This has been a cold winter so far

Yes, I’ve alway heard that as well. Going on 50 years, now that I think about it. Is it true? Maybe.

They also said that a cold winter meant a good spring flounder season . HaHa

Had the best winter cod fishing when it was coldest. I also remember catching flounder in the snow in February at the Shinny canal...............about 40-50 years ago!

Had the best winter cod fishing when it was coldest. I also remember catching flounder in the snow in February at the Shinny canal...............about 40-50 years ago!

And along the banks of the Quogue Canal...........................Boy do I miss my father............

And along the banks of the Quogue Canal...........................Boy do I miss my father............

Yeah......great memories.

Yes, I’ve alway heard that as well. Going on 50 years, now that I think about it. Is it true? Maybe.

Is that a definite maybe? 🙂

Had the best winter cod fishing when it was coldest. I also remember catching flounder in the snow in February at the Shinny canal...............about 40-50 years ago!

And along the banks of the Quogue Canal...........................Boy do I miss my father............

Rember having to clear ice from my guides while fishing, and catching, at those places…

Rember having to clear ice from my guides while fishing, and catching, at those places…

Clearing ice from our guides was the least of our late winter problems.

I have made many a late Dec or even early Jan Tog trip, with Lep before the seasons started closing earlier in Dec.

Never could get used to the sound of the ice crunching against the hull of his trusty Shamrock while leaving the canal for open water! But, man the Tog fishing was sure good in those days.

Then there were those times when the weather forecast was wrong. But like you said Mike, when fishing is good sometimes you take a chance!

DEADLIEST CATCH type of fisherman… cell…

Sometimes it gets cold while the tog are still biting and you miss having a cabin ....

A buddy suggested that when it does get cold when your boat is still in the water, keep the lower unit down, in the water.
His reasoning was that you were not going to get much marine growth that time of year. However, if there were any water in your lower unit after you tilted the motor up, it would freeze if out of the water, would be more protected if left in the water.
Thoughts?

A buddy suggested that when it does get cold when your boat is still in the water, keep the lower unit down, in the water.
His reasoning was that you were not going to get much marine growth that time of year. However, if there were any water in your lower unit after you tilted the motor up, it would freeze if out of the water, would be more protected if left in the water.
Thoughts?

Could be either, but have you noticed how many small holes are in a lower unit, and how water comes out of them when you tilt it?

My belief is that the engineers thought of that.

I think (maybe) if you fresh water flush your motor (tilted up) you may leave some water in the jacket.
I always lower the motor in sub freezing temps. Old habits hard to break, better safe than sorry.

Sometimes it gets cold while the tog are still biting and you miss having a cabin ....View attachment 111164

You are a heartier man than me, Matts!

Then there were those times when the weather forecast was wrong. But like you said Mike, when fishing is good sometimes you take a chance!
View attachment 111146

I'm embarrassed to admit I can't recall the year when we saw the last huge resurgence of Cod being caught SW of Block I. What I do vividly remember was the bite was so good that party boats from as far away as NJ and MA were making overnight long hauls just to cash in on this fishery! The size of the fleet pounding on the fish was enormous.

I also remember going on one winter trip that year which fits into the theme of this thread. At the time, the best bite was actually overnight, and the boats were leaving Montauk at 9 pm returning the following day around lunchtime. On my chosen trip it was freezing cold, windy, and, of course by the time we anchored up it was also snowing! So, there I am standing at the rail around 3 am questioning my sanity while the Cod were literally flying over the rail! That was nuts!!!

Guys got really carried away, sailing earlier and earlier to beat the other guy rather than work together so the fleet could all capitalize on the bite. Really was nuts! The Jamaica and Voyager were making the run from the West.....lol

Winter fishing wasn't for everyone. And I agree, more often than not I questioned my sanity!

Not so long ago..... still makes me smile seeing some nice cod!

Last time I went for Cod I remember my nose almost touching the water then looking at the sun, water, then sun. The boat rolling made half the guys sick. I also remember the salt water spray freezing on the boat. I think the boat reeled up some conger eels and maybe one cod.

Does this cold weather have any affect on the number of baitfish in the spring?