12-17-2001, 01:17 AM
STELLWAGEN BANK,MA- Cod Fishing 12/14/01<br><br>Russell Boudreau’s group from South Hadley, MA lucked out with the weather and the cod fishing on Friday. Sand eels were concentrated on the shoals with scrod and medium cod coursing through the pods of bait. Long drifts over the hard-bottom produced consistent action for the anglers jigging in 130 ft. of water. Cod in the 6 to 15 pound size-class were the rule with a few Pollock mixed in.<br><br>Saturday’s trip and possibly Sunday’s trip will be cancelled due to high winds and seas. Three of B-Fast vessels will be available through the winter months with more added for the spring run. <br><br>Any anglers with an interest in recreational cod fishing should plan to attend the special meeting of the New England Fisheries Management Council at the Sheraton Ferncroft Hotel in Danvers, Massachusetts on December 19th. The commercially biased Council is considering closing hook and line recreational cod fishing. Only with your support and a strong recreational turn-out will the Council realize the impact this ploy with have on the public and the New England economy. <br><br>Capt. Mike Bartlett<br>B-Fast Charters<br>www.bfastcharters.com<br><br><br><br><br>Capt. Mike Bartlett<br>B-Fast Charters<br>www.bfastcharters.com