““Fishing with Mark is a great time, even in poor weather. He not only has a great personality, he also helps you learn what to do and what works. We caught a giant cooler full of fish too! Highly recommend him for your next catfish trip!!””
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
How much will a trip cost?
Our trips are $135 per person, we provide all the tackle and gear (rods, reels, hooks, sinkers...), bait, bottled water and we clean the fish. Maximum of 6 guests per trip.
Does the Trip Price Include a Tip for the guide?
No, the price of the trip does not include a tip. The price we charge for trips covers fuel, bait, gear, insurance, licensure, supplies to process the meat for you, etc. If you had fun on your trip and appreciate how hard your guide worked to help you catch fish, a tip is greatly appreciated.
how do I book a trip?
Call or text Mark at 618-521-9914 or send a Facebook message, @burtonsoutdoorguiding.
HoW long is a trip?
Trips are 4-5 hours long. We will be in touch with you about what time they start, that is dependent on when the fish have been biting the best. If you arrive late, we do not extend your trip. Trip time starts at the time your guide communicated to you in a text or on the phone.
How KNOWLEDGEABLE will my guide be?
Your guide, Mark Burton, has been fishing since he was a child...over 50 years but who's counting? He watched as Rend Lake was created, he remembers the rivers that ran through the area before it was a lake and remembers the old homesteads before the area was flooded to create Rend Lake Recreation Area. Mark grew up on this lake and has had many successful fishing seasons here.
How many people will be in the boat?
We can take up to 6 guests.
Do you allow children to fish?
Yes, we do and we encourage family fishing trips. Before booking a child's trip be sure they are comfortable on a boat and around fish. We do not offer discounts for children because we provide the same services to them as an adult.
Who cleans the fish and what happens to the meat?
We clean and bag the fish for you. It is your responsibility to care for the meat after it is packaged, we recommend you have a cooler and ice with you to keep the meat cold.
If you don't want the meat we will gladly donate it. We do not ship any meat.
What is provided by Burton's Outdoor Guiding LLC?
We will provide the following: An experienced guide, iced bottled water, small snacks (crackers, etc.), all gear (rods, reels, nets, hooks, line...anything needed to catch a fish), boat, life jackets and bait.
What do I Need to Bring?
The following is a list of items you need to bring as well as a list of additional items that are optional for you to bring.
NEED TO BRING
Appropriate clothing for the weather, including rain gear if needed.
Appropriate Fishing License. Click here to find out how to obtain your license.
Cooler and ice to take your meat home if you want to keep your meat.
OPTIONAL ITEMS YOU CAN BRING
Your own small cooler, 18 pack or smaller, with beverages and snacks. Alcohol is allowed.
Food/Snack - there are no meals provided, please pack accordingly.
While not required it is advised that you wear sunglasses.
What licenses do I need?
You will need a valid Illinois fishing license. Click this link to go to the IDNR's website to purchase a license online or find a list of vendors who carry over the counter licenses. You must have your license on your person or a digital copy on your phone when fishing. There are one day, three day and year license options.
What is your weather policy?
Since we can't control Mother Nature we will fish in all weather that is safe. It is your responsibility to be prepared with the appropriate clothing for the weather. In unsafe conditions, we will return to the dock until it is safe to resume fishing. We will do our best to fulfill your entire trip. We also stay closely in touch with our guests prior to their trip so if it is supposed to storm we will gladly reschedule at your convenience and our availability.
Do you carry insurance?
Burton's Outdoor Guiding LLC is a fully insured and licensed guide service.
What Kind of boat do you guide out of?
We have a 20’ pontoon boat equipped with 50 HP Johnson motor, a bemimi top for shade, live well and plenty of spacious seating.
What kind of bait and tackle will i be using?
We use prepared bait, live bait or any bait of our choice depending on what the fish are biting on. Our rods and reels are spin cast and we use whatever hooks are required for the bait that we are using.
What type of fishing techniques will we be using?
We employ whatever techniques are working best to catch fish. Typically this is either drift fishing or anchored fishing.
How many fish can I expect to catch on a good day?
There is no way to guarantee how many fish you will catch but it has become commonplace to catch 15-25 catfish at the end of a 2-4 hour trip with two people fishing, however, not every trip yields that many. The majority of the fish we catch are between 2-10 pounds.
Where do I meet my guide?
Where you meet your guide depends on where you'll be fishing that day. We will contact you no later than 24 hours before your trip. We will provide directions and contact information at that time.
Where is Rend Lake Located?
CAn I use my own gear?
Yes, you can use your own fishing gear but we prefer you use ours. Burton's Outdoor Guiding LLC is not responsible for lost or damaged equipment. It is common to lose hooks and sinkers and potentially your rod and reel. If you would prefer to use your own gear please touch base with us.
Where is the closest place for lodging?
There are several hotels in Mt. Vernon, IL. All of these are an easy 15-30 minute drive down I-57 to where you will meet your guide. The closest accommodations to Rend Lake are the SureStay Hotel by Best Western and Seasons Lodge in Whittington, IL. The Buck & Bass Rend Lake Cabins are located on Rend Lake, also a good alternative for lodging.
Are there bathrooms available once my trip begins?
There are bathrooms at certain launches and the marina on the lake. Once we are on the water it may be 30-45 minutes back to a restroom. You are always welcome to ask your guide to take you back to shore for a restroom break.
Are you able to accommodate special needs such as wheelchairs or other disabilities?
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to go on a fishing trip, no matter what their need is. Please contact us to discuss your need and we will do everything we can to help make your trip possible.