COD: SALEM’S EARLY SEASON JEWEL

Salem Harbor is not only a beautiful harbor surrounded by a city rich in history, but is a harbor where many of today’s local fishermen were introduced to the exciting sport of salt water fishing. For many of us it was the fascination of catching fish, sometimes BIG fish, that draws us to the ocean. For others it was a ritual, in which a father brought his son to the shore in order to introduce him to the marvels of Mother Nature. It is thanks to this ritual that we got to spend quality time with our Dads and the hopes that we can spend the same quality time with our kids.

For generations Salem Harbor has been a great fishing harbor. Today, the tradition continues with a limited commercial fishing fleet and an ever growing recreational fishery. As the waterfront real estate evolved from factories and warehouses to prime marina space, Salem drew sport fishermen from all over the state. Most marinas have waiting lists as Salem has the reputation of being a convenient and well sheltered harbor that is close to the productive offshore fishing grounds.

Most local "Old Salts" were introduced to salt water fishing by dropping hand lines in the harbor in search of cod and flounder. We have seen many changes in the flounder and cod fisheries with fish stocks becoming dangerously depleted. Both species are now enjoying a slow recovery with fishermen observing strict limits and "catch and release" fishing. Cod fishermen score nicely during the spring season and again during the fall. Cod fishing starts before the March winds subside and continue until well after the Thanksgiving turkey is stuffed.

Cod will generally live in a variety of habitats and prefer water temperatures in the 35 to 45 degree range. This gives fishermen a good idea just where they are apt to find cod. In the full-blown heat of the summer, it is understood that cod fishing in the harbor will be almost non-existent where water temperatures will soar to neat 70 degrees. Fish, as well as fishermen, will move to the offshore grounds of Stellwagen Bank, Jefferies Ledge and Tillies Bank.

Cod enjoy a wide and varied menu. Their food preferences include clams, mussels, small lobsters, crabs, shad herring and mackerel. They are very opportunistic feeders and will generally feed upon just about anything they can get in their mouths. Although most fishermen don’t associate chumming with cod fishing, it is very effective. The chum has to be delivered to where the fish are and this can be done with the new In-line mini chum pots.

Fishermen will use a wide variety of baits that include squid strips, clam bellies, herring fillets and chunks and sea worms. Many fishermen will use jigs and rig them with teasers. Teasers can be Norwegian style worms, plastic shrimp tails, plastic shad bodies or bait stripes. When jigging for cod, drifting fishing allows fishermen to cover a greater area and is generally quite productive.

During the first of the cod season, small boat fishermen can find and catch good numbers of cod within easy travel time of local boat ramps. Both Winter Island and Pope’s Landing are available for launching all year long. Parking is plentiful at both locations. Winter Island is generally preferred by most fishermen because it puts fishermen right in Salem Harbor and only a short distance from good cod fishing.

Boat fishermen from all over the state will arrive in Salem ready to go fishing. Once the boat is launched, there are many suitable locations to test. Small boats can operate well within the range of safety and protection by staying within the harbor. Fishing around any of the harbor islands can produce cod but fishermen will experience a good many "throw-backs". White bellied cod are the most common but fishermen will also catch "rock" cod. More rock cod seems to be caught around Baker’s Island.

Eagle Bar and Eagle Island can be productive areas for small boat fishermen. Just off Eagle Bar is Chappel Ledge and Kettlebottom, both good areas. A short distance away is Cutthroat Shoals a favorite of many old time party boat skippers. Haste Shoal, Hardy Shoal, Bowditch Ledge and Whaleback are on the Beverly side of the harbor and generally will produce cod.

There are many productive locations just outside the harbor islands and are both within easy reach of small boats and productive. Pilgrim Ledge, Pickett Ledge and Gales Ledge are celebrated among local cod fishermen. These areas are fisher with jigs and bait, sometimes combining both to make a smorgasbord offering. Halfway Rock, Newcomb’s Ledge and Tinker’s Ledge are well-known for their productivity. There are many bumps, hills and ledges between Halfway Rock and Tinker’s Ledge that provide fishermen with excellent fishing. Generally a couple of fish are caught from each bump before moving to the next rise. Hill 47 and the 101 Hill have proven to be good areas for cod time and time again. Saturday Night Ledge is popular among locals.

Early season cod fishing is not limited to boat fishermen. Although the shore fishing is not as productive as boat fishing, many anglers cast a line to the late night tides in the hopes of landing a fish or two. Shore fishermen can do well from the Salem Willows Pier and Winter Island. Fishermen will also try their luck at the Beverly fishing pier.