COD IS KING

Gambler Special Trip Friday 2/4 Trip

2011-02-16T01:53:00.000-05:00

Headed out Friday on the Gambler at 3am to fish some spots further off for Cod , Pollack and Hake.
I got to the dock around 1:15am and there was quite a few fisherman already on the boat. Upon entering the cabin I was greeted by capemaymartin and Dakota and Madman as well.
Bunkroo was open, grill was on and at 3am(Keith's dad/grillmaster is awesone) we took off with about 21 fares.
We got to the first spot in 200 ft. of water around 6 and I got the first cod around 8 pounds not too long after that. We picked away and had a bunch of ling, and a few annoying sea bass(hate throwing back 5lb fish) and smaller pollack as well.

Next spot same thing, sprinkling of cod in the 8-10lb range and then picking bigger ling. One sharp fisherman in the bow jigged two fat cod in a row.
Next spot was in about 175 and I decided to jig and caught two Pollack, one being small and one around 15-17lbs. The fish was hooked in the side near the head and I thought I had a 50lb cod. I quit jigging and caught a dozen more ling on smaller hooks on the bottom.

There were quite a few bigger cod caught on that drop including one that went 25-30 lbs and a big pollock caught by Martin that was a little smaller than the cod. Madman had a really nice cod as did Steve and several others.
It was great to see everyone. It was great meeting and fishing with "Dakota" and meeting some other NJFISHING.COM menbers as well. Good talking to everyone.

Thanks Capt. Bob, Mike, Keith and his dad (breakfast was great)for making the trip a pleasure as always.

Leif

Gloucester Cod Trip

2010-04-27T14:03:00.000-04:00

My son Leif and I took a trip to Gloucester MA. and fished the Tuna.com with a few njfishing.com members to make up the 6 man charter. Howie Allen of Point Pleasant who put the trip together for us and we left the dock at 5:00am on Sunday. We all had our 80 fish limit by 9:30am and then tried for Haddock. Leif Francis caught 3 nice haddock to 5lbs and Howie Allen had 7. The largest cod was caught by yours truly and was estimated at 20-25lbs. The fish averaged 7-10lbs. We also caught 21 Pollock to 20lbs. Leif Francis 13 had his first 2 Pollock ever as well as a double header Cod Pollock keeper combo. All fish were caught on 12-20oz jigs except the haddock and they were caught on clams. Only 2 dogfish were caught. A good time was had by all.

Leif

Good Codfishing on New Jersey Wrecks

2010-03-01T12:20:00.001-05:00

Codfishing continues to improve on the local and offshore wrecks. More and more cod are being caught by local Party Boats out of New Jersey when the weather cooperates.
The Voyager out of Point Pleasant reported a good catch of 85 cod up to 38lbs on their Sunday Cod trip.
The Big Janaica of Point Pleasant also reported a nice catch of cod on their 2/21 offshore cod trip and other party boats like the Paramount, Brielle have been picking away at school cod on their local bottom and wreck trips.
The colder water and abundance of cod up northeast may be contributing to the showing of cod in New Jersery. Hopefully March will prove to be a productive month as well and more cod will take up residence on our wrecks this spring. Check out the links below for detailed reports and schedule...

Leif

http://www.voyagerfishing.com/
http://www.bigjamaica.com/
http://www.wreckmasters.com/

Miss Belmar Princess Cod Report Block Island and Wreck

2010-02-22T13:45:00.001-05:00

Capt. Jimmy's report......
Very frustrating morning on the grounds. Reading plenty of fish but we couldnt get them to bite. Over all picture up there was some caught some didn't . We caught a couple of shorts in the dark waited for the sun to come up moved twice in different areas around 12: 00 we steamed to a wreck that kinda saved our day. Lots of life on the wreck with throwback and keeper COD and some ling also. High hook was was 8 cod . I know of 12 people with between 5-7 cod a man some had 1 or 2 or 3 some had none with a mix of BIG LING. It wasn't the fishing we had last week , but we salvaged the day.

