Cod Tackle
Our recommneded cod fishing reel is a Penn Torque TRQ100LD (6.2-1 retieve). This reel is fast and powerful, and it makes it easy to bring up fish (and rigs that need to be re-baited) from extreme depths. We recommend loading the reel with 65lb Berkley Big Game Braid.
Our recommended cod fishing rod is a 7’0 Penn Torque TG2040C70 rated for 20-40lb line. Though the rod rating may seem light, this rod has a surpising amount of muscle. However, if you know you will be fishing very heavy sinkers the 6’6 Penn Torque TG3080C66 rated for 30-80 line would be a better choice.
The bait rig should consist of two dropper loops tied into a 4ft length of 80lb Berkley Big Game Fluorocarbon leader approximately 24″ apart tipped with 5/0 black Mustad Ultrapoint Beak Bait hooks.
The rig should be attached to the main line with a #6 Mustad Rolling Swivel and completed with a sinker ranging from 6-16oz depending on the speed of the drift. The diamond jig rig consisted of a 3ft length of the same leader material attached to either a smooth or hammered diamond jig from West End Fishing Tackle. The shape of these jigs is by far the best and most effective we have ever used for cod fishing.
You may also add a teaser on a 7/0 Mustad Baitholder (92641) hook that can include of a Berkley Saltwater Gulp 6″ Grub in variety of colors, all of which are very effective.
If you are fishing a bait rig, recommened an 8/0 Ultrapoint Beak Bait hook (92568BLN).
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Cod Fishing Locations
Capt Andy, Capt Joe Huckemeyer (Helen H), Capt Rich, at Georges Bank
Georges Bank and Stellwagen Bank both cod year round. Only on very rare occasions, when the water gets extremely cold does the bite slow. The run to the edge of Geroges bank is a least 50 miles and is usually accessible only by larger boats or when the conditions are just right. The shot to Stellwagen is much easier and is less than 20 miles from Boston Harbor.
When spawning in the late Fall on Georges Bank, the cod can be found a little closer (and shallower) on some of the many wrecks that litter the bottom. The combination of strong tidal currents and wind can sometimes create some daunting seas.
In early winter through late winter there can be a very respectable run of fish that can be reached from Rhode Island and Montauk, Long Island.
What to bring
For most anglers, open boats and charters are the best way to experience this fishery. The right piece of bottom can make all the difference. Most captains carefully guard their most productive spots. Rather than take a long ride, burn a lot of fuel, and spend the day trying to find a good piece of bottom, it is both easier and usually less expensive to go on an open boat or book a charter. These captains spend a lot of time in this area and have a very good handle on where the fish are at certain times during the season. Their knowledge of the tides and currents is invaluable. Anglers should bring a cooler and several layers of warm clothes even during the summer months. Cod fishing can get very messy and the decks need to be washed down frequently. Deck boots and skins are a must.
All the boats supply tackle if you need it. If you bring your own be sure to leave your light tackle home.
Cod Fishing Rods
For years many anglers used long heavy cod sticks to handle the weight, provide enough length to work their jigs effectively, and much needed hook setting power. Those days are gone. The new composite (Berkley Fireline) lines and gel spun lines (Berkley Big Game Braid) have a thinner diameter and much less water resistance. The lack of stretch allows the angler to feel every bite and provides for an excellent hook sets regardless of the depth. Double headers of 20lb+ fish are not uncommon and 50-80lb test line is needed. A heavy 7′ rod rated for at least 40lb line is a minimum and will be able to handle nearly all situations.
Cod Fishing Reels
Capt John Walker, Capt Rich, and Capt Andy at Stellwagen Bank
Sinkers and diamond jigs weighing from 14-20 ounces are usually required when cod fishing. Even though the fish are often found in shallower water during the cold winter months, be prepared to fish some very significant depths. It is not unusual to be fishing in 200-300ft of water. Reels with very high gear ratios (fast retrieves) are required. When fishing baits at these depths the amount of time and effort needed to retrieve and re-bait a rig must be minimized. A reel with a very high ratio of retrieve will certainly be more productive.
Anglers who wish to fish with monofilament lines should use 50lb test. 80lb test has too much water resistance and any lighter line will have too much stretch.
Cod Fishing Rigs
Aside from an assortment of large diamond jigs and heavy sinkers, anglers should bring a supply of 7/0 Mustad Ultrapoint Beak Bait hooks both for fishing bait and making teasers. There is a “two hook only rule” and anglers can use no more than two hooks at any time except for a diamond jig which can have a hook on both the top and bottom. The basic rig consists of a 3-4’ length of 80lb Fluorocarbon leader attached to the main line via a 130lb or 230lb swivel. The bait rig has one dropper loop 12 inches above the sinker and a second loop 24 inches above the first. Dropper loops stand out 3-4 inches. The jig rig has a single dropper loop tied at least 24 inches above the jig. The dropper loop is passed through the eye of the hook and can be tipped with scented soft plastic baits. Berkley makes a variety of colors and shapes that can be used to match the bait in the area which includes mackerel, herring, sand eels, squid, and others.
Presentation
When fishing bait or jigs it is critical to maintain contact with the bottom. More weight must be used as the speed of the drift and/or the depth increase. As the rig is lifted off the bottom and the scope of the line is increased, the angler must pay out additional line until the rig hits the bottom. This can usually be done a few times until the water resistance from the amount of line makes it impossible to get down to the bottom. The rig must be retrieved and flipped out again just slightly up-current.
