George's Bank Cod on the Helen H ?

[squiddler]

The helen H does pretty well this time of year, but fishing has been really slow this year out of all ports. The water has been so cold that the bait has just now started to show, which should turn the bite on.

You will need a good stout 7-8 foot conventional setup, with an appropriately sized conventional reel. I like to use an 8 foot lamiglass 40-80 pound jiggin stick, and a 7-8 foot medium action 20-60 pound sealine-x boat rod for bait.

I use a 113 HlW with 50 pound big game line for both jiggin and bait. You will need some big 20 ounce bank sinkers, heavy duty swivels, and 7/0 or 8/0 circle hooks for bait fishin in 160 to 300 plus feet of water. I use 80 pound leader for both bait and jig.

The cod really seem to turn on to the metal jigs in April, the stainless norwegians or the good ol diamond jigs in the 12 to 20 ounce size, with a teaser hook about 18 inches above the main jig works best for me. I like the zing shrimp tails in pink or white for the teaser, and a green or white skirt on your jigs treble seems to help as well.

I usually do pretty well on either setup, it all depends on the depth and tide. It gets pretty difficult to jig when the moon tides are roaring in 300 feet of water. At that point you are almost forced to use bait, which is provided.(clam)
You should have a great time out there with Capt. Joe and crew, just be patient with the tangles, as they will happen. Be sure to bring some good food, and a cooler to store your catch.