Pool winner was Anthony Riccardo from Easton Pa with a 30 pound COD

SAILING BELMAR TO BLOCK FEB FRIDAY FEB 26TH @ 8:00PM
ANY QUESTIONS CALL 732-681-6866 OR 732-284-9709

Miss Belmar Princess King Cod Block Island Report 2-13-10

2010-02-15T20:42:00.000-05:00

Well the overall trip was a success with everyone going home with fish. I would estimate the average catch was 6-7 cod up to the pool winner that was around 18lbs. Most of the fish were "keeper size" to 8lbs.

I was very happy with our catch of 12 keeper cod. Both Leif and Ben had some nice cod, a couple were over 29-30 inches.
It was tough fishing in the morning but as the day progressed we caught more and more. If you kept at is as most anglers did, you put together a good catch. Some guys had 10-12 or more keepers.

Captain Jimmy stayed out later to take advantage of the late bite and we got in around 11:30pm as we hugged the shoreline to avoid a rough ride home with the strong NW wind.
GREAT FOOD, GREAT FRIENDS AND A GREAT CREW.
Great to see and meet everyone. Just an awesome bunch. The nice thing was, there was quite a few NJFISHING Guys on the boat and also a few who haven't fished or caught Cod before. It was a pleasure meeting everyone.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO SNAPPERBLUEFISH WHO NEVER STOPPED FISHING AND GOT 6 KEEPER COD. AWESOME JOB BEN!

Leif

Captain Jimmy's Report....
Well @ 7:00 pm friday nite we did roll call. Loaded our boat full of HUNGRY COD FISHERMAN aboard and @ 8:00 pm we left the slip. Did our bridge thing and got out the inlet about 8:15.On the way we still had some breeze so we hugged both beaches for a nice ride out. During this time the guys were getting ready, telling stories , some sleeping and of course the FOOD WAS FLYING. Cod Cakes, Fish Chowder, and I even managed a plate of stir fry . We were @ Montauk about 3ish looked a little and settled in by 4ish. ( Taking the beach route makes for a nice ride , but it adds a little time.About a half hour more. I'd rather have the nice ride) There was no night bite for say and I believe Leif popped our cherry @ day break with a keeper cod. Things were looking grim , but the day was getting nicer and conditions were improving .We picked up made a little move to the east, tried drifting and anchoring caught a couple then no more. Picked up again made another move ng. Came back to where we read some fish earlier & heard a report of the tide turning and the fish startn to chew, so we got back in there anchored up and it was GAME ON.The stern was banging away quite nicely with shots up the sides I would say any where from 5-10 fish on @ a time. This lasted for about an hour and a half. Than it died I dont know if it was boat traffic or what , but it died. Than Capt Steven and Carl of the Vilking Fleet informed us of a bite on the drift just east of us Soooo away we went. Got there in about 15 minutes, set it up on the drift and we banged away nicely for the rest of the afternoon till we left the grounds @ 2:50 pm. Than it was time to head to the beach and duck for cover . We got to the inlet @ 10:55. the wind and current on the way home slowed us up a little and things iced a little.

Before we left the grounds i came down and asked some of the guys how they did , some had 10-12 a couple of guys in the midteens some had 6-8 like that. Everyone caught some. It wasnt the full slaughter fishing thay had been having , but considering the time the Cod turned on in the late morning / early afternoon , the poor reports from the day before we wound up PRETTY GOOD Well thanx to all who came . Hope to see some of you soon.
See Ya Soon

Capt Jimmy
Cod Express Belmar - Block Island Every Friday Nite @ 8:00 pm. Feb 19, 26. March.12,19,26.

