George's Bank Cod on the Helen H ?

[chipwood]

Squiddler said it all. I don't know if you did a limited or a regular trip, but they put you on the boat in order of when your reservation was made. So on a regular trip there are quite a few guys on board. Make sure you grab a cot, but on the regular trip the cots become scarce. In years past I've done really well on the Helen-H, but the past few years I have'nt heard much. I've killed them on jigs and we've also killed them on bait. I've been going out of another port the last few years and he says he's been seeing the Helen-H there, which surprised me. The water temps have been real cold the last few winters, but in years past we've done real well all winter long. Make sure you get in the pool. I think it's $20. My buddy and I choose to split the pot if either one of us win and he's actually won three times. Each time the pool was well ovr $500.

[GBOUTDOORS]

Thanks for the replies. Should we bring a few big coolers? Two rods each? Fill the reels with powerpro 50#? How many jigs should we bring each?

[thefishingfreak]

they might not allow braid on the boat ?????

makes for nasty tangles with all the other guys using mono.

[squiddler]

Braid is a big no-no, even if the boat allows it. The tangles are horrific with it!. I would bring at least 5 jigs, a few 14's, 16's and 20's if ya got em, just in case you lose one. The areas fished do not usually produce hang ups, but beware of the props if motorfishing! Bring at least 1- 120 quart cooler per angler, more if yer feelin lucky(my best day last year filled 2 -172 quart coolers!) I would spool up with 50 or 60 pound mono.(i like trilene big game 50)

[GBOUTDOORS]

Thanks for the heads up on braid. I will go with the mono.

[nightfighter]

My bad. I PMd GB and had mentioned braid (PP). I didn't think of party boat and the crossed lines and weaving that goes on...... I'm just used to four anglers in a cockpit where I am the law... (I do like braid for the sinking effect and sensitivity at depth, don't like it in the case of a hang up)

[squiddler]

There is no question of the superiority of braid for deep water sensitivity, plus the ease of hooksets with no stretch. All I use on my own vessel is power pro 65 for all my bottom fishin, especially the tog, you feel them lookin at the bait for christ sake.Its too bad that party boats cant have the small boat ability to drop as one and clear lines with ease when a good captain dictates when to drop, when to haul in, when to cross over as oppsed to under... I have been on a few limited trips(35 anglers) on the helen h where everyone knows what they are doin, and guys are able to use braid with no problems, but on an open trip go with the mono definitely. I see alot of guys using Yo Zuri hybrid 60 on the boats these days, and they all seem to swear by it. I am thinking of trying it my next trip out.

A good source for the knockoff solvkroken stainless jigs is Bucko's in Fall River. They have various sizes up to 24 ounce for under 10 bucks. Be sure to buy a few packs of vinyl squid skirts in various colors, and get those zing shrimp tails as well. I also like to use a large(200#) coastlock swivel for ease of changing rigs out. That way you can bring one setup for ease and comfort during transition from car to boat and back again. Tie a dropper loop off a 80 pound leader setup with a teaser hook and tail, about 15 inches down tie the coastlock. For bait, simply tie a up a single hook rig with dropper loop for weight, and for the jig be sure to put on a barrel swivel if the jig doesn't already incorporate one.

[GBOUTDOORS]

Thanks again Squiddler for the info. What Buckos did you meen the one that does repairs or the bait shop?