Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Corrected Dfish My bad. See ya soon!

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

I am Caddyshack Jeff's + 1.. This will be my first trip specificly targeting cod. I was just looking for some input on what gear im going to need.. rod and reel, terminal tackle ect.. Thanks guys

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Typical deeper ground fish setup ... Don't get your hopes up just be ready... 10-24 oz of lead with some teasers and a rag to wipe off the clam crud from your digits...have teasers on hand to rig
Above and some beers for those that may run out ...:D

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

And hammered diamonds

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

How deep do you think we will be fishing?

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Look in Fishing Tips forum. Leif and some others have posted some great articles on this.

One of Leif's copied below:




You can take advantage of all species by considering the following recommendations:


PREPARATION IS KEY:


Proper rod and reel

20-50lb 7-8ft rod equiped with a suitable reel like a Penn Jigmaster or 4/0 sized reel loaded with new 30-40lb mono or 65lb braid.


Do not bring a traditional spinning outfit on these trips. You are wasting your time and others. The exceptions are the new "hightech" rods and reels which are small, light and very strong and expensive)


Cod rigs:


High /Low 2 hook Cod rig 80lb leader 7/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hooks on 6in dropper loops.
I use 6 inch Pink Tsunami Squids or Pink ,red or glow 3-4 inch skirts


Pollock rigs:


10-12 oz Jigs tied on 80lb leader with a tube type teaser tied 2 feet above on a 6 inch dropper or tied in with 2 clinch knots. (Some nice pollock have been caught on bait as well on the high hook using squid or clam.) Use the same type of Cod rig, but with just one hook tied 4 ft above the sinker and try a whole Squid.


Ling rigs:


One 1/0-3/0 snelled Gamakatsu Circle Hook or J hook tied on 10in of 50lb test right above the sinker. Use small baits!! Just the string part of the clam or siphon part. You WILL catch lots of ling if they are there.




Cod /Pollock/ ling rigs (everything rig)


This rig will give you the best shot at whats out there. This may be the most productive rig for this type of trip. Simply a 2 hook rig tied on 60lb. leader material. One 6/0-7/0 Gamakatsu or other very sharp hook tied on a 6in dropper with choice of teaser 3-4 feet above the sinker. The second hook is a Gamakatsu or similar 2/0-3/0 Circle hook or J Hook with a small piece of clam on it. (Strings or siphon or small strip) The High hook will catch Cod or Pollock. The small hook will catch ling. If the small hook gets stuck pull hard and it will bend out. Also circle hooks seem to get stuck less and the ling will hook themselves. The small bait insures the ling will suck it in and get hooked.


I noticed the guys that caught a varitey of fish were using a rig similar to the one above. Because you never know what your going to get, this may be a good choice. You can change the rig by using 3/0-5/0 hooks as well. This way you have a better chance to land a cod if you get one on the bottom hook but may increase your odds of getting stuck as well.


Sinkers

I use 8-20oz Bank or Flat on these trips. Mostly 10-14oz. I have been using the flat sinkers on the last three trips and only lost one. That includes the kids as well. It may be a coincidence but I like the flats sinkers.


Tips

1) If the Dogfish are around and you can't deal with them take off the teaser or just fish the bottom hook and use clam only.


2) Prepare in advance. Have all your rigs ready and organized seperately. I use little zip-lock bags so the rigs don't tangle. Check your reel, line rod, ect. Properly functioning equipment saves time and makes the trip more enjoyable.


3) Check the weather, moon, overall forecast and dress appropriately. Full moon, new moon= in most cases stronger current and requires heavier sinkers.


4) Ask questions, the mates will be glad to explain and help if you ask. They are here to help. If you don't ask you won't get an answer.


5) Have realistic expectations and expect to change your strategy. These wreck trips have a lot of variables. Some trips are good some are bad. That is Winter fishing in general, It's been like that for years. Most of these spots have some life on them and in some cases a good batch of ling will save the day. I feel that if I catch one or two cod and few ling, that is a good trip. Add a Pollock and its a great one.


6) I have been having success with the pink tsunami 6in squids and the Pink/Red skirts on the droppers. Give them a try. Any comments or questions are welcome. I am open to learn as well. I just like to fish and share what I know so other people will go and be successful.

Leif

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Thank you, this was helpful

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

OK Pay Pal Link to RFA-NJ website for registration is now open on the first page / first post of this Thread.

Thanks to all attending and hopefully we can get a few more. Plenty of room on the Gambler!

