Winter Cod Fishing Out of Freeport: Cold-Weather Action on the Wrecks
The Winter Bite
When November winds strip the last leaves and most anglers shelve their gear, a dedicated subset of fishermen descends on Freeport's docks for one of the most productive fisheries on Long Island. Atlantic cod move inshore along the New York Bight from late November through March, stacking up on offshore wrecks and rock piles in numbers that can produce limit catches for those willing to brave the cold.
Freeport's party boat fleet pivots to cod during winter, running full-day trips to wreck and reef sites 15-40 miles offshore. These trips depart early and return mid-afternoon, spending 6-8 hours on the fishing grounds.
Where the Cod Are
Cod in the New York Bight concentrate around vertical structure in 80-130 feet of water. Old shipwrecks, artificial reef material, and natural rock formations all hold fish.
Notable Wreck and Reef Sites
- Cholera Bank: A natural rocky area about 20 miles south of Jones Inlet that consistently holds cod beginning in December
- 17 Fathoms: A series of wrecks and hard bottom at approximately 100 feet, accessible in moderate conditions
- Virginia wreck: A large wreck that holds cod, pollock, and occasional ling in winter
- Hempstead Reef: An artificial reef closer to shore that produces smaller cod but is fishable in rougher weather
| Month | Water Temp | Cod Size (Avg) | Other Species | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 48-52F | 4-8 lbs | Pollock, blackfish | Variable, fishable most days |
| January | 40-46F | 5-12 lbs | Pollock, ling | Rough days common |
| February | 38-42F | 6-15 lbs | Pollock, haddock (rare) | Peak cold, best fishing |
| March | 40-44F | 5-10 lbs | Ling, sea bass (late) | Improving, fish moving out |
Tackle and Technique
Standard Cod Rig
A hi-lo rig with two hooks (8/0-10/0) baited with strips of clam, squid, or cut mackerel is the workhorse setup. Sinker weight depends on depth and current — expect to use 8-16 ounces. Braided line in 50-65 pound test gets your rig to the bottom faster and transmits bites better than monofilament in deep water.
Jigging for Cod
Heavy diamond jigs (8-16 ounces) and Viking-style jigs worked near the bottom produce cod that are often larger than bait-caught fish. Drop the jig to the bottom, lift the rod tip 3-4 feet, and let it fall back. Cod hit on the drop. Tip the hook with a strip of bait for additional scent appeal.
Experienced Freeport cod anglers often run a teaser rig — a small fly or feathered hook tied 18 inches above the jig — to double their chances.
Winter cod fishing is honest fishing. There's no glamour and no Instagram-worthy sunset shots. It's dark mornings, cold spray, and heavy rigs dropped into dark water. But when you feel that weight come tight on the bottom and a big cod starts headshaking against the rod, you remember exactly why you got out of bed at 4 AM in January.
Surviving the Cold
The single biggest factor determining whether you enjoy a winter cod trip is your clothing. Dress wrong and you'll be miserable by 9 AM.
- Base layer: Moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool (never cotton)
- Mid layer: Fleece or down insulation
- Outer layer: Waterproof, windproof foul-weather jacket and bibs
- Hands: Neoprene fishing gloves with finger exposure, plus insulated mittens for between drops
- Feet: Neoprene-lined rubber boots with heavy wool socks
- Head: Insulated hat or balaclava under your hood
Booking Winter Trips
Freeport's winter party boats run on a weather-dependent schedule. Trips are posted 1-3 days in advance based on marine forecasts, and cancellations are common in January and February. Plan multiple potential fishing days to increase your odds.
Full-day winter cod trips cost $110-$145 per person with bait included. Reservations are recommended — winter boats run with smaller passenger counts. The NY DEC sets cod size and bag limits that apply to all recreational anglers.
Winter cod fishing out of Freeport is a Northeast tradition that rewards toughness with outstanding table fare. The boats are experienced, the captains know their wrecks, and on a good day, you'll bring home enough quality fillets to stock the freezer for months.