Jig-em-up-Josh

Hello,

My name is Josh Burgett. I live a stone's throw from the Red River, with my beautiful wife and daughter. 

I fish anywhere there's water. I love to jig for Walleye and Sauger, (hence the nickname) and jump at any chance to toss some lead in any of the surrounding tributaries, lakes, ponds, dams, and rivers.

For the last 10 years, Channel Catfish have had me wrapped around their fins. I had to learn everything I know about these beautiful, powerful creatures the hard way, on my own. I recently opened my own guiding business, and it's been quite the journey. A lot of people don't realize that in order to be legally licensed to operate on the Red River, the guide must be US Coast Guard certified. That means, obtaining a Transportation Worker's Identification card, costly insurance, First Aid & CPR Certification, and the Coast Guard Certification. 

This year, the Coast Guard is allowing guides to operate on the Red River without actually have the USCG certification, as long as they are making an attempt to obtain the credential. which I am. I have sent a deposit for the course, and am going to have the credential this February.

I set up for battle when I drop my boat in the river. I’m anticipating “breaking 20 pounds” for a catfish each time I go out. That’s my goal, no matter if I have friends along or just by myself. From shore or boat. High water or low water. Rain, sleet or snow. 

I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter, our German Shorthair Pointer, riding motorcycle, participating in professional Mixed Martial Arts, mowing the lawn, and I also love to cook.

Starting in spring, through fall, you can find me in the boat on the Red River chasing BIG catfish and HOG walleye, Maple Lake, Minnesota “dock knockin'” for Largemouth Bass, surrounding dams/lakes going after big Northern Pike, little ponds/dams catching bluegill and crappie, Devils Lake, ND or Sakakawea, ND if the mood strikes, Lake Bemidji, Minnesota, ANY and EVERY tributary of the Red River harvesting my own bait.

I love taking advantage of not spending money on White Suckers, Creek Chubs, Fatheads, Nightcrawlers, Frogs, Crayfish, Crickets, and Goldeye.

I also love ice fishing, especially the Red River. Throw in about 20-25 different dams and lakes within 100 miles of the ND/MN border and that’s my life.  

If you need any advice on anything, I'm a pretty knowledgeable person when it comes to everything I listed above.


My PB walleye is now 33 inches, 11.4 pounds. Soon to be broke with a 12-14 pounder.(this prediction was made on 9/14/2009) -BROKE, 10/21/2009 WITH A 32 INCH 12.10 POUNDER- Soon to be broke with a 13.5 to 14.5 pounder by 5/15/2010 (this prediction was made 2/26/2010)

PB Channel Cat (on the RED RIVER) is 25 pounds. Soon to be broke, ok not SOON but will be broke with a 31 pounder by July 2010. (this prediction was made on 6/28/2010)

PB Northern is 20 pounds out of Lake Sakakawea, will be broke by July 2010 by a 25 pounder. (prediction made on 9/14/2009)

PB Largemouth Bass is 6 pounds 2 ounces out of MN. PB North Dakota is 5.10 pounds. Both will be shattered when I catch my 7 pound 8 ounce Bucketmouth by July 2010. (prediction made 9/14/2009)

PB Smallmouth Bass is 3 pounds, Lake Sakakawea, Deepwater Bay, "Foot's Point" 1996.

PB Perch is 14.5 inches, 2 pounds, "unknown reservoir" in 2001.
PB Bluegill is 1 pound 8 ounces, won't be broke until Spring of 2010.
PB Crappie is 15 inches out of Upper Red Lake, um,......probably won't be broke, and if I do catch one bigger it will also be Spring of 2010.

PB Sauger is 4 pounds, Lake Sakakawea, Deepwater Bay, 1998.

PB Drum is 12.5 pounds, Red River, Lincoln Park area, 2000.

PB Ling is 10 pounds. White Earth.

PB Rainbow Trout is 3 pounds, "undisclosed body of water" will be broke by Feb. 2010 by a 6 pounder. (10/24/2009)