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

I just paid for 3 (Me +1 and saltlife)

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Just made my payment via PayPal. My plus 2 mailed a check. Computers don't work for them:)

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

#24 paid via pay pal link,thanks . hoping for good weather for the trip

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Will the fish caught be pooled together, or is it you keep what you catch. There was a tuna trip where there was some confusion on this matter.

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Just paid for me + 2 on paypal...

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

check sent for my son and I.looking forward to a great trip

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Thanks for bringing that up Andy. Why not join us?
Its keep what YOU catch but sharing with "hacks" is welcomed


Also its an RFA trip so the lucky guy who gets the one fish can keep it:eek:

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

No doubt once Dales limits out he will distribute his overage amongst the less fortunate
:D

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

That's funny!

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Your not going to need any fishing equipment, it's an RFA trip:D

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Who knows Steve if you go YOU could be that guy with the one fish!

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Couple of updates:
Rod / Reel Rentals will be available including first rig and weight for no charge for anyone who needs a setup.
Extra Rigs and weights will be available at boat prices

Galley will be open in the AM for Breakfast Sandwiches and Burgers : Pay as you go to Boat
RFA-NJ is still providing Lunch and soft drinks included in your fare.


10 spots left!

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Don't forget to bring enough beer..... :D

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Wait, what??:(

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

I sent the check yesterday....

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

this trip should be full!!!! this is one of the best cod seasons we have had in quite some time. there has been a pretty good bite for over a month and the size of the fish being taken. with a few 40,some 30 and 20 pounders as well.yes there lots of shorts but that's a good thing.there have also been a good showing of Pollock.

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Dont worry buddy...I bring a 30 pack too....dont drink it all
on the way out this time !.......:D

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Steve usually gets skunked on these trips. :D

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

We were thirsty...... :D;)

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Hey Dave can I jump on if my Tog trip gets cancelled?

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Always room for Jello Da Fish!

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Nice Rainy day to sign up for a Cod trip!

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Dales- our #s should be 21-23 for 3 guys...

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Got it D. Glad someones paying attention. Thanks for the heads up

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

. Good. (A little edit and it reads much better;-)

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

OK Boys and Gal,
Thread has gone a little "Lame" Lets get excited here. Looks like we are tapped out at 35-37 plus myself and Jim K (RFA-NJ Chair) . Thank YOU

Up to 10 Walk ons will be welcome but CASH ONLY and no guarantee on lunch

We are shaping up for departure Sat 5AM. Been talking to Capt Bobby and he is working on the Game Plan. Not going to mention the "W" word but looks OK, NW is best! Ok so I'll mention it a little:eek:

Boarding Order is as listed in first post: NO RODS anywhere on the Boat until your name is called. Feel free however to stow all your clothes bags, coolers etc in the cabin when you arrive. This will keep the parking area more clear and save time to get going as soon as everyone boards. Boarding order will start to be called at 4:45 AM. If you are not there then you will be passed over to the next angler that is there. Unless I am late then it all changes;)

Braid is allowed, Fishing in 100 to 150' , Galley will be open for Gambler Pork Roll and Egg sandwiches, 50/ 50 raffles will happen, Food drink etc and a great cast of NJFishing.com elite. I know and have fished with most of you but looking forward to putting a face to some screen names I haven't met.

Pool will be standard Boat pool run by mates and winner take all although if said winner wants to kick back to RFA-NJ a little we wont argue.

Any other yo dollar games you want? Dollar each for 1st Cod keeper , biggest doggie, most ling , most JMurr philly trash fish. Boat is called the Gambler after all!

Your Crew tip is included in your fare so up to you if you want to go further for exceptional service that's always provided on the Gambler

It doesn't get any better than this and just maybe we break the curse.

Any other questions post them up or call me.

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Can't wait to read the recap and peruse the pics
Good luck to all!

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

Got all my tackle ready to go and pack up!! This will be the trip to break the curse!!

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

It is way to quiet. No trash talk? No Shrimpman? No Joeythefish? No Odds? I have been looking forward to this trip since the poll. By the way I would like to sign up for the fluke-a-thon now so I can be first on the list. Weather looks good for tomorrow. See all in the AM. :D

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

just a heads up.gold jigs have made a huge difference the last 3 weeks.also
most of the bigger cod have been spitting up small sea bass{3-4"} so dark
colored teasers have been very effective.on some days they want a slow retrieve instead of vertical jigging.see ya all in the morning.

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

We're on a Mission from Cod !

Re: RFA -NJ Cod Safari on da Gambler
 

oh boy now I have to go spend another 80 bucks in jigs and teasers..lol

What size jigs should I bring?