The Love of Fishing: From Childhood Passion to Profession
For Captain Laura Burnett of Barre, Orleans County, fishing isn’t just a job—it’s a lifelong passion. As a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed charter boat captain, Burnett has found a way to turn her love of fishing into a career, offering guided trips from Point Breeze on Lake Ontario. However, for her, the job is secondary to the deeper connection she has with the sport.
“My love for fishing started at a young age,” she reflects, sitting back and smiling. “My grandfather owned a cottage on Moon Lake near the Thousand Islands, and we spent many summers there as kids. It was there that I first learned the joy of fishing, spending hours by the water with my family.”
Growing up in the Rochester area, Burnett’s early fishing experiences were shaped by her father, who would take her and her siblings out on their bass boat to chase a variety of species. “We’d go after perch, bass, crappie—whatever we could catch,” she recalls. “It was all about being together and learning from each other.”
As time passed, Burnett’s love for fishing only deepened. “It was when I met Ken Vivlamore, a seasoned Lake Ontario fisherman with over 30 years of experience, that my fishing journey truly evolved,” she says. “Ken invited me out for a day of salmon and trout fishing on the lake, and that was it. I was completely hooked, not just on the fishing but also on learning from someone who shared the same passion.”
But the story doesn’t end there. Burnett and Ken didn’t just share a love for the sport—they also found a connection in each other. “I caught more than just fish that day—I caught Ken,” Burnett laughs. “We’ve been together ever since, both on and off the water.”
Fishing remains a family affair for Burnett, as her two children, who grew up surrounded by the sport, also share a passion for casting lines and reeling in fish. “Fishing is more than just a hobby; it’s a way of life that binds our family together,” she says proudly. “Whether we’re out on the lake or reminiscing about past trips, it’s a constant reminder of what we love and what has shaped who we are.”
For Burnett, fishing is about much more than the catch; it’s a lifelong journey rooted in family, learning, and the thrill of being out on the water.
Pursuing a Career as a Charter Captain
For Captain Laura Burnett, the journey to becoming a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed charter boat captain was driven by a deep love for fishing and a desire to share that passion with others. “Over the years, we became friends with many charter captains who operate out of Point Breeze and the Oak Orchard River,” Burnett recalls. “One day, as we were sitting around talking about our shared love for fishing, we realized how much we enjoyed meeting new people and showing them what we have here at Point Breeze. It was that conversation that planted the seed for me to get my license and pursue a career as a charter captain.”
Despite the male-dominated nature of the chartering world, particularly on Lake Ontario, Burnett never felt discouraged or intimidated. In fact, she drew strength from her past experiences in similar environments. “I’m one of six kids, and I was the only girl,” she says with a smile. “Growing up, I learned how to hold my own and speak up for myself. I also spent 20 years working in the manufacturing and machining industry as a Quality Manager for Lexington Precision in Rochester, another male-dominated field. Those experiences taught me to navigate these environments with confidence and never let being a woman hold me back.”
Burnett’s entry into the chartering world wasn’t just about breaking barriers—it was about building relationships and fostering a sense of camaraderie. “We are all friends at Oak Orchard, and that’s one of the best parts of this job,” she says. “We work together, help each other, and look out for one another. The community here is supportive, and that mutual respect goes a long way in creating a positive environment for everyone.”
For Burnett, becoming a charter captain wasn’t just about fishing; it was about creating experiences for others and being part of a close-knit community that values both the sport and the people who make it special. Whether it’s showing a first-time angler how to cast or working alongside fellow captains, she’s found her place in an industry that, while still male-dominated, has embraced her with open arms.
Community of Women Who Fish and Family Tradition
In 2001, Laura Burnett made the life-changing decision to move her family from Rochester (the “Lilac City”) to Barre, Orleans County, to be closer to her boat and the thriving waters of Lake Ontario. “Orleans County is really a great community with fantastic fishing, lodging, restaurants, and the friendliest people,” she says. “This is my passion. I couldn’t ask for a better place to live and work.”
Her commitment to the fishing life is shared by her family, who have all embraced the traditions of fishing and conservation. “My kids have grown up with catch-and-release fishing,” Burnett explains. “Our son, Shane McQueen, is 16 now, and last year, he mated with a few different charter captains to learn the ropes. Our almost 13-year-old daughter, Grace McQueen, is right behind him,” she laughs. “She even mated a couple of times already. This is the life I want for them, and it’s the life we love.”
