my 13 year old wants to head out on a party boat for cod and sea bass. two things i don’t love, are fishing in the cold and fishing in a party boat. doing both at the same time doesn’t exactly make me chomping at the bit to go.

the reports seem to suggest they get some fish here and there, with the occasional memorable trip. and those fish make for some mighty fine eating.

Anyone have any comments or first hand experience to share? how
miserable is it out there in january?

It's cold. Sometimes VERY cold. Dress warm and you'll be fine. Depending on who you go with it might be a VERY long day. Both times I went on the Island Current we felt like we were being held hostage. VERY good boat, they put in the time if the fishing is slow.

A crew of us from here are going on the island current Friday if you want in
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I fished off the coast of SC last week on a private boat. 25' World Cat with twin Yami 200s. We caught Amberjacks, a few small grouper and a ton of BSB. I was amazed at the size of the BSB. Has some to 6#. Used small shrimp for bait.

I fished off the coast of SC last week on a private boat. 25' World Cat with twin Yami 200s. We caught Amberjacks, a few small grouper and a ton of BSB. I was amazed at the size of the BSB. Has some to 6#. Used small shrimp for bait.

Yum, had some last night for dinner, 6 lbers would feed a big family.

Yum, had some last night for dinner, 6 lbers would feed a big family.

Bob, they were the biggest I have ever caught.

How deep Paul?

A crew of us from here are going on the island current Friday if you want in
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Would love to, but can't take a day off just now. Good luck, post a report!

How deep Paul?

Bryan, we were drifting over bottom between 50 and 70'

my 13 year old wants to head out on a party boat for cod and sea bass.

Just a note, black sea bass season is closed in all state waters of New England. Open species right now would include cod, ling, scup, haddock, pollock and choggies/bergals/cunner/ocean perch or whatever your chosen boats calls them (they are excellent table fare, by the way!)

I sure do miss those days in the gulf of Maine, we always fished out of tin boats, jigged the mouth of the river( Merrimack) for cod and slammer pollock, jigging in 14' of water sure was fun... key was to get off the water before the tide turned and brought the ice down river..

good luck guys post pictures!

...and choggies/bergals/cunner/ocean perch or whatever your chosen boats calls them (they are excellent table fare, by the way!)

Agreed. I call them cunner and cook them whole. Delicious fish.
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BSB is closed in New England. There are a few states in the south where its still open.