Cod fishing in the surf.
 

Just read a fascinating article on surfishing for Cod in February.

I am going to do it. Quonnie on the softside and Matunuck are where they say there are Cod. You fish bait on the bottom and you can use jgs.

WOW! I guess youre feeling better if you're already planning to hit the sand.

I used to do quite well a billion years ago on plum island. 2 spiked 8 & bait meat sticks with fresh clam. Drag a metal MDC barrel off the street and burn whatever driftwood was handy. Nothing jumbo but plenty of 5-15.
Damn tasty fish.
I miss it for sure.

Would be a cool find - who knows, might be a monster bass lurking

What article did you come across on the subject? I have been talking about trying for cod again in the winter surf for years, even had several discussions here a few times on the subject. I have some vac-sealed squid I jigged up in my freezer from this fall ready to go in case the urge strikes me this winter.

Whole chapter in Eastern Tides, one of Frank's books. Toby, I am going to do it in February. We'll talk.

My understanding is the best bait is clams. The problem is they dont stay on the hook.

I've read that if you brine the clams, they will become leathery and stay on the hook.

More to come.

Just get the hook into the toughest part and through them a few more times. If they’re somewhat fresh they will stay on if you cast with a high ark. They get mushy when older but I’ve never brined them.

If I remember right the Jersey guys tie them on with a bit of thread, you’ll hear them before you see them and if they give you any crap drop that you used to hang with Pauly D down Providence.

I used to fish after a NE blow. Get the clams right on the beach at times. Fresh stayed on good enough. Also did the Moon island in Boston back in the late 70’s early 80’s. Fishing with the ex-cons and gangsters. Sitting in a Dodge Dart, listening to the Bruins watching the rods and rolling the windows down now and then to shoot rats with a 22. Those were the days 😃

I’ll be working the booth for Big D plugs at the Narragansett show this Saturday
Also at the Connecticut show 1/18.

Come by and say Hi

So, did you ever fish for Cod in this manner?

No, but fished for bass plenty of times off the beaches in LC. Can’t imagine you’d rig them any different aside from the time of year.

Bring squid too. Fish two (or more) rods if possible, to increase your chances. Sliding sinker rigs or egg sinkers. 5/0 hooks.

The time to try would be November, I bet the wander inshore at times. Maybe they are around if the herring move in close. I would bet Block has a better chance than mainland at winter shore cod, but you never know.

Bry, everything I've read indicates the guys fished Quonny and Matunuck in February.

I'll see u there and say hi. Billy D
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I’ve heard the rotation is much faster at Quonny in February :humpty:

50 years ago Paulie...50 years ago.... That fishery is a shadow of what it was.

We had a decent run inshore in November the last few years. Probably with Sand Eels around, plus in Nov you still have a shot at a big bass hanging around.

Too much doing on. Tell your beautiful wif. Doing clinae the folowing:

26 MM Edwards bovine leaflet. No issues. Heart rate is a bit high at 101. Added a Beta blocked.
Real good news is that I'm being preped for a Watchman in Feb (13 to be exact.

Wow Paul, just googled the 26mm bovine leaflet. Good luck with the recovery!

I echo what rockhound said. the fishery is a shadow of what it used to be.