PLUM ISLAND COD: LATE SEASON ACTION

If there is one thing that most fishermen have in common, it is their continuous quest for knowledge. Not only is this a search for knowledge about the different species of fish and their habitat, but it is also a thirst that is looking to be quenched by the knowledge of the many different areas to fish, along with the different methods of catching fish that have been successful among anglers. There is an abundance of knowledge to be learned just by asking. Some of the best sources of this knowledge comes from fishermen themselves. Most fishermen are cautious about asking questions for they feel that they will look inferior in their own education. This is far from the truth as most fishermen are constantly looking to expand their information. Many times anglers are simply looking for information to increase their knowledge of successful methods, techniques and baits to use in a particular area.

Whenever a fisherman tries out a new area, he should start by talking to the local anglers. There are generally two types of fishermen that are available to talk to: the experienced fisherman and the kids. Often times, but not always, the experienced fishermen will hold information "close to the vest" for fear that additional anglers will invade his territory. On the other hand you are quite likely to get good information from the kids as they fish often and are not afraid to divulge information.

Cod fishing on Plum Island generally starts as soon as the spring weather starts to moderate. During the summer, the cod fishing dies off as other species enter the area and cod move off to deeper waters. By the time fall arrives and the waters start to cool off, the cod return and will stay throughout the winter. Prepared for the cool weather of fall and the cold weather of winter, anglers cast a variety of baits from the beach and score nicely all through the remainder of the season. The bulk of the catch consists of small and market sized cod with an occasional "sneaker" hauled onto the beach.

The methods for fishing along the beach are relatively simple. Most anglers use bait and the preference is generally for sea clams, clam necks, shrimp and squid. Tackle requirements are basic with fishermen opting for a gold hook, rigged with a sliding sinker, a tandem rig or a scotsmen’s rig. Hook sized generally run from a 4/0 to a 7/0. Many fishermen seem to prefer the tandem rig as this popular rig allows anglers to use two different baits. The most popular seems to be a generous portion of sea clam on the bottom and a shrimp on the top hook.

Spring and fall are the most popular months for fishing for cod along Plum Island’s long stretches of beach. Although some anglers do catch cod during the day, the best cod fishing takes place after the sun drops below the horizon. The glow of the many Coleman lanterns signals activity on the beach. Usually, the better the action, the more lights that can be seen.

Some of the better areas to fish during the cooler months are located in the reserve area and along the beach where the road takes a dogleg to the left. Enter the beach at this point and start walking to the right. Off in the distance you will see a rockpile just offshore. This has proven to be a good spot over the years. The current can be strong and addition weight is sometimes needed to hold your bait in place.

Another good area for cool and cold weather cod fishing is located at the other end of the island by the old Coast Guard Station. Once in the parking lot a long trek over the sand is necessary. In this area, fishing the ocean facing beaches are much more productive than fishing the shores along the river. This is also a good area for fishing with jigs. There are less battles with the bottom when the treble is changed to a single, dressed hook.

Successful anglers will generally vary their retrieve in order to impart a somewhat irregular action to their offering. Moving your rod tip up and down and from side to side will also work to your benefit making your bait appear erratic. During the retrieve I like to use what I call the "crawl and jump" technique. This allows the bait to "crawl" on the bottom then "jump". This is accomplished by a slow retrieve followed by a sharp rise in the rod tip. It has been very effective. Sometimes subtle changes in the way you cut your bait can make a difference. Something as simple as cutting your bait into strips rather than chunks can make the difference between fish and no fish.

Late season boat fishermen will generally find cod throughout the length of the island but there are a few spots that are better than others. They consist of small hills and bumps located just offshore. Fish can generally be found on the inside of the hill during an incoming tide. The hill allows the fish to exert less energy while waiting for food to pass over.

Jig fishermen usually do very well in these areas. A slowly worked jig seems to attract greater numbers of cod and adding a bait strip or teaser to the jig generally produces even more strikes.

The next time you find yourself laid out in front of the TV and bored to tears, give Plum Island a try. You just might find a new spot worth returning to.