New York · Long Island
COD FISHING
IN MONTAUK
Montauk is a solid destination for cod fishing. Book a charter and target cod with local experts.
About Cod Fishing in Montauk
Atlantic cod is a historic New England species that shaped the region's culture and economy. Found over rocky bottom and wrecks, cod fishing peaks in the colder months when these bottom dwellers move into accessible depths on Stellwagen Bank and other nearshore grounds.
Atlantic Cod are the historic fish that built New England — the species that drew European settlers to the New World and fueled a fishing industry for centuries. These cold-water bottom fish are found over rocky substrate, wrecks, and ledges, primarily in winter and spring when water temperatures drop. Cod have a mottled brown-green body with a prominent chin barbel and three dorsal fins. Their firm, flaky white flesh is considered some of the finest eating fish in the world and remains a staple of New England cuisine.
Scientific name: Gadus morhua
Cod Seasonal Calendar — Montauk
Month-by-month availability for cod in Montauk, NY.
How to Catch Cod in Montauk
Techniques & Bait
Bottom fishing with diamond jigs (8-16 oz) bounced on rocky bottom in 60-200+ feet of water is the traditional technique. Tipping the jig with a strip of squid, clam, or fish belly increases effectiveness. Baited cod rigs (high-low rigs with size 6/0-8/0 hooks baited with clams, squid, or cut fish) fished on the bottom over wrecks and rocky structure produce consistent catches. Jigging with Norwegian-style cod jigs and butterfly jigs is effective in strong current. Fish Stellwagen Bank, Jeffreys Ledge, and deep-water wrecks for the best action.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-heavy to heavy conventional rod (5'6"-6'6"), loaded with 40-65 lb braid, 50-80 lb fluorocarbon leader. Heavy diamond jigs or cod rigs with 8-16 oz sinkers. The depth and current dictate weight needs.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Montauk
Top spots where local captains target cod and other nearshore species.
The Elbow
The Elbow is a natural bend in the underwater topography just south of Montauk Point where currents deflect off the rocky bottom, creating a massive rip that concentrates baitfish and predators. Striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, and bonito stack up in the rip line from spring through fall, feeding aggressively in the turbulent water. Boat anglers drifting or trolling through the Elbow during the fall run experience some of the most explosive fishing on the East Coast.
Montauk Lighthouse Reef
The rocky reef structure extending underwater from Montauk Point creates a natural reef system that holds black sea bass, tautog, porgy, and fluke in 20 to 50 feet of water. The reef's diverse bottom of boulders, gravel, and sand supports a rich ecosystem that attracts both bottom-dwellers and pelagic species passing the point. Bottom-fishing the reef on slack tide produces excellent catches of tautog and sea bass between the strong current periods.
Shagwong Reef
Shagwong Reef is a rocky underwater feature north of Montauk Point in Block Island Sound, where the bottom rises from surrounding depths to create a fish-concentrating structure. Striped bass, bluefish, fluke, and porgy hold on the reef during tidal flows that push baitfish across the rock structure. The reef's proximity to Montauk Harbor makes it a quick-run destination for boats targeting both bottom fish and stripers on the same trip.
Castor Wreck
The Castor is a well-known shipwreck lying in approximately 60 feet of water south of Montauk Point, providing artificial reef habitat in the nearshore zone. Black sea bass, tautog, ling, and fluke congregate on the wreck's steel structure throughout the year, with peak action during spring and fall. The wreck is a popular half-day destination for Montauk charter boats combining bottom-fishing with trolling the surrounding waters for striped bass and bluefish.
Other Species in Montauk
More fish you can target while visiting Montauk.
Cod Fishing in Montauk — FAQ
Cod fishing in Montauk is productive during .
Cod fishing charters in Montauk are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Bottom fishing with diamond jigs (8-16 oz) bounced on rocky bottom in 60-200+ feet of water is the traditional technique. Tipping the jig with a strip of squid, clam, or fish belly increases effectiveness. Baited cod rigs (high-low rigs with size 6/0-8/0 hooks baited with clams, squid, or cut fish) fished on the bottom over wrecks and rocky structure produce consistent catches. Jigging with Norwegian-style cod jigs and butterfly jigs is effective in strong current. Fish Stellwagen Bank, Jeffreys Ledge, and deep-water wrecks for the best action.
No — when you book a charter in Montauk, your captain provides all required New York fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Cod regulations in New York include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Cod in Montauk, you may also catch Striped Bass, Tautog, Bluefish, Fluke, False Albacore. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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