Any Questions Call 732-681-6866 0r 732-284-9709

Cod trip update for Miss Belmar Princess

2010-01-27T07:08:00.005-05:00

BLOCK ISLAND COD TRIPS WITH MAYBE A WRECK OR TWO
BAG LIMIT ON THESE TRIPS 20 CODFISH PER PERSON 22 INCH SIZE LIMIT

TRIPS LIMITED TO 40 ANGLERS ON A 120FT BOAT
BUNKS FOR EVERYONE
BREAKFAST INCLUDED GALLEY N GRILL OPEN ALL DAY
DATES.. FRI NITES FEB 5,12,19,26 WED NITES FEB 19,17,24, SUNDAY NITE FEB 14

ALL TRIPS LEAVE @ 8:00 PM AND ARE ABOUT 24 HOURS PRICE IS $200 RESEVATIONS REQUIRED IF THE FRIDAY NITE TRIP IS CANCELLED WE SAIL ON SAT NITE AS A RAIN DATE
Reports from Montauk are very positive and we are looking very forward to the start of our Montauk Cod Safari. The last couple of days on our down time we were busy cleaning up the bunk room testing all the heaters getting the PRINCESS ship shape for our Cod Trips. WE ARE READY TO GO !!! Just need the right weather and throw the fresh CLAMS on the boat and go. Last year we were pretty successful on these trip and looking forward to doing the same. Friday nite Feb 5th we leave @ 8:00 pm we have a few more spots left on it if anyone is interested , but it is a definate GO!!. If you are interested give us a call. All trips are limited to 40 people and the fare is $200 . Bunks and breakfast for everyone included in the price. RSVP required . There is a BAG LIMIT OF 20 COD FISH per angler & a size limit of 22 inches on these trips We have more dates after that look on the open boat forum for additional dates.

See Ya Aboard

Capt Jimmy

ANY QUESTIONS CALL 732-681-6866 OR 732-284-9709

Montauk Methods

2010-01-13T12:39:00.003-05:00

Over the past few years the codfish have been on the rebound. Tight restrictions put on the species in the New England area have started to pay off and the prolific cod is starting to re-appear in numbers.
Some of these fish have been filtering down to areas not far from Block Island RI and Montauk NY.

The codfishing has also improved in N.J. as some of these fish have trickled down and taken up residence on the local and off shore wrecks that exist 20-50 miles off our coast. Some cod have also made an appearence on the farms in the spring and are occasionally caught fishing for blackfish and ling. Hopefully the trend will continue and we will able to continue to target this fine fish.

With that being said, I have had a lot of questions regarding cod and cod fishing in different areas, specifically Montauk.

This post will primarily deal with Party boat techniques in that area with respect to the codfish that have been invading that area in Mid January, February and March.

This is typically not wreck fishing. You are typically drifting over "piles" or "pods" of fish that are actively feeding on herring or mackerel. They have the feed bag on and are getting ready to spawn. These fish are not line shy and will agressively engulf large (7/0-8/0) hooks baited with clams and can be taken on jigs as well.

Sounds easy, right??? It is if you are prepared. You need to be prepared because the "bite" does not last all day long in most cases. Without the proper gear and rigs you may only end up with a few cod, instead of your limit. You may use what you like and these fish can be hooked on almost anything, but to be more efficient and productive I recommend the following.

Rod
I recommend a heavy 8ft 30-60lb cod rod or the like.

Why? This is not light tackle fishing and you are on a Party boat. You will be using 10-20 oz. sinkers.
These fish are generally under 20lbs and most are 5-10lbs. You want to be able to lift these fish into the boat, unhook them and send the rig back down. You need a heaver rod for that and in some cases you will be dealing with double headers.

Reel
I recommend a Penn 4/0 sized reel loaded with 40-50lb mono. line or 65-85lb braid. This reel will match the rod you are using and make life easy for you.

Why? Cranking up two ten pound cod with a twelve ounce sinker from 100-160ft of water with this type of reel makes it that much easier. Why the heavier braid??? In the cold, it is much easier to untangle 85lb braid, take my word for it.

Rigs
Again for the most part, you will be drifting on pods or piles of cod. When drifting or in a currrent, I recommend a two hook rig with swivels attached to the hooks. (see tangle free cod rig to right ) The rig is aproximately 40 inches long and has two 8/0 O'Shaunessy hooks equiped with 8in curlytail grubs in pink, white, chartreuse or blue and white. The hooks are looped onto 6inch droppers and 80lb test mono is used.

