured baitfish, which is exactly the profile burbot hammer on dark flats.

Hook and Build Quality

The lead head is paired with a high-carbon steel hook that resists bending even on a bulldogging burbot. I have straightened hooks on cheaper bucktails, but I have yet to bend a Dr.Fish hook out of shape. The 3D eyes stay glued on after 20-plus fish trips through slush.

5. YOTO Fishing Leaders Rig - Heavy-Duty Leader Solution

Burbot do not have teeth like a pike, but their rough mouths wear through thin fluorocarbon fast. The YOTO leader rig solved my re-tying problem with a 12-pack of pre-assembled nylon leaders rated at 90 pounds main strength. Across 1601 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, this leader kit has earned a strong reputation with surf anglers and bottom fishermen.

The two-arm design lets me run a sinker above the swivel and a bait trace below, which keeps my bait rolling cleanly along the bottom. For burbot tip-up fishing, this rig eliminates the tangle I used to get with mono tied directly to the main line.

Why 90lb Leader Matters

When a 15-pound burbot hits at 50 feet and you set the hook hard, the leader takes the full shock load. A 90lb main absorbs that burst without snapping. Reviewers on surf fishing forums note the leader also resists abrasion from rocky structure, which is exactly where burbot live.

Swivel Performance

The built-in barrel swivels spin freely even in negative water. I had line twist problems with cheaper kits, but the YOTO swivels keep my line lay clean even after dragging a heavy jig for eight hours. The pre-attached snap makes lure swaps fast.

Tip-Up Ready

For burbot tip-ups, I clip a YOTO leader directly to the line and add a circle hook at the end. The 26.77-inch length keeps the bait far enough off the bottom to avoid snags but close enough that burbot find it. Reviewers specifically recommend this rig for any bottom-feeding species.

6. PLUSINNO All-in-One Tackle Box - Best Starter Kit

When my nephew asked to come burbot fishing last season, I gave him the PLUSINNO all-in-one tackle box and a glow jig. He caught two eelpout his first night out. With 12059 reviews and a 4.4 average, this kit has introduced more people to fishing than almost any other product on the market, and it covers burbot basics well.

The 128-piece count includes minnows, swimbaits, spoons, spinners, soft baits, and the accessories to tie them on. The 9 pre-tied rigs are surprisingly effective, and the included handbook walks through burbot-style bottom fishing in clear language.

Why a Complete Kit Matters for Burbot

New burbot anglers do not know whether they want a spoon, a swimbait, or a bucktail. The PLUSINNO kit lets them try all three in one trip. The reflective spoons create flash that burbot respond to, and the soft baits offer a slower fall for pressured fish.

Storage and Portability

The case measures 7.5 by 5 by 1.3 inches, which fits in a coat pocket or sled tray. Compartmental dividers keep lures sorted, and the water-resistant shell holds up to slush and refreeze. Reviewers praise the organization system for keeping tackle from tangling in transit.

Handbook Value

The step-by-step handbook is not glossy marketing. It covers knot tying, leader selection, and jigging cadence in plain language. For someone learning burbot tactics, the handbook alone justifies the kit price.

7. GOANDO Fishing Lures 78-Piece Kit - Solid Mid-Tier Value

The GOANDO 78-piece kit lands in the sweet spot between a starter pack and an advanced loadout. With 6626 reviews and a 4.4 rating, this kit has earned its place in many burbot buckets. The 33 soft worms and 5 jigs give a burbot angler enough variety to test what the fish want on any given night.

I bring the GOANDO kit when I am undecided about presentations. The crankbaits work when burbot are aggressive in shallow flats, while the soft worms slowly drift along the bottom for finicky eaters. The compact 6.69 by 3.54 inch case fits in a small sled.

Worm vs Spoon Strategy

Burbot will sometimes reject fast-moving metal but slurp down a slow-drifting worm. The GOANDO kit lets me switch instantly. Reviewers note that having both lure types in one box saves trips back to the truck.

Build and Corrosion Resistance

The stainless steel hardware resists rust after a season of slush and refreeze. I have not had to replace a hook or swivel due to corrosion. The 3D fisheyes are properly proportioned, which I find important for triggering reaction strikes from burbot.

Travel-Friendly Design

The low-profile case slides into a bib pocket without bulging. The latch stays shut in cold weather, and the clear lid lets me see what is inside without opening the box. Reviewers consistently mention the compact size as a major plus for ice anglers.

8. MadBite Terminal Tackle Kit - Best for Custom Rigs

Burbot anglers who like to tie their own rigs need a serious terminal tackle stash, and the MadBite 400-piece kit delivers. Endorsed by industry veteran Al Noraker, this kit earned a 4.5 rating across 284 reviews, and I have used it to build custom burbot rigs for tip-ups, dead bait rigs, and glow jig setups.

