Dick Sargeant
Well-known member
I am in the middle of a million things but still trying to get offshore to fish now and then. Had a few hours on Saturday afternoon and decided to run out to an offshore bank from Gloucester and grab some cod and haddock. At the 4th spot my jig got nailed by a big fish 280 feet below and I spent about 10 minutes working "what ever this is" to the surface. The fight was much too strong for a big cod and I was hoping to see a halibut which is very rare in this water. Suddenly a very large bluefin showed up with my cod jig in it's maw and promptly decided that the "party is over".........fish headed out and I held on as best I could. I expected to get smoked with the line gone but I was able to finally slow the fish with 450 feet of 80 # braid out and about 150 feet of backing by putting the rod in the holder and tightening down on the drag and then the fish towed my 21 foot boat backwards for about 15 minutes. I caught my breath and as the big fish tired, I grabbed the rod and got back to work eventually getting it under the boat again. My harpoon and big gaff were in the cabin out of reach and I was not sure if I had a "legal" fish. The regs change all summer and I cannot keep a fish over 60 inches with the license that I have at this time in the season. I had been on the fish for about 45 minutes by myself and not thinking clearly and jacked on who knows how much adrenalin. I pulled out a small gaff and decided to give it a shot if I could get the beast to the surface again ..........if the size looked ok. The battle continued and my arms and legs started shaking.........I was covered with sweat and would gain a foot and then lose a foot of line. Suddenly and for no apparent reason........my lightweight cod rod exploded into pieces.......the line hit a sharp edge and the fish was gone. I sat down on a cooler and just sweat more for a while and then had to laugh a little...........had most of the fun and didn't get tempted to kill a big fish. I am guessing that the fish was about 5-6 feet in length and well north of 250 but will never know. I have tuna gear that is suitable for fish a little smaller and will be chasing footballs until mid October. Having taken a couple around 100 pounds in the past.........I thought there was nothing more exciting........until I got to try it with a cod rod !
I will be shopping for a new cod rod capable of bigger things - just in case lightning strikes twice ! I found the tip section in the cuddy cabin about 12 feet BEHIND where I was standing.........that could have been grim if it hit me.........so new and stronger graphite is on the list.
Will post more updates on my new ride next week.............making progress !
sarge
I will be shopping for a new cod rod capable of bigger things - just in case lightning strikes twice ! I found the tip section in the cuddy cabin about 12 feet BEHIND where I was standing.........that could have been grim if it hit me.........so new and stronger graphite is on the list.
Will post more updates on my new ride next week.............making progress !
sarge