Cod & Flounder

[MASS-Diver]

A few weeks ago my new buddy and I were diving in an area that seemed to be holding some espically large flounder. So, yesterday we drove the boat over to this chunk of rock reef off Hull and brought the slings along for the dive. We nailed some really nice sized flounder, and to our surprise a few big cod showed up as well. The larger cod measured measured 34"+ and was very fat. I decided to put my bio degree and did a little stomach content check on these guys: both had bellies full of lobster. Bugs remain "in the shed" on the SS, but condtions are improving, we took 11 over the course of 2 dives short dives (my DS remains shipped out repair and I was COLD).

 

[LobstaMan]

Now I know that I have something in common with cod and flounder...we both like to eat lobster.

LobstaMan

 

[scubastew]

MASS_Diver, two quick questions...please

One:
What's a "sling"? I was under the impression spear-fishing in Mass was frowned upon? I'd love to snag a few flounder but thought that was "against the rules"?

Two:
I thought the Cod population was hurting around the Cape. You say you've seen a lot of Cod this size (30inches+)? What is considered a "large" cod?

thanks for the info and it looked like a good catch hope you are a good cook..

cheers!!

 

[Mako Mark]

Cod stuffed with partially digested lobster.......yummmmmmmmmm. There is a thread I started that this could go on.

click here



(note to self, always check cod guts before throwing away)

 

[MASS-Diver]

MASS_Diver, two quick questions...please

One:
What's a "sling"? I was under the impression spear-fishing in Mass was frowned upon? I'd love to snag a few flounder but thought that was "against the rules"?

Two:
I thought the Cod population was hurting around the Cape. You say you've seen a lot of Cod this size (30inches+)? What is considered a "large" cod?

thanks for the info and it looked like a good catch hope you are a good cook..

cheers!!

We were using Hawiian slings but you can use spearguns as well (I'm saving up for a really nice one). Spearfishing is not frowned around in MA as far as I know, and to be honest I really don't care if people have a negative impression of it - it's a ton of fun and a great way to get dinner. Most spearfishing is done with free-diving gear.

Legally here in MA: DO NOT SHOOT STRIPERS, cod have to be 26" and flounder 13" (only shoot stuff that is plenty big). Like with short bugs, if you get caught with a short fish they will take your gear, boat, car, etc.

In terms of the cod population, for one I don't live on the Cape so I can't speak to that, but that last couple years there have been alot of Cod around here on the SS. 40-50" is a pretty good sized cod.

 

[LobstaMan]

The list of fish species you can't spearfish for are listed on the abstract sent out by the Mass Division of Marine Fisheries, everything else is fair game. You can find the abstract & the list on the website in Adobe reader format. Strangely enough, fellow divers are not listed as a protected species...use your own good judgment.

LobstaMan

 

[quimby]

Strangely enough, fellow divers are not listed as a protected species...use your own good judgment

What I used to love was the New Hampshire game laws, if you killed another hunter during deer season, they would suspend your license for 2years.... Now that'll fix ya

 

[rcohn]

We were using Hawiian slings but you can use spearguns as well .

Were you really using a Hawaiian sling? I've never heard of anyone using one here in the low vis Northeast. You would certainly lose many shafts.

I'm guessing you might have been using a pole spear with a rubber sling (sold in most shops here) like most scuba divers do.

Ralph

 

[MASS-Diver]

Were you really using a Hawaiian sling? I've never heard of anyone using one here in the low vis Northeast. You would certainly lose many shafts.

I'm guessing you might have been using a pole spear with a rubber sling (sold in most shops here) like most scuba divers do.

Ralph

You're right, it's not correct to refer to them as Hawaiian slings - although just about everyone does - they are pole spears.

Do you do alot of spearfishing? How about while using SCUBA gear? Any advice for a newbie looking for his first gun - banded, non-banded?

 

[rcohn]

You're right, it's not correct to refer to them as Hawaiian slings - although just about everyone does - they are pole spears.

Do you do alot of spearfishing? How about while using SCUBA gear? Any advice for a newbie looking for his first gun - banded, non-banded?

I don't do much and never on scuba. Not really very good, some of the local freedivers are amazing. In the worst (can't see your fins) conditions, where I wouldn't bother going into the water, they consistntly land large fish.

My gun is a Rob Allen, which is a great gun, very accurate. Not sure if it would be the best scuba choice, depends on where and what you're hunting.

http://www.roballenusa.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=208
http://www.roballen.co.za/homeset.html

Lose the tanks, stealth can get you more fish.

Ralph