Cod Bait & Jig Rigs

[BennyV]

Just curious. I booked a cod trip this winter. What kinds of rigs do you like that work well with clams? Also, what size/type of hooks. I’ve always used larger bait holder hooks.

 

[OVERBORED]

I'm amazed you found a boat that codfishes in the winter!!!!!!

Where are you fishing?

 

[Roccus7]

Don't forget to bring a jigging outfit with a 12-16 Norwegian Jig and a blue cod fly teaser. I don't even bother with bait anymore for my inshore fishing I use AVA jigs and a small red tube.

 

[Snapprhead27]

When I went out of Montauk in 17 I used nothing but a diamond jig and a bait holder like 12 inches above with a pink worm. Crushed it

 

[Snapprhead27]

I'm amazed you found a boat that codfishes in the winter!!!!!!

Where are you fishing?

King Cod out of Moriches fishes all year round.

 

[captmike28]

Just curious. I booked a cod trip this winter. What kinds of rigs do you like that work well with clams? Also, what size/type of hooks. I’ve always used larger bait holder hooks.

Sadly, our local Cod run in the winter is also just a shadow of what it once was. But good charter Captain's, like Joe on the King Cod do still find enough to satisfy everyone with some fish each day. Funny how it seems the window for winter Cod seems to be sometime in the month of January and lasts for a 2–3-week period. Outside of that time frame it can be picky.

Basic stuff has always worked well for me, Benny. A hi/lo rig with the low hook about 6" above the sinker and the high one up at another 18" above that. Simple Mustad 5/0 Sproat baitholder hooks are fine.

As others have mentioned, do not overlook the potential for a good bite on diamond jigs, tube teasers, or even a Gulp worm on a teaser hook above the jig.

Personally, I love to eat Cod and I try to do at least one trip each winter on a local charter boat. If there is room on your trip and I have the date open, please let me know. I would like to join you.

 

[OVERBORED]

If it's a charter, let the mate rig you up and go from there.

Capt. Joe's boat holds a special place in my heart. Put a lot of cod on her deck when she was in Montauk...........,?

 

[Matts]

If it's a charter, let the mate rig you up and go from there.

Capt. Joe's boat holds a special place in my heart. Put a lot of cod on her deck when she was in Montauk...........,?

he's fishing from a larger open boat now, no?

 

[Snapprhead27]

he's fishing from a larger open boat now, no?

He has a bigger head boat and still the Hatteras. He had a bigger one years ago but sold it after a season or two

 

[OVERBORED]

Didn't know he had 2 boats. Good for him. Great guy!

 

[Snapprhead27]

Here's both