The watertight case keeps hooks dry and rust-free even after months in a sled. Adjustable dividers let me customize compartments for the specific tackle I use most, and the 19-plus proven rig combinations save time on the ice.

Hook Variety for Burbot

Different rigs demand different hooks. EWG worm hooks for soft plastics, round bend for cut bait, wide gap for jigs, finesse for pressured fish, and drop shot for suspended burbot. The MadBite kit includes all five. Reviewers highlight the sharpness of the needle-point hooks out of the box.

Storage and Field Use

The 7.9 by 4.3 by 2-inch case opens flat on a bucket, so I can see every component at a glance. The watertight seal has protected my tackle through multiple snowstorms, and the see-through lid lets me inventory contents without opening the box in a blowing snow squall.

Rig Building Speed

When the bite turns on, the last thing I want is to dig for a swivel. The MadBite kit's organization lets me build a complete rig in under two minutes, including a barrel swivel, leader, hook, and split shot. That speed matters when burbot are schooled and I am rotating holes.

9. Aorace 43-Piece Mixed Lure Kit - Versatile Lure Sampler

The Aorace 43-piece kit is what I loan out when someone asks to borrow a lure. With 3290 reviews and a 4.4 rating, it covers topwater, subsurface, and everything in between. For burbot anglers transitioning from open-water species, this kit offers the variety needed to find what triggers strikes under the ice.

The set includes minnows, poppers, crankbaits, pencil baits, vibes, and swimbaits, all with pre-attached hooks. The mix lets me experiment with retrieves without committing to a single style. The lightweight case fits in a sled tray.

Topwater vs Subsurface for Burbot

While burbot rarely hit topwater through ice, the Aorace topwater baits work for occasional late-season open-water burbot in shallow rivers. The subsurface minnows and crankbaits are the real burbot workhorses, and the variety lets me match whatever forage is in the lake.

Pre-Attached Hooks

Pre-attached hooks save tying time on the ice, and the factory knots are surprisingly strong. Reviewers note that the hooks are sharp out of the package. The downside is that you cannot swap hook styles, which limits customization.

Multi-Species Flexibility

When my burbot trips overlap with trout or pike, the Aorace kit transitions cleanly. The poppers work for surface-feeding predators, and the pencil baits cast far in open water. Reviewers specifically call out the cross-species versatility as a major plus.

10. TRUSCEND Vibespinner 4-Action Lure - Multi-Action Spinner

The TRUSCEND Vibespinner does four things at once, and that is exactly what aggressive burbot want. With a 4.4 average across 152 reviews, this is a newer release, but it has earned its place in my rotation after one season. The 1/4-ounce 7-gram body vibrates, swims, flashes, and darts in a single retrieve.

I drop this spinner on a tight line and reel just fast enough to engage the blade. The 360-degree flash triggers reaction strikes from burbot that ignored my dead-stick presentation moments earlier. When the fish are active, this is my first bait to tie on.

Four Actions in One Retrieve

The Vibespinner blade spins tight on the lift, the body wobbles on the fall, the holographic finish flashes throughout, and the darting action kicks in on pause. Burbot cannot decide which trigger to chase, and they commit more often than with single-action lures.

BKK Hook Retention

The BKK treble hooks are smaller than the Vibespinner body, which burbot mouth easily. Reviewers highlight the corrosion resistance after saltwater use, and my freshwater experience matches: no rust after a season in slush.

Casting Distance

The aerodynamic head cuts through wind, which matters when I am fishing a 40-foot flat in 15 mph gusts. I can reach the far edge of the structure without changing positions, and that is a real advantage on a mobile burbot bite.

11. Savage Gear 3D Burbot Soft Bait - Lifelike Burbot Profile

There is something poetic about casting a lure modeled from an actual burbot at the real thing. The Savage Gear 3D Burbot soft bait earned a 4.3 rating across 157 reviews by leaning hard into realism. The ribbon tail kicks authentically, and the built-in rattle adds noise in low-light conditions.

At 14 inches and 8 ounces, this is a big bait for big fish. I run it on a heavy rod when targeting trophy burbot over 15 pounds. The line-thru construction means the hook exits through the tail, which protects the lure body and helps with hookups.

Realistic Swimming Action

The ribbon tail moves with a slow S-curve that burbot recognize as prey. Reviewers note the action is most pronounced on a steady retrieve, which matches how I fish it just above the bottom on a tight line. The 6 to 12 foot swimming depth keeps it in the burbot zone.

