CAPTAIN STORIES

CAPTAIN BURBACH: GOAT OF THE GULF

CAPTAIN WILLIAM BURBACH EXPLORES WHAT IT TAKES TO GUIDE HIS CUSTOMERS TO GLORY.

Fishing isn’t just a sport for Captain William Burbach—it’s a way of life, a battle against the elements, and a test of skill that only the toughest anglers win. From the cold lakes of the Midwest to the unpredictable waters of Clearwater, Florida, he’s chased the fight at every turn. And every time, one thing remains true: when it’s you versus the fish, your gear better be as relentless as you are. That’s why he runs with PENN.

BUILDING A BATTLE PLAN

This time of year, it’s all about the reaction bite for reds. In the murkier waters, finesse or sight fishing becomes more difficult so scouting the right spot is crucial. Matching the hatch and keeping his distance, Captain Will readies his PENN gear and tosses out his snipped pilchers and pinfish exactly where it needs to be so as not to spook the schools.

When the cold builds to harsher levels, Captain Will loads up on gulps, paddletails, shads, and quarter-ounce jigheads to get the job done with trout. The change in water temperature and salinity levels act as a dinner bell, bringing the fish closer to shore in which case, Captain Will knows just what to look.

Find the thrashing mullet schools – that's the key. These fish stir up all sorts of crustaceans and other small baitfish that send larger predators into an aggressive frenzy. Get your rod and reel to work that bait just right – steady retrieval, reel reel, let it sit, jerk jerk, reel reel, jerk jerk, let it sit – and you’ll be hooked in no time.

"Trust your gear, trust your knots, and don't let up" - Captain Burbach

GRAPPLING WITH GROUPER

Lurking in shallow waters, Captain Will switches over to grouper – an entirely different game. For the best results, he keeps his eye out for underwater structures to zero on these predators such as old boats, concrete pilings, natural rock cracks, and ledges. Drifting the bait back in front of these structures with no weight keeps it feeling natural, and that can be the difference between hooking up or coming back empty-baited.

These fish will quickly let you know if they’re there so if you’re not getting hit within the first 10 minutes, move on – no time to waste on dead water. Pecking order matters too! If the first bites you get are small, chances are you’ll continue down that path. Groupers run in classes so if you’re chasing trophies like Captain Will does with his clients, don’t waste your time on the little guys.

Like all the PENN Fleet Captains, Will understands the battle starts long before the fish taps the hook. It’s about positioning, patience, and precision. That’s why he keeps his clients 100 yards out, working the bait just right—because when that fish finally bites, there’s no room for error. That’s when you need a reel that won’t break under pressure. That’s when you need PENN.

CAPTAIN'S CHOICE

Some reels can handle a fight. But PENN reels? They command it. Captain Will doesn’t just fish—he hunts. And when you’re in a battle against the meanest species in the ocean, you bring the gear that’s built for war. His go-to setup: The Battle IV Spinning Reel size 6000, locked into an 8-ft Carnage III Spinning Boat Rod —because out here, second chances don’t exist.

“The action on this setup forces the fish to crack under pressure. That’s what you need – to break their will before they break yours.” - Captain Burbach

When his clients are grinding on the water for hours, the last thing they need is gear that tires them out. For those situations the Battle 6000 keeps the weight down, and when it’s locked in a big fish, he knows it won’t fail them.

For inshore fights, Captain Will turns to the Battle IV 3000 paired with a 7’6” Battallion™ II Inshore Spinning Rod for a lighter yet powerful setup. There is no slacking on Captain Will’s boat, so bringing your A-game is just as important as packing the right gear.

Every cast. Every fight. Every time. PENN delivers.

If you’re ready to stop fishing and start battling, Captain Will is your guide. No gimmicks, no shortcuts—just grit, fight, and the right gear to back it up. Bring your A-game. Bring PENN. Book your trip today and take your shot at glory.

FISH LIKE THE PROS

CAPTAIN BURBACH'S CHOICE GEAR