December cod and whiting and pollack

The last month has been taken up with winter cod and whiting trips. The fishing has been excellent with catches of cod 3x higher than a year ago. Most fish are a similar stamp to those we found on the brittle star grounds this summer. We have cut back from 3 squid on 2 8/0 hooks in a pennel rig to fish 1-2 squid on 2 6/0 hooks with some success. One difference to a year ago is the number of strap congers is much decreased. This week the catches of whiting have been excellent.