When do the first shoals of cod come in?

[Teegerstk]

Hi
Was fishing in the Waterford estuary a week or so ago at a handy pier mark , had a good few dogs, flats and also a 5 inch codling all on mackerel, crab and fresh rag I dug that day. I've had codling to a lb here in the estuary, has anyone had any decent ones and at what time would they come in good numbers?
Thanks

[roryodonnell]

Google carpets on this site, note the date of the posts

[ste c]

End of october onwards is when to start fishing for them fresh crab lug and mussel

[SeanA101080]

2 years ago we got a great run of them from September on.

[bhoy32]

Couple of nice cod been caught on the east cork beaches took 6 codling home last week 40 to 47cm

[Teegerstk]

Thanks lads, I may throw out a couple of crab/lug cocktails next time I'm fishing!
Just a side question, I've used squid before with other baits to success, but at the moment none of my local tackle shops stock it, although, I know a lad who's a chef and he often adds a couple of mackerel to his fish orders to give to me, and he often orders squid rings, would they suffice or would I be better off getting whole unprepared squid?

Thanks

[jayh1982]

fishmongers should have frozen squid tubes if you stuck try there

[Teegerstk]

fishmongers should have frozen squid tubes if you stuck try there

Thanks

[roryodonnell]

You can also pickup small boxes of frozen squid in Asian/Chinese supermarkets for nothing

[ste c]

Asian and chinese are out of stock till end of this month wouldnt bother too much with it crab and lug is king for the cod

[Teegerstk]

Asian and chinese are out of stock till end of this month wouldnt bother too much with it crab and lug is king for the cod

Thanks
Are crab harder to get in winter months? I have a supplier 5 minutes from me and he has a good deal on crab. Want to get the best bait possible as I love fishing for codling

[ste c]

Yeah they are hard got in winter alright some people can still get there hands on them but if they fish they more than likely use them there self when the weather allows or there only brought home and sold straight away,

Il be stocking up in the coming weeks for my cod fishing

[Teegerstk]

Yeah they are hard got in winter alright some people can still get there hands on them but if they fish they more than likely use them there self when the weather allows or there only brought home and sold straight away,

Il be stocking up in the coming weeks for my cod fishing

Thanks for that, local dealer is sound and always gives advice, he fishes too but I'd say he'd have some for me. May take a day or two longer

[donal domeney]

Asian and chinese are out of stock till end of this month wouldnt bother too much with it crab and lug is king for the cod

Thanks
Are crab harder to get in winter months? I have a supplier 5 minutes from me and he has a good deal on crab. Want to get the best bait possible as I love fishing for codling

From Monkstown to Youghal crab is the number 1 bait for cod and I'm sure the same applies for the Waterford estuary.

If you are really interested in going after cod for the winter then place a weekly order of a dozen crab with you local supplier whether you need them or not. That way you will go to the top of the list as a regular customer. At least he will know that he has and order to fill rather than doing a pick and having crab leftover at the end of the week. If you do not use them they will keep, if looked after. Use the crab that are popping for you session and keep the others covered in damp sea weed. If you miss a fishing session or two, freeze the poppers for an other day.

[Teegerstk]

Asian and chinese are out of stock till end of this month wouldnt bother too much with it crab and lug is king for the cod

Thanks
Are crab harder to get in winter months? I have a supplier 5 minutes from me and he has a good deal on crab. Want to get the best bait possible as I love fishing for codling

From Monkstown to Youghal crab is the number 1 bait for cod and I'm sure the same applies for the Waterford estuary.

If you are really interested in going after cod for the winter then place a weekly order of a dozen crab with you local supplier whether you need them or not. That way you will go to the top of the list as a regular customer. At least he will know that he has and order to fill rather than doing a pick and having crab leftover at the end of the week. If you do not use them they will keep, if looked after. Use the crab that are popping for you session and keep the others covered in damp sea weed. If you miss a fishing session or two, freeze the poppers for an other day.

Thanks
He knows me as I order crab and lug off him a good bit, often rag too when I can't dig, always has a good deal and tells me what's been caught lately.
I've kept crab for about a week in a little seawater and seaweed in a bucket.