Why? The swivels prevent any twisting of the rig while fishing and cod will twist while being brought to the surface. The less time dealing with "fouled" rigs, the more fishing time. The swivels will also allow a natural presentation of the bait and the curly tail grub will provide enticement.

Note...Bring traditional cod rigs as well. Often the boat will anchor when the bite slows and in those cases a rig without all the bells and whistles may work better.

Jigs
When the action slows I have found jigging to be productive. Bring 10-24oz hammered and Viking jigs tied on 80lb leader with a teaser. I have seen much success with a sliver and blue teaser on the bottom hook of the jig as the flash imitates a mackerel or herring.

Leif

Miss Belmar Princess King Cod Express Cod Safari

2010-01-12T22:33:00.002-05:00

BLOCK ISLAND COD AND WRECK TRIPS

DATES......

FRIDAY NITES 8:00 PM FEBUARY 5,12,19,26

SUNDAY NITES 8:00 PM FEBUARY 14

WEDNESDAY NITES 8:00 PM FEBUARY 10,17,24

IF THE FRIDAY NITE TRIP IS CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER SAT NITE ARE THE MAKE UP DATES.

THE FARE IS $200 ( IF FUEL RISES THERE COULD BE UP TO A $20 SURCHARGE)

TRIPS LIMITED TO 40 PEOPLE

CALL CAPT JIMMY 732-284-9709FROM 4:30 - 8:30 PM

CAPT ALAN 732-681-6866 BETWEEN 9am-6pm

Miss Belmar Princess Montauk Cod Trips Announced

2010-01-12T07:52:00.001-05:00

Captain Jimmy of the Miss Belmar Princess announced that he will be scheduling Cod trips to the Northeast. The trips were a sucess last year and he is looking forward to the trips. I was on last year trips and we had a great time and caught lots of Cod.
STAY TUNED ... Dates will be up later tonite or tomorrow

First trip will be in 2 weeks . RESERVATION AND PAYMENT IN FULL REQUIRED.

YOU CAN PM ME OR CALL 732-284-9709
Details are .....We will be goin to the NORTHEAST there will be A WRECK or two involved . We will have the FRESHEST CLAMS AROUND There will be Liefs " KILLER COD RIGS" !!!CAPT JOHN COLE ( GOLDEN TOUCH) will be aboard

JUST LIKE LAST YEAR WE WILL GO THE DISTANCE !!!!!!!!!

Cod Fishing Hot in Montauk Viking 1/11/10 Report

2010-01-12T07:38:00.000-05:00

Captain Steven Jr called in from the boat to let us know that they had a GREAT day of fishing today. The morning bite started hot with most anglers keeping 4 to 5 Cod in the first hour. We picked away all day and had a RED HOT afternoon bite again catching most of the fish on Jigs with more fish in the 8 to 10lb range than we have been seeing. Captain Mike and Captain Phil from the Brooklyn VI party boat from Sheepshead Bay took the day off from beating up Mackerel to come beat up some Cod. They were rewarded and left with a full cooler. Tony "Fish" also had a great day catching 18 keepers but of course only retaining his limit. Capt. Carl took the day to come fishing and even he was able to get his limit by the end of the day! We caught an honest boat limit of Cod and a handful of Pollack to 12lbs. The pool was won by Joseph Tyminski of Babylon NY with an 11.2lb Cod. With the consistantly good fishing we will continue sailing everyday this week.

GAMBLER cod/pollock/ling report Sat 1/9

2010-01-11T08:14:00.001-05:00

The cod was taken on one of Leif's, tandem squid rigs.

Once again the Gambler crew put in the time to put a really nice catch together. Bobby, Kevin and Keith worked their tails off in the cold and breezy conditions.
Panda Frank boated the nice cod and also a load of silver eels. Mike & another guy caught nice pollack in the teens. There was plenty of action at all times.
The last spot the ling bite was hot. "Golden Touch" Frank and I had about 30 ling. I was high hook on the banana grouper.
"GT" Frank made a signature breakfast on the way out. Panda Frank put out a load of food on the way back including fresh steamed shrimp in thai sauce and horseradish, some fried blackfish. Another guy donated some smoked yellowfin that was excellent too.
Ended up pulling into the slip around 6:30.

