Cod Fishing Virgin

[jwstand]

I have never Cod fished anywhere on the east coast. I am sure I have plenty of appropriate equipment but have no idea how to prepare myself.

Recommendations for rigging for: Artificials? Bait? How to target a potential pollock? Best bait? Best Artificial?

Thanks in advance, as I know we have some Cod sharpies aboard!

J

[Leif]

Originally Posted by jwstand

I have never Cod fished anywhere on the east coast. I am sure I have plenty of appropriate equipment but have no idea how to prepare myself.

Recommendations for rigging for: Artificials? Bait? How to target a potential pollock? Best bait? Best Artificial?

Thanks in advance, as I know we have some Cod sharpies aboard!

J

J,
Here is a post/article I did a while back. Hope it helps.

20-40 mile "Wreckommendations"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are quite a few sponsors that run or will be running these type of trips this winter. The fishing over the past few years has been good as the cod and Pollock catches have increased. Ling fishing has been good as well and

The experts like the Paramount, Jamaica II, Voyager and Gambler amongst others can put you on the fish, the rest is up to you.

In an effort to make these trips more productive, I put a post together of specific recommendations for these 20-40 wreck trips. I have a few strategies and tips that I think would greatly improve the catches on this type of trip.


Using the appropriate equipment, adjusting strategies and having realistic expectations for these trips can make them more enjoyable and productive.

These recommendations are directed toward those who have not made this type of trip, do not know what to do and would like to try it. Also to those who have not fished for a while and anyone else that wants to listen. I typically fish for Cod on these trips and use larger 7/0-8/0 hooks.


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

[jwstand]

Thanks Leif. I remember reading this a few years ago, maybe, but my search did not turn it up! Greatly appreciated!


J

[mike1010]

Nice write-up. You may want to post it as a tutorial or article so people can find it easily in the future. Thanks.

[GDubya07]

Originally Posted by mike1010

Nice write-up. You may want to post it as a tutorial or article so people can find it easily in the future. Thanks.

x2 - Great write up tutorial please if at all possible

GDubs-

[howarda780]

Leif is the king of cod & pollack.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Here is Lief's Cod tips posted in our Fishing Tips section http://www.njfishing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30333

Lots of great info in this section of the site.

[NoLimit]

If you really want to catch cod, you might want to head North to fish out of Pt Judith where the boats can target them exclusively. There is good cod off of NJ too but not like up North. The Montauk boats fish the same water but its a longer run and you get more water time on the Pt Judith boats.

They quite a sight when first out of the water - as pretty and colorful as a brown trout.

[jmurr711]

pretty sure I am the new cod king.....caught on a 2/0 Octopus hook with squid strip