Frozen FISH STICKS
ANGLERS FROM NEW ENGLAND COD. PHOTO: ERIC HARRISON
TEMPERATURES CAN'T KEEP KAYAK
OPEN OCEAN AND FREEZING
Cod
Travel down the New England coast and you get a taste of the affect cod have had on the region’s history. From iconic Cape Cod peninsula to the Sacred Cod that hangs in the Massachusetts’ Legislature, the deep- water bottomfish has impacted the region since the Vikings followed cod stocks to the New World before Columbus’ arrival. Today, kayak anglers get a shot at these fish as they swim close to the coast. Hobie Pro and host of New England Kayak Fishing blog site, Eric Harrison (
www.newenglandkayakfishing.com), has winter cod tracked down to inshore humps and drops in range of paddle anglers.
WHERE Harrison finds cod on outcrops and humps off the rocky New England coast. “Anywhere you can launch a kayak and paddle out to 60 to 80 feet of water you’re likely to find these structures.” He looks for the fish to congregate over weed beds where they find baitfish and crustaceans. These areas also host red algae that gives nearshore cod a redish color. “They’re the same fish as the ones caught offshore, just a different color.”
HOW Harrison paddles out to underwater humps and drops and drifts across the structure while bouncing a metal or soft-plastic jig off the bottom. Tide and wind play a big part in Harrison’s fishing plans. If the wind is blowing, he favors metal jigs that cut through the water. “I work a metal jig with an aggressive bounce,” he says. On a calm day, Harrison favors a soft-plastic on a leadhead. “I work the soft-plastic with a slight bounce and feel for the bite,” he says. He’ll often start the day working the soft-plastic. “Cod are hungry first thing in the morning,” he says, “I often catch my biggest fish first.”
TACKLE BOX Harrison relies on two types of lures for winter cod: metal jigs and
soft-plastic jigs. He’ll bounce a
one- to three-ounce Standard Issue Sand Eel when the wind is blowing or the current is cranking. In nice weather, he rigs a 10-inch Hogy on a two- to three-ounce ball-head jig. Weather affects his rod and reel selection, too. When the weather allows, Harrison uses the soft-plastic and a medium-action conventional rod for light tackle fun. When the wind kicks up, he switches to a heavier lure and medium- heavy rod to keep his lure on the bottom even when he’s drifting along at a good clip. One trick: tip the lure with a strip of squid to add scent and flavor.
BOAT Harrison looks for an ocean-going, open water boat with a long waterline and plenty of capacity. Pedals or motor make it easier to cover the water and keep the kayak over the fish. “Add a rudder to help control the boat on the drift,” he suggests.
ESSENTIAL GEAR Marking and noting fish and structure is a key to success. Harrison uses a Lowrance HDI fishfinder/GPS to track his location and find hotspots. The sensitive fishfinder helps him determine if the bottom is hard or covered with grass and baitfish where he can focus his efforts.
Editor's Note: Cod fishing regulations change during the year. Always check current regulations before heading out on the water.
42 PADDLING MAGAZINE
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