This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
12/06/2018 11:00 PMSo much history follows the evolution of the cod fishery along the eastern Atlantic that many towns and villages owe their early successes to it. In fact, Cape Cod, Massachusetts was named for the fish, and Gloucester was established by a colonial charter issued “to profit from cod fishing.” Atlantic cod of the family of Gadidae are found in cold deep waters of the North Atlantic, reaching an average weight of 5- to 26 pounds. A fishery dating back to the days of the Vikings, it has been an important commodity as a food—and quite healthy, too.
Unfortunately, cod are currently at risk from overfishing, and strict regulations have been implemented in certain waters to protect the stock—as unpopular they may be to commercial fishers. This is a far cry from around the year 1600, when fishing captains were quoted as saying that cod was, “so thick by the shore that we hardly have been able to row a boat through them.” Their fishing voyages to the waters of the Grand Banks and off Newfoundland, during which cod was salted for the journey home, found that fish were “always available.”
The cod catch peaked at 810,000 tons in 1968. In the case of northern cod, the spawning biomass has since collapsed by 99 percent. The year 1992 saw the Canadian government declare a moratorium on northern cod, devastating communities along its eastern coast. In 2003, the remaining cod fishery was closed. In 2011, a team of Canadian scientists reported that cod off the Scotland Shelf was showing signs of recovery.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 2017 stock assessment, the Gulf of Maine and George’s Bank stocks are listed as overfished and below target levels. Even though the number of young fish coming into the population during the past 20 years has been well below average, fishing is still being allowed—at reduced levels, however.
Closures, although often unpopular, do yield results, as evident during World War II. An unintended consequence resulting from restricted fishing by commercial vessels revealed an increase in migratory cod stocks. Due to wartime dangers associated with vessel movement and the fact that watermen were called to the war effort, pressures on cod fishing ceased. Literally, the unintended closure of the North Sea waters actually served to protect cod and, many believe, gave rise to Marine Protected Areas. Still, even today, this is heavily debated.
So, if you want to take in some history and catch a delicious fish, think about an offshore trip to the cold water. While these fish can be caught during warm months, it is the colder weather that generally attracts recreational fishers to the sometimes heated rails of the party boats. Whether it’s a tradition to embrace or the drive to continue fishing when most vessels are stowed for the winter, cod, as always, are prized on the ocean and also at the table when available.
On the Water
The Sound continued to show its dark side as persistent small craft and gale force winds barreled along the shoreline. Yielding not an inch, they forced four- to six-foot waves across the shoals and onto the beaches, bringing with them surprises from the deep. The new week brought moderation as water temperatures remained in the high 40s—similar to the mid-Sound ones. However, as the season marched on, fishing opportunities dwindled with the fall blackfish (tautog) season closing.
Suddenly, there was a marked increase of vessels being hauled and shrink-wrapped for the winter, leaving much of the fishing being done from trailered boats. Certainly, there were still striped bass to be caught, but generally, those fish were either barely keeper size or less than 34 inches. Many of those were caught near key tidal rivers on soft plastics and jigs, while some others favored bait options. A few fish ventured out to the reefs, where most vessels would be at risk if they followed suit. All in all, it is time to turn your attention to the rivers that flow from the uppermost northern reaches down to the Sound.
If a trip is available out to black sea bass depths, go for it! Fish are still being caught. Finding them may take a little time, but they are out there. A trip to the waters off Block Island (90- to 130 feet) could easily be turned into an opportunity to fish for cod, as well. Bringing along a few extra jigs and rigs with some bait to catch sea bass and cod could result in a great addition to the holiday table. A good assortment to handle both species at varying depths would be from 8- to 16 ounces.
Although most rivers have been running high and flowing faster than normal, we have seen an easing with the moderating weather. Along with the recent daytime air temperatures warming and the rainy sessions subsiding, trout and salmon fishing has once again improved. For how long remains to be seen, although the Trout Management Areas and trout parks have been seeing reasonably decent fall activity. Rig up your lightweight gear and take a stroll by one of the rivers, testing several inviting spots along the way. The results might surprise you. Don’t forget to check which waters are open to fishing.
Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and international fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media.
For all holiday things fishy including reel repairs, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better...
Tight Lines,
Captain Morgan
captainmorgan.fish@sbcglobal.net
captainmorgan-fish.blogspot.com
twitter @captmorgan_usa