Late Fall South Shore Deep Water Wreck Fishing

Thanksgiving has passed and the 1998 fishing season here on Long Island is rapidly coming to a close. I just lost my last Orient Point blackfish trip of the season to heavy winds and rough seas. I am hoping we will have a shot at blackfish on 17 Fathoms in December, if the weather gods smile on us.

There is still another possibility. For the last few years, some of the party boats out of Freeport and Point Lookout make marathon trips to offshore wrecks in search of giant cod and seabass. These trips can be quite successful if you manage to have some fair weather. I caution that these trips are not for the novice or bay partyboat fishermen. Early winter seas can become quite uncomfortable very quickly, so be warned.

These trips typically run 60-80 miles from port, leaving the dock around 12 midnight to 2 AM. The boat can easily run 3-4 hours or more to the first wreck. These trips are usually by reservation only and fill up quickly.

For proper tackle and gear, lets start with the correct clothing. Waterproof and insulated deck boots are essential coupled with warm insulated socks. Good foul weather gear, like Helly Hansen or Grunden, are also essential. A warm jacket, hat and gloves round out the clothing. Remember, if you are toowarm you can always take a layer off.

Since you will be fishing deep water wrecks, I would recommend bring two rod and reel outfits. When you are into a “hot bite” and you break off a rig, you do not want to waist time re-rigging. The second outfit will put you right back in the game. I usually have four outfits ready at all time for this reason. Two outfits are the heavier set up and two are the lighter set up.

For the heavier set up I use a seven foot medium heavy Calstar or Seeker composite boat rod rate from 20-50 lbs. Matched to this is a Newell 338-3.6 or Penn Senator 3/0 reel spooled with 30 lb test line. The lighter outfit consists of a seven foot Calstar or Seeker fast action composite boat rod rate from 20-30 lbs matched to a Newell 235-3.6 ., Penn Squidder or 320 GTI spooled with 20 lb teat line. The heavier outfit is used when there are larger cod or pollack being caught. The lighter outfit is used primarily for seabass, but can easily handle a soaker cod or big pollack, if the need arises.

Terminal rigging is quite simple. The rigging is almost identical for both light a heavy outfits, except for the size of the hooks. I start with tying to the main line a 20 foot shock leader of 50 lb. mono, either Ande or Big Game. The shock leader is attached with a double uni-knot. At the tag end of your shock leader tie in a sinker loop.

For cod fishing, I use one hook. I like a 5/0 Mustad forged baitholder or a Gamakatsu 6/0 Octopus hook. These should be snelled to an 18 inch 50 lb. leader and attached to you main line with a dropper loop about 2-3 feet above the sinker loop.

For seabass fishing, I use 3/0 hooks, again, Mustad or Gamakatsu, and snell them to about a 10 inch leader of 50 lb test. You can fish two hooks, the first is attached about 4 inches above the sinker loop, and the second is attached about 18 inches above the first hook. Again, use dropper loops to attach the hooks. Sinker size will vary with the prevailing wind and sea conditions, and can range from 10-16 ounces.

Bait is usually skimmer clam. I would bring along some fresh squid cut into 4-5 inch penant shaped strips, for the seabass, if the boat does not provide any. I you are lucky, and the weather gods smile on you, you should experienced some very good fishing. A few of the southshore partyboats have already made some early trips with very good success. Codfish to 45 lbs and seabass to 6 lbs. should make anyone smile. Check the local papers and the Long Island Fisherman for the latest sailing schedules. Try to pick your day that has several fair weather days before it and you will probably have a great day.