Line-Thru Durability

Because the line ties to the nose and the hook exits the tail, the body takes the abuse instead of the rigging. I have caught three or four eelpout on a single Savage Gear 3D without retying, which is rare for a soft bait.

When to Use It

The 8-ounce weight is overkill for shallow burbot fishing. I reserve this bait for deep basin lakers over 30 feet where a heavier profile is needed to reach the bottom and stay in the strike zone. Reviewers confirm the bait shines in trophy applications.

12. Savage Gear Real EEL Fishing Jig - Saltwater-Ready Eel Imitation

Burbot in river systems feed heavily on lampreys and small eels, and the Savage Gear Real EEL jig is the closest imitation I have found. With a 4.5 rating across 134 reviews, this 12-inch, 5-1/3 ounce bait covers river burbot where the fish see real eels on a regular basis.

The scent-infused PVC body releases attractant with every kick of the oversized tail. I run this bait slow on a medium-heavy rod in current, letting the tail do the work. The vibration carries downstream and pulls burbot out of structure.

Scent Infusion Technology

Savage Gear infuses the PVC with feeding attractants that slowly leach out. Reviewers report more strikes on this bait than on un-scented eel imitations. I have noticed the same pattern, especially in cold water where scent travels slower.

Tail Action Profile

The oversized tail displaces more water than a standard swimbait. In current, that creates a pressure wave that burbot detect through their lateral line. The thump is heavy enough to draw fish from 20 feet downstream.

Durability Trade-offs

The soft PVC tail can tear after several fish, which is the most common complaint in reviews. I keep a spare tail in my kit. The hook and body hold up well otherwise, and the bait still functions with a torn tail in a pinch.

What to Look for in Burbot Fishing Gear

Burbot are unusual among freshwater predators because they combine the jaw strength of a catfish, the cold tolerance of a cisco, and the night-feeding habits of a walleye. Building a burbot-specific kit means matching that combination. Here are the four criteria I use every season when refining my burbot gear list.

Glow Visibility and Phosphorescent Finish

Burbot feed in low light and full darkness. A glow jig or spoon charges from a headlamp or flasher screen and pulses for hours under the ice. Reviewers across forum threads consistently highlight glow finishes as the single biggest difference-maker for night burbot. Without phosphorescent paint, a burbot has to find your bait by vibration alone, which limits your strike zone dramatically.

Heavy Backbone Rods and Tough Reels

Burbot have strong jaws and bulldog fights. A medium-heavy rod with a fast tip is the minimum, and a stiff backbone is non-negotiable. Forum users on r/Fishing point out that burbot will straighten hooks and snap light rods on the first run. My own experience confirms that a heavy rod that does not bend at all outperforms a sensitive rod every time.

Fluorocarbon and Heavy Leaders

Burbot mouths are abrasive even though they are not toothy. Fluorocarbon leaders in the 12 to 20 pound range resist wear better than mono, and a 90-pound nylon main leader like the YOTO kit protects against rocky structure. Reviewers specifically praise abrasion resistance as a top feature in any burbot leader setup.

Tip-Up Capability and Dead Bait Rigging

Burbot move in the dark and often bite without a felt strike. Tip-ups let you fish multiple holes at once and set the hook when you check back. A solid terminal tackle kit like the MadBite 400-piece set makes tip-up rigging fast and reliable. Pair that with a glow jig on the second rod, and you cover both passive and active presentations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Burbot Fishing Gear

If you want one tool that does everything well, the ZACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers earned my Editor's Choice badge for a reason: it has held up across 15978 user reviews and four winters of personal abuse. If you want one lure that triggers strikes across the entire burbot season, the TRUSCEND Shadtale soft bait with its trembling sinking action is my top pick. If you want a budget-friendly spoon that flutters like a wounded baitfish, the Sougayilang micro spoon kit is the answer.

For anglers building a burbot kit from scratch, I recommend starting with a glow jig like the Dr.Fish bucktail pack, a sturdy leader set like the YOTO nylon rigs, and a multi-function tool like the ZACX pliers. Add the MadBite terminal tackle kit for tip-up rigging, and you are ready for your first night on the ice. As your confidence grows, the TRUSCEND Vibespinner and Savage Gear 3D Burbot soft bait expand your presentation options for trophy fish.

Burbot are one of the most underrated table-fare fish in North America, and the gear list above has produced hundreds of meals in my household. Use it as a starting point, tweak it for your lake, and do not be afraid to fish past midnight. That is when the best burbot fishing gear gets put to the test, and the bites keep coming well into 2026. Tight lines and warm hands out there.