Too say the least, I cannot express in word how great a time I had with my customers Robert, John and Phil on this past Saturday’s fishing charter.  Robert and John began fishing with me beginning in 2007 when I first started chartering and was fishing various ports from a trailered boat.  They are very experienced fisherman and great guys to have on board.  This is the first time Phil fished with me,  he has fished extensively offshore and so I was anxious to show him how we do it aboard the Lady Diane.

The afternoon weather forecast was dismal with winds forecast to exceed 30 knots after 1200 so I asked the guys to meet me by at least 0430.  Being the hard core guys that I love to fish with,  we shove off the dock at 0415.  Rounding Eastern Point, I set course for an area that I hoped would hold fish even though I hadn’t been there in two weeks.  Along the way we looked for tuna as I always bring some rods but “Charlie” was not to be found.

We dropped lines around 0545 and although we were in slack water we managed to put few nice fish in the box like these that Rob and Phil are holding.

I was itchy to leave as I had reports of good fishing out east but something told me to follow the Golden Rule…”Never Leave Biting Fish”.  I decide to stay in the area through the tide change to see what happens.  I had been in this area a month before and had excellent fishing on outgoing water.  The day was young and so I decided if the bite didn’t materialize, I would still have time to run east and finish the day.

Two hours into the running tide my decision was vindicated as a wide open bite turned on.  These fish, as in the past, where market cod in the 8-13 lb range ..the perfect eating size and they were hungry.  Phil was not used to the way I fish. I have to admit when fishing cod I am very commercial in my approach.  I use tackle and jigs designed to put any fish that swims in the box.  If you want to play with them fine..I can do that…if you want fish for the table I will show you how.  Rob and “The Juice Man” John were doing what they do best …sticking cod!  Phil finally agreed “When in Rome” and accepted one of my rigs and proceeded to stick the biggest cod he had ever taken!

During the course of the morning Rob and Phil both hooked monster fish.  I confirmed this by holding their rods to be sure they hadn’t hung bottom…bottom doesn’t head shake. Unfortunately, both fish were lost within feet of the surface…another great fish story for the campfire!

Meanwhile, the “Juice Man” John was putting fish in the box.  I have given John this official FSA moniker as he fishes with an electric reel and every time he hooks up I yelled..”Give him the Juice John”…we have a fun time on the boat especially with great folks like these!  Before we left I snapped a photo of the guys with some fish…sorry John…I need to work on my photography skills!

Too say the least we limited out on cod and soon were playing Catch and Release with cod.  The crew decided to take a break and make a run out east in search of haddock and pollack.  This gave me a chance to catch up on dressing the catch and take a break for the nonstop action.

I went way out east to where I fish in July and August for haddock.  The first stops found plenty of fish but unfortunately they were mostly short cod.  On one stop, the “Juice Man” brought up a nice 5lb haddock with 3 green eyed monsters attached and people asked why I don’t fish bait!

Time was getting short so I decided to move into shallower water where I have been told the fish were holding.  I won’t say the exact depth but I will say thank you to my fellow charter captains!  The machine lit up and showed fish heavy at 25 ft above the bottom.  Jigs dropped, rods bent after jigs never reached the bottom, color, damn! cod fish!! To 35””…C&R…I should have come here first!

We played C&R with the cod for a half hour until the weatherman’s forecast of 30knts SW appeared to be true and therefore set course for Gloucester.  I put the Lady Diane on Autopilot (best money I have ever spent) and while the crew manned the lookout I filleted the catch.  I cut for over two hours and when I finally secured the Lady Diane in her berth at Cape Ann Marina, over 200 lbs of fillet filled the coolers.

Thus we ended another fabulous day of cod fishing with a great crew aboard the Lady Diane! Many of my fellow charter captains wonder why I do cod charters when tuna are on the scene.  My answer is simple…I love cod fishing and I know I can make all my customers have a successful and great adventure during their time with me.  Don’t get me wrong.  I LOVE TUNA fishing but while I guarantee you will take home fillets with me when cod fishing (or you next trip is free) I cannot do the same for tuna…they are the whitetail deer of the ocean…when they show it is easy (sometimes).   If you find a Captain who guarantees a tuna let me know...I want to book him NOW!  However, I do guarantee on my tuna charters,  I will do everything I can to get you tight on the greatest fish in the ocean!  Tuna fishing is addictive and I am hooked,  I have to admit.

If you missed the “spring bite” on Stellwagen the good news is it is still happening and I know where to take you.  Call now and get the best date before it ends!

Finally, I am offering an opportunity for persons who have not chartered a private boat the chance to experience this way of fishing with some Open Boat Dates.  The following report will give you all the details. 

Tight Lines,

Captain George