For Burnett, the connection to the local fishing community runs deeper than just her chartering business. She believes in giving back to the community that has supported her. “I help out with the Oak Orchard Business Association’s pen-rearing project for salmon and steelhead each spring,” she shares. “It’s just one way for me to contribute to the ecosystem that provides so much for us and to ensure the future of fishing for generations to come.”
Living and working in the heart of Orleans County, Burnett has built more than a career—she’s created a family tradition that celebrates the sport of fishing, environmental stewardship, and the tight-knit community that sustains it. Whether it’s a day on the water with her children or contributing to local conservation projects, Burnett continues to leave a positive mark on both her family and the community she calls home.
Extended Fishing Season
Adapting Techniques and Equipment
Captain Laura Burnett’s business, Rusty Lure Sportfishing, may have a playful name, but the operation is nothing short of professional. Her dedication to offering top-tier fishing experiences is evident in her new trolling vessel – a 31-foot Tiara aptly named Rusty Lure. With the right tools, the right techniques, and a keen eye for the ever-changing conditions on Lake Ontario, Burnett ensures her clients enjoy successful outings no matter the season.
When it comes to fishing methods, Burnett knows that precision is key. “Spoons like Northern Kings, Stingers, Moonshines, and Dreamweavers all come into play,” she explains. “The color and size of the spoons depend on the weather conditions and what kind of fish we are targeting.” Over the years, she’s found that greens and blacks have been the most effective colors, particularly in the last couple of years. “I like to run spin doctors and flies off my wires – they’ve proven to be reliable when we’re targeting larger fish.”
Flexibility is crucial to success, especially when the bite slows down. “When things aren’t working, you’ve got to be willing to change it up,” Burnett says. “Lake Ontario is constantly changing.” Whether it’s altering the speed of the boat or adjusting the direction of the troll, Burnett is always ready to adapt. “Sometimes, the key is ‘more with less.’ Running fewer rods or downriggers can make a difference, as can switching up the speed or direction.”
As conditions shift on the water, so do her techniques. “We usually start with a speed between 2.2 and 2.4 knots,” Burnett explains. “But this will change based on water conditions – clear water, still water, temperature. Sometimes the fish will only bite in one direction, and no matter what we try, they won’t bite any other way.” For Burnett, fishing is a constant game of trial and error until she hits the right combination. “In August, when the kings start to stage, the usual rules don’t apply anymore, and it’s all about persistence and adaptability.”
In terms of equipment, Burnett relies on Daiwa Heartland eight-and-a-half-foot rigger rods paired with Penn reels. For downrigging, she uses Big Jon downriggers, which are mounted at the back of the Rusty Lure. These high-quality tools enable her to fish effectively in both shallow and deep waters, ensuring the best chance for her clients to reel in a big one.
Burnett’s skills have earned her a spot in some of the most prestigious fishing competitions. She enjoys the friendly competition at events like the Lake Ontario Counties Derbies and the Lake Ontario Pro-Am Tournaments. While they haven’t yet claimed the top prize, Burnett’s significant other, Ken, placed third in the old ESLO Derby with a 40-pound king salmon, a testament to their expertise and competitive spirit.
As more women embrace outdoor activities like fishing, Burnett is excited to be part of a growing community. While being a female charter captain may still be a rarity, it’s an exciting time for women who fish. “It’s a great way to introduce more women to the sport,” Burnett reflects. “But it’s not just about the ladies – I also love having husband-and-wife teams or just a group of guys wanting to get out and reel in some kings. It’s about making memories and sharing the thrill of the catch.”
With a passion for the sport, an adaptive approach to fishing, and a welcoming environment for all anglers, Captain Laura Burnett continues to make waves on Lake Ontario – proving that when it comes to fishing, it’s not about who’s behind the wheel, but how well you know the water.
Original Article By Bill Hilts, Jr.
About The Author
Bill Hilts, Jr. is Niagara County’s Sportfishing Promotion Person and Outdoor Sports Specialist for Niagara County Tourism and Convention Corporation. He is currently president of the Lake Ontario Sportfishing Council.
