04-14-2002, 12:21 AM
STELLWAGEN BANK,MA- Cod Fishing 4/13/02 <br><br>Bergen County Saltwater Anglers annual two-day cod fishing safari got under way on Sunday April 7. Former President Ed Ajamian and friends from Skillman, NJ toughed out the seas that were more than forecast on both Sunday and Monday. Finding that the sand eels had moved in to Stellwagen’s shoal-water, the group was treated to some of the best morning action of the season on B-Fast’s JANET B. Cod between 6 and 10 pounds were foraging on the eels and jumped on the jig and teaser rigs as soon as the hit bottom.<br>On both days, a trip to the deep-water to the east produced bigger cod and more variety on both bait and jigs. Club member Bill Meroth took top honors with his 21.5 pound steaker. While Ed and Steve Debreor each hooked a wolfish. A few haddock to 8 pounds, caught on bait came from the deep-water each day.<br><br>Through the week, groups from NY and NJ experienced the same fishing in the shoals.<br>Mike Xenakis from Middletown, NJ had great fishing morning on the shoals jigging in the schools of sand eels. Moving to the deep-water fishing structure with clam bait produced some bigger cod, haddock and a few wolfish. Pool winning cod this week were in the 20 pound class. Further, whales feeding on the eels have been producing a great show. Rob McGinnis and friends from Orient, NY and Dennis Scheafer from Bellmore, NY and friends both had early morning shoal-water jigging action catching cod and pollock to 16 pounds on Friday, finishing up in the deep-water using bait later in the tide.<br><br>Capt. Mike Bartlett<br>B-Fast Charters<br>www.bfastcharters.com<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>Capt. Mike Bartlett<br>B-Fast Charters<br>www.bfastcharters.com