Cusk (AKA Burbot) fishing in New Hampshire on Lake Winnipesaukee (Lota Lota)

Every time I do a video on Cusk fishing or how to cook it in a chowder I always get the question "what is a cusk"? Quite simply it is a fresh water cod. Known as "Lota lota" the fresh water cusk, eelpout, lingcod burbot, lawyer fish are all the same thing. It has different names all over the world but one thing is the same. The Cusk is one of the best eating fish swimming! Back in the 1770's the last Royal Governor of New Hampshire had Jotham Rindge bring up some saltwater cusk to his estate and dump them into what is now known as Lake Wentworth. It is uncertain the fate of those saltwater cusk (Brosmius brosme} as the cusk in Lake Winnipesaukee are the Lota lota (fresh water cusk). The Winni cusk sticks to the deeper waters and comes in shallow to spawn, usually mid to late January. They like the rocky points and steep banks for feeding. Once they drop their eggs they are abandoned and the fish heads back to the deep water and once the ice is gone they basically hibernate until the ice sets in again. Their dark marble colored skin is perfect for blending in with the lake bottom. Once in a blue moon they are caught in the summer accidentally while trolling for Lake Trout (togue). If you have never fished for these you need to give it a try.
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[@fredriksarnblad4441]

This was really informative and interesting. I grew up jigging cusk in Sweden - mostly at night - so this was really cool for me. I lost a decent one yesterday right by the hole on my jig on Winnipesaukee yesterday as I was jigging for yellow perch. Oh well.

[@mfavia620]

Ya made my day Ed. Two videos on back to back days. Never had cusk living in Chicago but I hear that it is great eating. Thanks for sharing and we’ll catch you on the next adventure. ATB Mike

[@workingclasswoodsman]

Mike Favia Outdoors hey thanks buddy, hopefully work will permit more time outside. Always good to see you

[@jeffersoneinstein9641]

I'm always reminded of ice fishing with my grandfather as a kid when I see these videos. That was on a river though and it hasn't frozen enough for years to do it again there which is a bummer. Anyway thanks man, it's very appreciated by me to be reminded of the good ol' days and learn things for new days. Take care.

[@workingclasswoodsman]

Jefferson Einstein never caught any on a river but I know other people have. I'm glad you like the videos, its always fun making them. I have been very busy with work lately but hopefully things will slow down. Take care buddy

[@joenadeau4419]

Great info bro, nice to see you posting stuff..!!

[@workingclasswoodsman]

Joe Nadeau thanks man, hopefully getting out more now, been busy at work

[@jasonrichards3373]

2 uploads in 2 days! Excellent sir! . My father, a true blue downeast mainer, would just about choose a cusk dinner over a prime rib...poor mans lobster he calls it. Great work as usual brother, loving all your content. Tight lines from Jason in maine 👍

[@workingclasswoodsman]

Jason Richards they do call it poor man's lobster. I like both cusk and lobster but never got a chance to go Harvesting Lobsters. Would be great to try it though. Always good to see you buddy

[@EatCarbs]

Interesting. Thanks for the video

[@soleary0339]

Thanks, very informative.

[@scoutingfreegermany]

Great explanations! Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Marc

[@workingclasswoodsman]

Scouting Free right on man, how's things over your way? I see you on the tubes now and again. Been busy as heck.

[@scoutingfreegermany]

Yeah, busy times, therefore I can't get in the woods as much as I like to. But all good, thanks.

[@StihlnLogs]

Awesome Tips and Tricks. Fish On!

[@workingclasswoodsman]

StihlnLogs will do Sir!

[@MeetMeOutside]

Good info Ed ! Nice to see you man ! Peace

[@workingclasswoodsman]

Cragdwella good to be seen as they say! Lmao

[@zzcaptainmastiv2727]

five-star video *****5*****, thank you Working Class Woodsman for the info.

[@sargefaria]

Good stuff bud

[@RandyRodCo]

Great video bud! Definitive NH Cusk trapping video.

[@workingclasswoodsman]

Randy Rod Co right on man!!

[@livingfree4527]

Thanks for the info, heading up to Meredith early tomorrow might set some cusks lines up to add to the fun.

[@workingclasswoodsman]

Living Free best of luck man!!!

[@mdelucia67]

Save some for the TOMAHAWK,,,Hey my friend nice job

[@39camper]

Wow vary cool. How many lines can you out out? Is the weight on the bottom law or that how they feed? Love the video bud

[@workingclasswoodsman]

39camper yup your allowed 6 lines and weight has to be on the bottom. Take care buddy

[@fivefoot2indianman716]

Would circle hooks be good

[@Molonlabe76]

I've been fishing off Gilford beach - generally going one for six but the past week I haven't caught anything. Time to move or is the spawn over with?

[@workingclasswoodsman]

Molonlabe76 I caught one this morning. Full of Eggs so I don't think they dropped all of them I have sometimes had one or two weeks of deadness and then all of a sudden it picks up again early March so one never knows

[@BMChase01]

I’m very interested in burbot fishing here in Washington county Maine.... lol I have done some research on lakes known to have the ling but I wanted to ping off of you for some pro tips... bait, time, location, location on a lake, in relation to an inlet/outlet? Depth? Lol

[@BMChase01]

Anything helps, I’m aware of the trials and tribulations of learning on your own and do so mostly, but not many folks target the best eating fresh water fish I’ve ever had! Looking for a bit of a fast track

[@workingclasswoodsman]

Well they are the best eating fish swimming in fresh water I think. In Maine you have to check your cusk lines every hour, unlike NH where you only have to check every 24 hours. They are in deep rocky areas and especially around rocky points. They usually spawn around February/ March which brings them into shallower water. I like the biggest shiners I can get for bait.

[@BMChase01]

Working Class Woodsman thank you !

[@TyDaG]

Haha I like the name lawyer fish

[@workingclasswoodsman]

👍👍

[@TyDaG]

Working Class Woodsman it’s because their hearts so close to their ass 🤣

[@brandom5138]

Nice , do cusk bite in the morning ?

[@workingclasswoodsman]

Sloth Fratelli not generally, just at night

[@brandom5138]

Working Class Woodsman thanks for the tip

[@younggunsangling2633]

What bay are you outta? It’s ok if you don’t wanna say

[@workingclasswoodsman]

Young Guns Angling that was out of Wolfeboro bay

[@MaximLedoux]

You just need a wind muffler.