04-01-2002, 03:17 AM
STELLWAGEN BANK, MA- Cod Fishing 3/30/02<br><br>March is living up to it’s reputation—the windy month. Most of the week high winds prevented cod fishing trips. By Thursday the wind shifted to the Southwest and the seas calmed. Friday four of B-Fast’s vessels fished the bank. Finding little life in the shoals, the groups moved to the deep-water to the east of the bank. <br><br>Because of the absence of sand eels, clam-bait has been productive. However, if the color machine lights up with herring, the jigs and teaser rigs produce the bigger cod.<br>Ralph DeJulia’s group of Hasbrook Hts., NJ experienced just that on Friday’s trip.<br>12 cod over 20 pounds with two over 25 and numerous between 15 and 18 pounds came over the rails with the evidence of the feeding foray showing in the deck--herring. Finding and keeping up with the school of cod chasing the herring is the ticket. Not always easy, as the bigger bait-fish tend to move faster than the eels.<br><br>Wayne Neuls group from Newtown, PA found clam bait out-produced the jigs drifting over open bottom when no bait fish was showing. The bait produced decent medium cod to 18 pounds but not the steakers that fell to the jigs worked through the herring schools.<br><br>30-knot winds on Saturday, once again forced cancellations. However, it appears that we will be able to get out on Sunday.<br><br>Capt. Mike Bartlett<br>B-Fast Charters<br>www.bfastcharters.com<br><br><br><br><br><br><br>Capt. Mike Bartlett<br>B-Fast Charters<br>www.bfastcharters.com