JUMPSTART THE SEASON WITH "STEAKER" SIZED COD

By the time the month of March rolls along, fishermen are chomping at the bit just waiting to get out and start scoring on great catches.  After a winter filled with cold temperatures and plenty, fishermen are ready to wet a line.  The longer the winter seems the more fishermen are ready to go.  Now the big question arises, should they try their luck from piers, jetties and breakwaters or should they join the party boat crowd.  Most fishermen are not ready to launch their boats with about a month to go.  Some anglers try the piers and jetties but they experience a wide variety of fishing conditions from gusty winds to an angry surf.  For most anglers the party boat experience is the assault of choice. Heated cabins, protection from early season weather can make a trip comfortable and enjoyable, even without catching fish.  For a very few fishermen, the personal boats are ready to be launched from trailers so they won't have to be limited by pre-determined fishing spots determined by the Captain.

If the weather allows, fishermen will generally opt for traveling offshore for the best pre-season cod action.  Armed with heavy rod and reel combinations, spooled with fifty pound test mono line and a good supply of bait and jigs, fishermen head out to the magical fishing grounds of Stellwagen Bank, Tillies and Jefferies Ledge.  When fishing Stellwagen Bank, fishermen opt for working the edges of the bank with the two most popular areas being the Northwest Corner and the Southeast Corner of the Bank.  Bottom contours and structure, along with the currents cause large fish to congregate in these areas.  Although bait fishermen presenting generous portions of sea clams do very well, jig fishermen also score heavily.  Other areas on Stellwagen Bank can be very productive also.  The Middle Bank is a popular spot for many recreational vessels as is the double "LL" on the chart.

When fishing Stellwagen, most fishermen like to fish the corners as well as the eastern edge of the bank which establishes a good drop-off that holds fair to good numbers of cod.  The western edge of the bank seems to be too much of a slope to attract many fish and fishermen.  Stellwagen Bank is a good area for fishermen to use jigs.  A drifting technique for jig fishermen often times proves to be a very productive method for working the bank.  Although, a limited amount of cod fishing takes place during the winter months, March is the month that cod fishing starts in earnest.  One local party boat works the offshore waters right through the winter months and leaves port with a full compliment of fishermen each trip.  They always return to the dock with plenty of cod and happy and satisfied fishermen.

.Even though bait works well on Stellwagen Bank, I prefer to present jigs.  Whatever jig you choose to use, wether it is a Norwegian style, Herring, Diamond, cod bomb or any of their off shoots, make sure that you add a teaser.  Teasers are varied and will increase the jigs effectiveness by a wide range.  Place you teaser 12 to 18 inches above your jig.  Your teaser can be as simple as a hook that you bait with generous portions of sea clams, squid, shrimp or herring.  Teasers can also be soft plastic baits such as shrimp tails, crawfish, worms and lizards.  They can also be Norwegian style worms.  Current regulations only allow a single hook teaser, so you can no longer use the teasers known as gorilla rigs, as these popular teasers were multi-hooked rigs.

Jefferies Ledge is another offshore bank that is highly popular among the offshore cod fishing fraternity.  Jefferies is an under water mountain range that runs from just off Gloucester well into the Gulf of Maine.  During the spring season Jefferies is known for giving up monster cod as well as haddock and cusk, all of which can be caught on a variety of jigs.  Jefferies Ledge sports a more ragged terrain than Stellwagen Bank and therefor more caution must be exercised when using jigs along the ledge.  Because of the ragged terrain, I like to use bait.  Furthermore, bait is more effective when trying to attract haddock.  If you choose to use jigs, the currents along Jefferies are much stronger than Stellwagen due to its uneven terrain, so my choice for an effective jig would be a herring jig.  The herring jig has a much thinner profile and is better at slicing through the swift currents therefor preventing it from drifting a long distance down current.  Its design also allows the fisherman to use a lighter jig thus reducing line stretch and fatigue.

Bait fishing on Jefferies is generally very productive with fishermen tallying impressive scores of cod and haddock.  During the summer months Jefferies will also provide anglers and their guests with an impressive marine show.  Quite often fishermen will observe sunfish on the surface drifting along with the current.  These huge inhabitants of the ledge are very docile and interesting  to watch.  Along with huge sunfish fishermen can also be treated to the sight of a humongous basking shark.  These gentle giants, sometimes running up to twenty feet can be seen basking in the warm surface water.  They are an impressive fish to observe and will add excitement to any fishing trip.  With all this added excitement, there is great fishing too.

Another exciting resident of the popular offshore ledge is the wolfish.  Wolfish are powerful fish that sport excellent culinary properties.  Their flesh is firm and despite its ugly and nasty looks and temperament it makes for great table fare.  Its two buck teeth and powerful jaws have been known to break a gaff handle in two.  It is a very aggressive fish, fights hard and continues to fight and attack fishermen while it is on the floor of the boat.  Approach this fish with caution if you catch one.  Jefferies Ledge is a great offshore fishing location and well worth the trip.

Tillies is one of the most popular and productive offshore fishing locations within reach of the small boat fishermen.  Tillies ragged bottom is responsible for claiming an infinite number of jigs.  To avoid this loss of jigs, fishermen have to make a minor change to their jigs.  Most jig fishermen use 50 lb. Test running line.  If this is the case with you, take a small piece of 30 or 40 lb. Test and tie your hook to the jig.  If you hook up with the bottom, which is likely, the line you tied the hook to the jig with will break before your running line and you will save your jig thus saving a good deal of money.  Although drift fishing is a popular method for fishermen to systematically cover the bottom, it is not advisable at Tillies as a bottom hookup becomes more likely.

Each spring as water temperatures start to rise from their winter lows, fishermen tally impressive catches with individual cod taken have reached weights in excess of forty pounds with many fish weighing in between 30 and 40 pounds.  Often times, party boats can be seen working Tillies and fares hauling in big fish.  Tillies can be reached by private fishing boats.  The trip will require a "skipper" to know his boat and its limitations.  A sharp eye must be kept on the weather as it can blow up fairly quickly.  If you are able to make the trip, it is a trip that you will remember and talk about for years to come.  Your goal will be to return to Tillies as soon as you can.  

Nothing tastes better than good, fresh fish, but only if it is handled properly handled and prepared before it is served.  The best way to handle your fish after it is caught is to fillet it right away.  After your fish is filleted, place the fillets on a bed of ice, but make sure that the fillet does not sit in a pool of water as the ice melts.  This will help to insure the best quality of the fillets.  If you take care in cleaning and holding the fillets properly before preparation, this added care will only maintain the highest quality of your fish.

Try different methods and recipes for preparing your fish.  Don't trap yourself within the box of conformity and prepare your fish one way because everyone does it that way.  Try something new but first of all, get out and catch some fish.