The spring cod fishing off Montauk has been pretty consistent this year. Steady catches of 50-75 fish, per six man charter, has been common when the weather has been good. Similar reports have been coming in from the Rhode Island boats. Areas around the Block Island; like Southwest Ledge, outside the Hooter Buoy, southeast around the Apple Tree Grounds and just east of the Island all produce cod. Also, there is always the chance of hooking a snowshoe flounder of 3-5 lbs or a good size blackfish. Closer to Montauk, there is CIA and Cartwright. Try to fish off the full or new moon phases when there will be lighter tides.
The spring run of fish is usually 5-15 lbs, with an occasional fish going over 20 lbs.
Typical tackle consists of a medium boat rod capable of handling up to 12 ounces of lead and a conventional reel with a smooth drag loaded with 30 lb line. I like a low ratio reel like an old Penn Black Senator 3/0 or a Newell 338-3.6. The new braided lines like Spiderwire or Fireline work well in the strong tides around the island.
As for rigging, I usually fish with just one hook about three feet over the sinker. However, you can fish two hooks using a hi-low rig. If snowshoe flounder are about, than rig the low hook close to the sinker using a #4 heavy Chestertown hook. For your high hook use a Mustad 4/0 beak hook snelled on 50# leader material about 12 inches long. Tie the high hook to your main line using a "stand off " knot or "wreck" knot, which prevents the hook snell from twisting around the main line. To tie this knot, take the loop of your hook leader and position it about three feet up your main line from the sinker loop. Make a loop in your main line and lay the leader loop along side. Hold the two loops securely between your thumb and index finger. With your other hand take the long tag end of your main line and tightly wrap about 8-10 turns around the two loops. Now run the tag end through the loops and pull it through. To tighten and seat the knot, moisten the wraps well with saliva. Than slowly draw the knot up by pulling on all three ends. To do this, anchor the hook securely, then slowly pull on both the main line and the tag end that has the sinker loop.
Bait is typically skimmer clam. A half of a clam is more than enough bait for your hook.
DonŐt put on too much bait and "shish kabob" your hook. It will not look natural in the current and you will catch less fish. Also, remember to have a piece of the soft belly part of the clam on your hook. It is like filet mignon to cod fish. Change your bait frequently if you are not getting bites, since the clam bait will quickly wash out of its juices.
If sand eels are in the area, the captain might recommend using a diamond jig and teaser.
This can be fun fishing when the cod are aggressively chasing bait. To fish the jig and teaser, simply drop the rig to the bottom, engage the reel and slowly wind up ten to fifteen turns and repeat the process. When you get a strike, smartly set the hook. Remember to constantly check your hooks and sharpen them frequently.
Bring along a good size cooler filled with crushed ice. I like to make a saltwater brine with crushed ice, saltwater and kosher salt right in the fishbox. It keeps the fish in prime condition. You can have the fish fileted, steaked or gutted on the way home from the fishing grounds and re-iced for your trip home. Whether fishing on a party or charter boat, remember to tip the mate the customary 15%. They really earn it.
Spring cod fishing can be very enjoyable if you get a fair weather day. But remember, the cod are in close because the water temperature is still cold from the winter. Weather conditions can rapidly change out on the water so remember to always bring your foul weather gear, boots and a warm jacket. I hope you give it a try.
If you see a lobster boat out around Block Island with usually four men and two women fishermen and one is a chunky fisherman in dark green foul weather gear and a bright orange wool watch cap, that is probably me so give a wave. Hope to see you out there.
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