Brand New 90 Foot Party Boat Gambler

Sailing Daily From Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

http://www.gamblerfishing.net
captbogan@aol.com
732-295-7569

COD FISHING HEATS UP IN MONTAUK

2010-01-09T19:31:00.000-05:00

Updated Cod Report Saturday Jan 9

Captain Steven Jr just called in from the Viking Starship and he's on his way back with a boatload of cod fish. There are spots still left on the Viking Starship and Captain Steven & Captain Anthony are getting the Viking Star ready to sail, as we want to make sure our loyal customers have plenty of room to swing fish over rail. Captain Steven Jr reports an average of 7-8 cod per angler and the sharpies all retaining their limit. The cod are in! High hook honors go to Big Steve who had 17 cod, retaining his limit. The pool winner was Sean Sullivan from Patchogue who had a 12.1lbs cod and second place was taken by Scott Riemer with a 10 pounder. The crew was filleting fish the whole way home!
Viking Fleet
Cod Fishing Update- Jan 11-Jan 17

The Viking Fleet has added extra Cod trips to our schedule. We are sailing (weather permitting) daily at 3am from Jan 11 through Jan 17 (Monday through Sunday) next week. The cost is $110 per person and we are currently taking reservations

COD UPDATE NJ AND NY Local Cod Fishing News

2010-01-08T14:29:00.000-05:00

Viking

The Viking Fleet has added extra Cod trips to our schedule. We are sailing (weather permitting) daily at 3am from Jan 11 through Jan 17. The cost is $110 per person and we are currently taking reservations.
Call the Viking office at 631 668 5700 ext 0.

Big Jamaica

12-31 report

Cod – Pollock – Hake - Jumbo Porgies
We finally made it offshore and had a good showing of cod and jumbo pollock up to 40LBS. There were also some ling and hake mixed in. The big Jamaica is scheduled to sail offshore on Friday’s, Saturday’s, and Sunday’s during January and February. We will be fishing for Cod, Pollock, Hake, and Jumbo Porgies.
The pool winners were:
Jason Hatt from Denver, Co with a 40LB Pollock,
Jimmy Ricardo from Pittstown, NJ with a 35LB pollock

The big Jamaica is scheduled to sail to the offshore wrecks on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through January and February.
For further information call the office at 732-528-5014 or go to our website @ www.bigjamaica.com.
For further details go to our website and click on the “schedule”. Check our schedule for updates @ http://www.bigjamaica.com/

Gambler

GAMBLER cod/pollock/ling trip thursday

Overall, good fishing. Some real nice cod up to 30+ lbs, pollock 12lbs, big ling and even some keeper blackfish. Just a handful of guys to enjoy the trip.
It was a little bouncy in the moring but the Gambler sat like a duck in it.
I tried jigging for pollock and cod but didn't catch.
Clams worked best.
Dog fish weren't too bad
Kip Tobish of PA won the pool with a brut 30 or 35lber and a 20+ lber and some fat ling.
Billy Byrne of Toms River caught a 10lb cod, 16 big ling, a keeper blackfish and a couple silver eels.

Captain Bob Bogan

Brand New 90 Foot Party Boat Gambler
Sailing Daily From Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
http://www.gamblerfishing.net/
captbogan@aol.com

732-295-7569

Killer Tangle Free Cod Rig

2010-01-06T13:05:00.000-05:00

Killer Tangle Free Cod Rig

No tangle Cod Rig.
I was never an advocate of "Bells and Whistles" When it came to rigs. Especially Cod.

I always used a 2 hook "High Low" rig tied on 60-80lb leader. The 6-10 in snelled 7/0 bait holders were looped through small dropper loops and that was it. If it was a sticky wreck one high hook did the trick. Often those rigs would get stuck and twist/tangle up. Here is a rig I have used with much sucess in New England New York an New Jersey.

