Cod tactics

[magpies]

Its my first winter of regular sea fishing and all summer i have done Ok and no blanks, a few decent fish, my first bass and usually plenty of bites most trips. Generally using worm or small crab/cocktail baits on 1/0s or down to size 2 for flatty bashing. Generally a 2 hook flapper.
However now I would like to catch a codling so is it time to up hook and bait sizes and sit it out waiting for the better fish, ignoring little knocks and all that?
Got a decent stock of crab in the freezer and usually get a bit of lug or rag and mussel to go with it.
Any advice much appreciated.

 

[big phil 123]

off the beach smaller baits as big baits knock down ur distance find a spot ss pier will probs be a good starter place size 3/0 hook 2/3 lug worm up ya line nice lump of mussel or crab remember not to cover the hook point and if the fish are there u wil have one mate

 

[magpies]

Ta mate, thats my tactic for the rest of the year, caught plenty of little flatties (and a few decent ones) all summer

 

[Kev1n]

Magpies.
Fish the beaches when the sea’s rough or dying down after a storm, and try the rocks, piers or rivers when it’s calm. When it’s really rough, too big to fish the beaches, there are one or two sheltered rock marks that are worth a look.
Don’t ignore the small bites and rattles, you just risk deep hooking fish.

Good luck.

 

[magpies]

Thanks again lads

 

[Juliogeordio]

Agree with the lads above mate, beaches on a rough or dying sea.... hammer the piers othertimes and you will defo get your codling sooner rather than later. Im still waiting on my first one this year though. Im heading down Shields pier tomorow morning myself.... bit lug and mussel to use up.... fingers crossed for something! Good luck on your hunt mate!

 

[Pete from shields]

Colemans or the sundial have been my best tactics so far this year, very nice indeed.

 

[g.ordon]

Its my first winter of regular sea fishing and all summer i have done Ok and no blanks, a few decent fish, my first bass and usually plenty of bites most trips. Generally using worm or small crab/cocktail baits on 1/0s or down to size 2 for flatty bashing. Generally a 2 hook flapper.
However now I would like to catch a codling so is it time to up hook and bait sizes and sit it out waiting for the better fish, ignoring little knocks and all that?
Got a decent stock of crab in the freezer and usually get a bit of lug or rag and mussel to go with it.
Any advice much appreciated.

Use strong hooks mate, last thing yer want is the thing straightening out when yer pulling a fish through weed. Size 3/0 is common though alot fish bigger or smaller hooks. All the baits you mention will work in fact almost owt works when the fish are there. Regarding bites, watch out for the slack liner, if you get a knock and then the line goes completely slack then yer almost guaranteed there's a coddy on so reel in like the clappers before it snags yer up, use the power of the rod also to try and lift the thing and get it on top.

 

[jamiebrennan]

when you do catch your cod check the size of the hook your using against the size of its gob, bet it doesnt look big enough!