Cod Fishing - Cape Cod Bay - The Hull Truth

mcleaves · 02-03-2007, 03:53 PM

OK, I have been at this for a few years. I only recently (last 5 years) turned to salt water fishing. Not a big fan of fish to eat, but I do like white meat, like cod and haddock. So that's pretty much what I am after. My first couple trips out a few years back I went out, found a ledge about 5 miles out of Green Harbor and had a few great trips with some 20 pounders. Since then I've been chasing that day since. It' doesn't seem like it should be hard to have those kind of trips regularly from what I hear. I've been all over the area between Green Harbor and Stellwagen and fished gallons of clam and probably lost 200.00 in diamond jigs. Every once in a while I hit one that's barely a keeper. Usually there are three poles in the water. I'm still out there now (well until Jan 1) and if it's in the upper 40's I'll still sneak out.

I am clearly doing something wrong. I have scoured the net for tips and read a handful of books, but they are all pretty unspecific on how to fish cod.

I'm hoping, since this is a regional board, that someone here can clue me in to where, when and HOW to fish these things (if you have a good lat/long I'm all ears :-) ). I've always believed in putting your time in to catch fish and learning from mistakes and success. Nothing worthwhile comes EASY, but I think I'm due for some advice!

I have a 24 ft midcabin cruiser so I have plenty of boat, but I like to stay within 15 miles of green harbor.

Thanks in advance.
Mike

CJS · 02-03-2007, 05:21 PM

Hi Mike - Welcome Aboard

I launch out of the Merrimack and normally head out to Jeffries Ledge,
about 30 or so miles East, so anything I can tell you will be what works for
me in that area. I usually use clams, but will always try shrimp early in
the season. Squid and herring chunks will also produce, depending on
what the fish are hungry for. I try to offer up a smorgesborg (I know that
isn't spelled right). I'm too lazy to jig, but a guy who goes with me often
does well with the big (16 - 20 Oz.) Norwegian that he casts out into the
drift and sweeps along the bottom as he retreives. He also puts a feathered
teaser at the top of the jig, usually blue, and gets a lot of hits on that. How
deep we fish depends on the water temp. Deeper in the summer, up to
300 - 350, and around 180 - 225 in Spring/Fall. If the boat is really drifting fast,
I'll do a "reverse troll" to try to keep the bait in one place so they can find it.
I generally will give a spot 15 minutes without a hit before I'll move, usually in
1/4 mile increments and trying to change depth about 25 feet a pop. If you have
any more specific ???'s, fire away.

Good Luck

fishindoc · 02-03-2007, 05:37 PM

mcleaves are you fishing in deep enough water. what depths do you fish?
just a thought sounds like everything else you're doing right
fishindoc

mcleaves · 02-03-2007, 06:07 PM

Thanks guys.. CJS, I'll digest that..

I'm usually in 100-200 ft.. I keep hearing, even from the charter guys on a video I watched, that in winter you can grab them in 50ft or less.. I'm in the sames depths pretty much year round.

Maybe depth is my trouble. I am usually looking for structure and those are the depths I am usually find it in around here.. What is more important, depth or bottom composition? I can get deeper but it's just flat. No rocks no ledges..

M

mcleaves · 02-03-2007, 07:35 PM

Also, everyone talks about stellwagen being rich with cod, but what I wonder is are we talking ON the bank or the approach. I've fished ON the bank a few times, but it's pretty shallow across the whole thing 60-100 feet. Just seems wrong. as such I fish the waters west of it

CJS · 02-03-2007, 08:01 PM

I try to fish on the slopes, the theory being that the currents push
food up the slopes and the Cod/Haddock wait for it. But on
the other hand, I've done well when the fishfinder shows nothing
but flat bottom.

AlloyToy · 02-03-2007, 09:52 PM

Get some back issues of "The Fisherman" New England addition. There were some great articles (by Capt. Roger Jarvis) with gps numbers which will shoot you in the right direction to catch cod. You can also use a sea anchor (drift sock) to slow your drift down. Use braided line, it lets you feel the light hits. You have to put your time in, keep a log (of everything) and learn as you go. Years back I've had charters where we fished 8 hrs on the bank and had 1 keeper. It happens. Don't be afraid to start inshore first. Years back you could get them at the first bell outside of GH.

Good Luck.

mcleaves · 02-04-2007, 12:59 AM

Anyone know hw to get The Fisherman" New England edition? I have been looking and can;t seem to find it on the web. there are a few that could be it, but not sure i am looking at the correct publication."

I do use a drift sock from time to time.. I have had my best luck just behind the #6 bell outside GH. everyplace else I go I strike out. the cod there are just pretty small. I don;t like taking the little ones (still keepers though). Like to let them grow and reproduce.. But when you go dry for so many trips, well you know..

I tried braid most of this season for the first time, but i had a lot of trouble with tangles causing me to cut the line. Just switched back to mono last trip Have to say there is a HUGE difference in feel (I like the braid), but I spend more time fishing. One dogfish with a couple poles of braid and I was screwed it seemed.

M

AlloyToy · 02-04-2007, 09:26 AM

Call (860) 572-0564 They should be able to help you.

glassgrinder · 02-06-2007, 01:31 PM

Check out the Noreast.com forum. Do a search for "The Codfish Bible". You'll be reading for days.

- Jay

mcleaves · 02-06-2007, 11:31 PM

Thanks Jay!!! A good read.

By all the options I've seen presented in there I should just be able to toss my sneaker over with a hook in it!

Mike

AlloyToy · 02-07-2007, 08:09 AM

Not to keep promoting Capt. Roger Jarvis, but he came out with a book called "Bottom Dunkers Bible". Great book, takes you through all the steps to successful bottom fishing.

You can buy it from him. "JAZZ" Sportfishing in Kingston, MA.

mcleaves · 02-07-2007, 02:07 PM

Where is JAZZ located? I'll be in Kingston this weekend (live on the South Shore)

-M

AlloyToy · 02-07-2007, 02:32 PM

Do a google for MA charter boats on CC "Jazz" Kingston, MA. He's been a Capt. since dirt. Tells some great stories too. Charter a trip with him, it's like going to school. He does personal 1-2 man charters very reasonable........just a great guy.