Tip. Since there are not tons of Cod around I use the "Last one down is a rotten egg method". Meaning I am ready with bait on to hit the bottom as soon as possible after anchoring. When that Cod sees those grubs and clam on your hook first....you got him! "You snooze you lose"

The Cod are coming back. Hit the Gambler, Jamaica, Jamaica II, Voyager, Golden Eagle or other Sponsor fishing for them. I have caught Cod on most of these boats. If you can't get out now, the Spring should be good too.

This rig works great when there is a current. It does not tangle and it catches Cod.
You can also remove the botom hook and replace it with a smaller hook on a snelled leader for ling.

DISCLAIMER...

CONDITIONS VARY SO NOTHING WORKS PERFECT ALL THE TIME AND I KNOW EVERY COD FISHERMAN HAS THERE FAVORITE RIG.

Materials

7 ft 80-100lb clear Leader
3 230lb Spro swivels
2 8/0 Mustad/Eagle Claw O'Shauhnessy
2 6-8 in Pink Grubs

First open eye of 8/0 hooks and attach swivel, close eye using pliers. The swivels allow the hooks and bait to rotate so the rig will not trist on itself.

Sharpen these hooks!!! I use a dremel to do this because it is fast. Whatever you use make sure the hooks are sharp.

1 Tie a Perfection loop in one end for the sinker
2 Tie a 6in dropper loop 6-8in up from the loop
3 Tie in another Dropper loop 3ft above the first.
4 Attach one Swivel with clinch Knot 6-10 in above last loop
5 Loop hooks on and thread on pink grubs.

Leif

Viking Cod Update Montauk January 04 Update

2010-01-05T08:10:00.000-05:00

This is from the Viking Fleet website! Click on the link to the right under Cod reports and Trips for more information.

Monday, January 04, 2010

Cod Fishing Update- The weather looks good for the next couple of days, so we will be sailing on Wednesday January 6. The trip will leave at 3am and come back at 4pm. We still have plenty of room so give us a call if you would like to join us. The number is 631 668 5700 ext 0. You can also make a reservation online. We are sailing on the Viking Starship and the fare is $110.

December 31- New Years Eve Cod Report

Capt. Steven Sr reports a very promising start to local cod season with over 50 2009 models coming over the rail. 9 year old Alex Blaskiewics took the pool with a 12 pounder. Young Alex is a true Viking fisherman- he fished hard from 4:45am till three horns blew ( with no gloves) and still had energy to nail Capt. Anthony with snowballs back at the dock. Teddy whacked 7 beauties and our own Ray had 4 thanks to Richie Nessel who vacuumed the dogs so the rest of the boys could catch cod. Brendan Reddan had 5 fish to 11.75lbs. In addition to the cod we also had a nice mess of ling, sweet tasting cunners, and some very big silver eels to 15lbs. There were herring, mackarel, and butterfish being either jigged or spit out by cod so the bait is here as well. Hopefully Mother Nature brings us a fishable 2010! All of us at the Viking Fleet would like to thank everyone for a fantastic 2009 and we wish everyone a healthy and happy 2010, with coolers full of fillets! You can click here to check out the photos.

2010 Viking Starship Local Cod

Starts Sat Jan 2, Sun Jan 3, Sat Jan 9 and Sun Jan 10. Starting January 15 we will sail every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting). The fare is $110 and we will reserve 75 anglers. Viking Starship Local Cod will depart from Montauk at 3am, returning at 4pm. Reservations are strongly recommended. The 125' Viking SuperStar is on standby as a second boat for those very popular days. Your full price ticket on these trips will guarantee entry in the 2010 Viking Fleet $10,000 Cod Derby.

