As my father always says, “People who come to Montauk want to be in Montauk. They’re not just passing through on their way somewhere else.” Montauk is known as the Fishing Capitol of the World, and, in my mind, there is no doubt about that label.
The variety of fish that can be caught in its vicinity is unmatchable. During the summer, people from the New York metropolitan area, as well as from the surrounding states, flock to Montauk to take in its beaches, and enjoy its fishing. But the folks who come to Montauk in the summer miss something — they miss the true Montauk and the true Montauk fishing that comes out in the winter.
To wake up at 5:00 a.m., see the frosted grass, breathe in the fresh brisk air, and watch the sunrise is something unexplainable. Go to Gaviola’s, get a cup of coffee, say hi to your friends, and talk about what’s been going on in their lives. It’s a purity of life which few people ever get to experience. And to truly receive the raw experience of Montauk in the winter you must go fishing. You must fish for cod.
There are a number of boats in Montauk sailing day cod trips on the winter weekends that are extremely enjoyable. Most depart around 6:00 a.m. and return at 4:00 p.m., so be prepared for a full day of fishing. They travel to the vicinity of Block Island where they catch cod, pollack, ling (hake), and conga eels. So far this season, sea bass have also been a part of the catch. Most charter boat captains use the winter to get their boats ready for the upcoming season, but a few sail for cod. Of the bigger boats, both the Viking Fleet and the King Wayne are on a winter cod schedule.
Tackle and bait is supplied on the boats, but you can also bring your own. For local cod, you need a heavy bass rod with 30- to 40-pound-test line. 3/0 bait hooks are just fine. Clams are supplied, but I have heard that the secret inshore bait is squid, especially since the inshore cod are a little less aggressive than their offshore relatives, particularly during spawning season.
Just as important as proper tackle is proper clothing. Bring many layers of clothes — you can always add or subtract as conditions warrant — boots and slicks.
These day cod trips are great to shake the winter cabin fever blues, but, if you want to experience the most amazing cod fishing ever, you must take one of the extended excursions to the George’s Banks on the Viking Starship. The fishing and the fishermen on these outings are unparalleled. It’s as close as one can get to a fishing experience at its most pure form and they’re meant for pure fishermen.
There is something about the folks who make these trips that you find nowhere else. They’re true people who tell it as it is. No matter where you come from, if you are a good person and enjoy fishing, you will be accepted.
When I went on my first trip, I wasn’t sure how to fish for Banks’ cod, but that was no problem. Without even asking for help, I had the mates and my fellow anglers taking me under their arms and assisting me. Some even told me their rig secrets.
Oh, it can be cold, all right, and rough, but great. The seas were far above 10 feet on my first trip. Boy, was I sick that first night traveling to the grounds, but it didn’t stop me. I woke up to cod hitting the deck, grabbed some fresh-cooked eggs and bacon cooked by the fabulous Linda, and was out on deck, killing the cod. I fished all day, fell asleep from exhaustion that night, woke up the next morning — still feeling a little green — and fished the rest of the day. What I’m trying to say is that the trips are not for the faint-of-heart, but, I warn you, they’re addictive. Yes. I had a bout of mal de mer, but I go back again and again.
Fishing for offshore cod is much different from fishing inshore. The boat supplies the bait and all the tackle that’s needed, but you must pay to rent the rods and buy the jigs. You can also bring your own tackle.
If you bring a rod, make sure it’s not too light. You need a heavy, 7- to 8-foot rod that can handle two 16-ounce jigs in deep water.
The set-up for offshore cod is much more complicated than inshore. Use 50-pound-test line and a 60-pound-test leader connected by a swivel to the main line, then a dropper loop with a Jellyworm connected to a jig with an Improved Clinch knot 16 to 18 inches from the Jellyworm. The secret to the Jellyworm is color. On sunny days, it’s better to use a light-colored soft plastic worm, and, when it’s a dark day, a dark-colored worm works best.
Make sure to check your knots repeatedly and retie them if you have the slightest doubt. Trust me, it’s worth it. If you’re not catching, look to the people who are and see what they’re using.
There are two methods of jigging for deep-water cod. One is “yo-yo jigging” right off the bottom, and reeling in a turn or two in every ten jigs. If that’s not working, reel up ten to fifteen turns slowly, and you should get a hit.
When the boat is anchored over a wreck, clams are used, but jigging is the most popular tactic.
Remember that many tackle shops around the area and in Montauk are closed or on reduced hours during the winter. If you want any specific tackle in Montauk, give John Derrico a call at 631-668-9134. He’s one of the best experts on cod fishing.
The trips can get a little crowded, so it is proper etiquette to just wait to be helped. If you lose a fish, don’t worry. You’ll catch many more. Act nicely, and everyone will treat you in kind. I guarantee it. Relax and enjoy yourself.
As I said earlier, it gets pretty rough out there, so make sure you bring along many layers of clothes. You should most definitely bring slickers and you need boots, if you don’t want to get frostbite. There are bunks on the boat, but you need to bring a sleeping bag. The earlier you make a reservation, the better the bunk you can choose.
I also bring snacks. Hot meals are available on board for an additional price, and they are excellent, but fishing hard in cold weather means you’ll have to stoke your body’s furnace often.
Finally, it’s a long trip to the grounds, sometimes up to 10 hours. Bring some reading material and don’t forget the cards. You must bring a deck of playing cards for the trip out. After catching all of those cod, you’ll be too tired to deal on the way back.
Have a happy, healthy, and “fishy” winter.
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Adam Wolk has been fishing Montauk since he was six, comes to Montauk during the summer, and as many times as he can during the winter. This summer, he will be working on the Lazybones, sailing out of the Johnny Marlin Dock.
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