Montauk Offshore Cod / Wreck Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target cod offshore with Captain Ron's proven techniquesSmall group fishing trip accommodates maximum four guestsFresh cod fillets provided for take-home dining
When you're looking for serious offshore action in Montauk, Captain Ron's cod trips deliver both the fight and the feast. These aren't your typical inshore days – we're talking deep water wrecks where the cod stack up thick and the halibut surprise you when you least expect it. With just 4 anglers max, you get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between coming home with a cooler full of fillets versus telling stories about the ones that got away. Captain Ron knows these waters like his own backyard, and after years of dialing in the cod bite, he's got this fishery figured out better than most.
Your day starts early at Montauk Harbor, where Captain Ron's got everything prepped and ready to roll. We're not messing around with short runs – this is legitimate offshore fishing that puts you on productive wrecks 15-25 miles out where the big cod hang. The boat's rigged specifically for wreck fishing with quality rods, reels that can handle the abuse, and enough sinkers to keep your bait pinned to the bottom in strong current. You'll be fishing in 80-120 feet of water over structure that's held fish for decades. The vibe is relaxed but focused – everyone's here to catch fish and fill the cooler. Captain Ron runs the show with the kind of confidence that comes from putting clients on fish day after day, season after season.
Cod fishing is all about getting your presentation right on the bottom, and that means understanding the current, the structure, and what these fish want to eat. We're primarily bottom fishing with high-low rigs baited with clams, squid, or whatever's working that day. Captain Ron supplies all the terminal tackle, but if you've got your own jigs or bucktails, bring them along – cod will absolutely crush a well-presented jig bounced along the wreck. The key is staying tight to the structure without hanging up constantly, which takes some finesse when the current's ripping. You'll learn to feel the difference between a cod pecking at your bait versus that unmistakable thump when a big one commits. When the halibut show up, they hit differently – more like a truck running over your bait than the head-shaking fight of a cod.
Atlantic cod are the bread and butter of this fishery, and these Montauk wrecks consistently produce keeper-sized fish that'll make your dinner table happy. Most cod you'll tangle with run 3-8 pounds, but don't be surprised when something substantially bigger decides to play. They're aggressive feeders that'll often hit multiple times on the same drop, especially when they're schooled up tight on a wreck. The bonus halibut are what really make these trips special – doormat fluke's bigger, meaner cousin that can easily push 10-20 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. Captain Ron's regulars know that patience pays off on these trips. Some days the action is steady from the first drop, other times you're grinding it out until the tide changes and everything lights up at once.
Atlantic cod are the main event here, and for good reason – they're some of the best eating fish in the Atlantic and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. These fish are most active during the cooler months, typically October through March, when they move inshore to feed heavily on the abundant bait around Montauk's wrecks. Cod are structure-oriented fish that rarely venture far from the bottom, which is why wreck fishing is so productive. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hammer clams, squid, and small baitfish with equal enthusiasm. What makes cod fishing addictive is their tendency to school up – find one and there's usually a pile of them nearby. The meat is firm, flaky, and mild, making it perfect for everything from fish tacos to traditional New England preparations.
Atlantic halibut are the wild card species that can turn a good cod trip into something truly memorable. These flatfish are the giants of their family, with mature fish commonly reaching 30-50 pounds and specimens over 100 pounds still swimming these waters. Unlike their smaller fluke cousins, halibut prefer deeper, colder water and are most active during spring and fall when baitfish concentrations draw them to the wrecks. They're ambush predators that lie motionless on the bottom until something edible passes overhead, then explode upward with surprising speed. The fight is completely different from cod – more of a bulldogging, line-stripping battle that'll test your drag system and your patience. Halibut are highly prized for their sweet, firm meat and the bragging rights that come with landing one of the ocean's premier flatfish.
Captain Ron's offshore cod trips are the real deal for anglers who want to experience Montauk's world-class wreck fishing without the crowds of party boats or the uncertainty of going it alone. With only 4 spots available, these trips book up fast, especially during prime cod season. You're getting expert local knowledge, quality equipment, and access to productive water that consistently holds fish. Whether you're a seasoned wreck angler or new to offshore fishing, Captain Ron's got the experience to put you on cod while keeping things fun and educational. Don't wait until the last minute – the best fishing days fill up weeks in advance, and there's nothing worse than watching the reports roll in while you're stuck on shore.
Captain Ron's fully rigged fishing machine is built for serious cod hunting in Montauk's offshore waters. This motorboat comes loaded with GPS and fish finder tech to put you right on top of the productive wrecks and structure where the cod are biting. With space for 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the rails without bumping elbows. The onboard head keeps you comfortable during those long fishing sessions, and when you need a break from battling fish, grab some rest on the built-in bed. Ron knows these waters like the back of his hand and has the cod bite figured out - you'll be marking fish and dropping lines on the hottest spots. Perfect setup for filling the cooler with fresh fillets while having a blast on the water. This boat handles the offshore conditions with ease, getting you out to where the big cod are holding without beating you up on the ride.
Gadus MorhuaCod are the bread and butter of our offshore trips - chunky, hard-fighting fish that average 5-15 pounds but can push 30+ on a good day. You'll recognize them by that barbel under their chin and mottled brown coloring. They stack up on wrecks and rocky bottom in 80-200 feet, especially during winter and early spring when they move inshore to spawn. What makes cod trips special is the combination - they fight well on lighter tackle and the fillets are absolutely prime eating. Flaky white meat that's perfect for everything from fish tacos to chowder. We typically anchor up on productive wrecks and drop clams, squid, or sea worms right to bottom. Pro tip: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook immediately. Let them mouth the bait for a few seconds - cod can be finicky biters.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusAtlantic halibut are the world's largest flatfish - these diamond-shaped bruisers can stretch over 8 feet and tip 700+ pounds, though most we see run 30-50 pounds. They're deep brown with white spots and pack serious muscle, making them a real trophy target. We find them hugging bottom in 150-500 feet of water around wrecks and deep structure. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they move up from the depths to hunt cod, haddock, and squid. The meat is absolutely top-shelf - firm, white, and sweet. When you hook one, settle in for a long fight. My tip: use the drift method with heavy jigs tipped with mackerel or squid strips. Let the boat's movement work your bait naturally along bottom - these fish are smart and spook easily if you overwork the lure.
Montauk, NY