2010 Viking Star ULTRA LIMITED PASSENGER Local Cod

Captain Steven's signature trip, limited to 28 anglers for your fishing comfort. Starting January 15 we will sail every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting). The fare is $160. The Viking Star ULTRA LIMITED PASSENGER Local Cod will depart from Montauk at 1am, returning at 3pm. Reservations are REQUIRED. Your full price ticket on those trips will guarantee entry in the 2010 Viking Fleet $10,000 Cod Derby.
Attention Cod Fishermen We are reserving for our January Local Cod and Limited Passenger Local Cod trips now! For details click here:

http://www.vikingfleet.com/Vikingnews/templates/?a=101&z=17

Salt Cod Potatoes and Broccoli Rabe

2009-12-20T10:31:00.000-05:00

Awesome traditional meal from the past...... Made this tonight for the family. This was a recipe that my parents would make us when we were young. It was my grandfathers(mothers side) recipe and I enjoyed it then and still do today.
Makes 3- 4 servings

2lbs Salt cod
1 bunch Brocolli Rabe (roughly chopped)
3 Cloves Garlic (chopped)
5 Large Red Potatoes (quartered)
1/4 Olive Oil
1/4 Red wine Vinegar

1. Soak Salt cod for 2 days in fresh water , changing water every 6 hours or so.

2. Simmer salt cod and potatoes in water slowly for 20 minutes.
3. Steam Brocolli rabe in microwave till soft
4. Place chopped garlic on a plate
5. Drizzle Virgin olive oil and Red Wine Vinegar on plate
6. Place Cod Potatoes and brocolli rabe on plate

Enjoy. Leif

Cod Medallions/Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Spinach

2009-11-18T13:56:00.000-05:00

Cod medalions with mashed potatoes, over spinach and white truffle sauce.

Serves 4

2 lbs Cod loins
4 Med. Yukon Gold Potatoes
1 Lg. Bag pre-washed baby Spinach
2 Cups frozen yellow corn
½ Cup chopped Red pepper
¼ cup White truffle flavored olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup milk

Coating for fish

¼ cup instantized flour
1tsp white pepper
1tsp sea salt

The Fish
1) Cut cod loins into 1 in medallions
2) Coat cod with mixture of flour, pepper and salt
3) Heat non-stick pan, add truffle oil
4) Cook fish 2 minutes on each side on high heat

The Potatoes
1) Cook potatoes in microwave on paper towel till done (about 5 minutes)
2) Peel potatoes and put in bowl with milk butter salt and pepper
3) Mash till smooth

The Spinach
1) Steam spinach right in the bag as per directions 3 minutes
2) Set aside

The Corn/Red Pepper
1) Heat a lg. non-stick pan with a tsp of oil.
2) Cook corn and peppers 5 minutes med heat, salt pepper to taste
The Sauce (separate ingredients)
In a sauce pan add
2 tablespoons of truffle oil, ¼ cup white wine, ¼ cup of light cream, ¼ cup chicken broth dash of Worcestershire, ½ tsp gravy master, dash hot pepper, dash lemon juice, salt pepper. Heat and wisk for 5 minutes.

First Cod

2009-10-28T20:46:00.000-04:00

It was a cold gray December morning in 1972. The wet snow was barely enough to warrant the use of windshield wipers on the Blue 1969 Dodge Polara’s windshield. They were on though, and rubbed against the glass in a thumping thick squeal. The vent window was open but provided relief no from my Dad’s Camel cigarette as we seemingly drifted down the desolate highway. The heat felt good on my legs and feet.
“What are you thinking about?”, my dad said. “Nothing” I answered. I was too tired to talk because I was up all night thinking about the Cod. “Well, I hope we get a few”, he said. I just nodded and nuzzled my chin back down into the old bomber jacket I was wearing. The collar smelled musty and like smoke. Some of the brittle sheep skin lining was coming off inside. It was too big but it was warm and we dubbed it the “Cod coat”.

We pulled into the Belmar parking lot. It was cold and the wind bit at my face and spilled down my neck. I smelled the diesel from the boats and liked it. Years later I saw Apocalypse Now and remembered the line, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning”. To this day when I arrive at the boats with my son, I think to myself, I love the smell of diesel in the morning.

