at what water temp does fishing shut down?

[bulletbob]

I know that it depends on species of course...
However, we know that ling, Cod, Pollock, etc are cold water fish as were Whiting when we still had them around... Just wondering at what temp do even these cold water fish "turn off"

I recall years ago in the late 70's early 80's, we had a very cold winter one year, and the mid winter inshore fishing had slowed to a crawl.. I remember reading in I think the NJ Fisherman a head boat captain saying something to this effect..
"The water temps are below 39 degrees, and that usually really shuts down even the whiting and ling fishing"... The temp quoted may have been 36 degrees, I don't recall exactly, it was over 30 years ago.. Just remember though as you sit at home the next 6 or so weeks freezing and fishless, its happened before even when there were tons of "winter fish" around..
any thoughts on when its time to just call it quits, regarding water temps?... bob

[Captain Rich]

50 Degrees ! :D The stripers head south and Tuna Wahoo heads to the winter yard!! Time to call it quits and think about Florida and points further south !!:D:D

[italianfisherman]

50 Degrees ! :D The stripers head south and Tuna Wahoo heads to the winter yard!! Time to call it quits and think about Florida and points further south !!:D:D

you didn't answer the question.. but i can tell you, IT'S OVER FOR NOW.. fishing has shut down for the winter.. if you go out on any party boat/charter boat, YOU ARE WASTING YOUR MONEY.. jmop.

[NJ Dave]

By the looks of the iced in boats and the extended temp forecast its going to be a while.
I dont think there are enough fares to make the minimum to run out and if so I don't think the ling, cod, and pollock fishing is all that great here in to make it worth the trip.
This time of year I prefer to re group all of my gear, re line rods, re stock the tackle, ect.
Possibly by the end of Feb into April I'll head back out to bottom fish but really in 45-60 more days for the start of early season bass.
Its winter in NJ, it is what it is.
If you want to get out that bad a trip to mtk would be the best bet but that fishery I dont think has been all that great either.
Good luck

[Reel Class]

Usually 40* is that "Mendoza line" when it comes to ocean temps. If it drops below 40 things are very dogfishy and basically anything on the bottom kinda goes into hibernation mode.

Offshore is a different story - but the inshore stuff gets real tough inside of 40.

[torchee]

50 Degrees ! :D The stripers head south and Tuna Wahoo heads to the winter yard!! Time to call it quits and think about Florida and points further south !!:D:D

Ha! He's correct! Any species with any sense would migrate far from this BS weather.....

[bulletbob]

Usually 40* is that "Mendoza line" when it comes to ocean temps. If it drops below 40 things are very dogfishy and basically anything on the bottom kinda goes into hibernation mode.

Offshore is a different story - but the inshore stuff gets real tough inside of 40.

Interesting..Why would the fish offshore at 39-40 degrees be more active than the same species would be offshore?..
btw, I am not wanting to get on a head boat and go fish for dogs, eels, and pout..
I just think its an interesting discussion, and right now, thats all we have...
I can ice fish, but I went through the ice once at the age of 12-13, and was alone.. Good thing the water was only about 3-4 feet.. If it was deeper, I would not be typing this.. So i do NOT go on the ice...If the water isn't open i don't fish, I just talk about fishing..bob

[HDMarc]

Interesting..Why would the fish offshore at 39-40 degrees be more active than the same species would be offshore?

I think that he means when the temps inshore go 40° or lower that you need to go offshore into deeper water to find warmer temps. I've fished some really cold weather at depths over 100' where I'd reel in my rig and the sinker was warm when you grabbed it.

[bulletbob]

I think that he means when the temps inshore go 40° or lower that you need to go offshore into deeper water to find warmer temps. I've fished some really cold weather at depths over 100' where I'd reel in my rig and the sinker was warm when you grabbed it.

Understood.. I remember during last years mid winter offshore sea bass season, the reports were the water temps were in the 50's, and blues, and a a few weaks and triggers were caught in the middle of winter, when most everything inshore was shut down.. Must have something to do with warm Gulf Stream eddies or something, that far out... bob

[HDMarc]

Just checked the weather, looks like we're in for some temps into the 40s in the first week of February, hopefully this kicks things back into gear, cabin fever sucks!

[Reelron]

50 Degrees ! :D The stripers head south and Tuna Wahoo heads to the winter yard!! Time to call it quits and think about Florida and points further south !!:D:D

I agree! Why did I think I was going to stay home & Tog thru the winter? Even MD looks inviting at this point, well maybe in a week anyway!

[bigjamaica]

Usually 40* is that "Mendoza line" when it comes to ocean temps. If it drops below 40 things are very dogfishy and basically anything on the bottom kinda goes into hibernation mode.

Offshore is a different story - but the inshore stuff gets real tough inside of 40.

When I read this I wondered if “Mendoza Line” was a term named after some scientist. Now I know. BTW. What is the “Mendoza Line” for a Party/Charter boat captain?

[Captain Rich]

When I read this I wondered if “Mendoza Line” was a term named after some scientist. Now I know. BTW. What is the “Mendoza Line” for a Party/Charter boat captain?

At first I thought he meant the Maginot Line :D:eek: !

[tautog]

During the winter a few years ago when we had the good cod fishing, water temps were usually 36-37 degrees. Cod and pollack don't care very much about water temps as they are still having great pollack fishing up in New Hampshire.