We were greeted by smiling captains and mates waving us over like they knew us. “What are you fishing for today fellas??” There were ½ day Mackerel, All day Whiting and Cod boats.

“Cod” we said and made a bee line for the one with the big COD sign. We climbed on board with our rods and a bucket filled with sinkers, snelled black cod hooks and lunch. I tried to open the heavy metal door and budged it a quarter way as it lifted up and got stuck. My dad completed the task and we got a seat and table by the door. The cabin was dimly lit .The smell of cigars, cigarettes and coffee filled the air.

The fluorescent light flickered and dimmed further as the engine rattled the boat. We were off.

“It won’t be long now” my dad said as we headed out of the inlet. My dad had told me stories of the Cod and I saw them when he brought them home, but I never caught one. In fact I had only caught Sun fish and Carp. I was only seven years old. There were no other kids on the boat, just old guys, me and my dad.

Before long we reached our destination. Back then you didn’t have to go far. We left the dock at 7:30am and within an hour or so we were fishing. The mates cracked whole clams and we baited our hooks with whole clams. “Isn’t this too much bait” I asked.” They have big mouths and big bait catches big fish” was the reply. “Just keep it on the bottom”. I think he asked me if I was on the bottom a thousand times that day.

I wasn’t long before my dad had a fish on. The 7 foot 4 inch rod with one grooved guide bent the rod into what looked like a bow from a bow and arrow. The rod from what I was told was one of the first fiberglass rods. He got two of them, one for him and one for his friend. There was no reel seat. Just a type of Chinese hand cuff , twine wrapped area to which the Penn 68 was clamped on with two hose clamps. This “rod and reel combo” always turned heads and raised questions. My dad was one who used it until it didn’t work any more. I still have the rod and reel.

The fish was at least twenty pounds. It came to the surface, fat white belly and magnificent spotted sides. Fins raised gills flared and prominent barbel. In one fell swoop the gaff was planted and the fish was on the deck. Instinctively, I quickly grabbed the fish under the gills. The twisting fish cut my small hands on the knuckles and fore finger as the sharp gills raked across the skin. The mate unhooked it while I held it in pain. I dropped it in the burlap bag tied to the rail.

No cameras, no bleeding of fish, no coolers, no vacuum sealing and no internet report. Just a memory burned in my mind with smoldering white hot precision.

Soon it was my turn. I was using a Penn 155 with the same type of rod, hose clamps and all. My dads friend Tom had given up fishing and relinquished the rod to him. I still see him to this day walking in Deal. I often wonder if I should give him a ride but the thought, even as I type brings tears to my eyes. He came upon hard times and lost his family. I still have his rod as well.

Soon it was my turn. Fingers and toes frozen. Nose running and adding more flavor to the sheep skin collar I reeled and reeled. “Take your time” my dad said. “Don’t jerk him off the hook.” Heart pumping, all of a sudden it became warm. I remember my eyes peering over the rail, neck and arms straining, I wondered if I would get the Cod in. I did. My fish was smaller but no less regal. Ten pounds or so of bristling beauty. It’s gold and black eyes lowered and stared at me as I attempted to unhook it with my numb fingers. I saw its muscles tense under its leathery olive spotted covering and stared in awe as it succumbed on the icy deck.

This was my first Cod.

My dad won the pool that day. He bought everyone beers and tipped the mates well. I don’t think he kept any money that day and gave me twenty dollars. “We always split the pool”, he said. To this day I still do with whom ever I fish with.

Cod is King,

Leif

Wreck fishing for Cod

2009-10-26T16:02:00.000-04:00

20-40 "Wreckommendations", Tips, Ect.

Recently I have had quite a few e-mails regarding the 20-40 mile Wreck trips offered by some of the NJ party boats. 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 7ft 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.(The Cod rig I posted works as well but some people are having a hard time with the swivel attachment) I use 6 inch pink curly tail teasers on the hook or 4-6" Pink Tsunami Squids or Pink or red 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 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-80lb leader material. One 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 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 4-6in 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