Alaska Ling Cod Fishing
Without question the Ling Cod is both the ugliest and at the same time the very best eating fish in Alaska.
Jigs and jigs with bait teasers are the most effective bait. Underwater rock outcroppings are the areas where we find Lings, and generally Silver Salmon and Rockfish are landed in the same areas. Our Salmon rods work extremely well on these big fish and it makes for a lot of fun using this light tackle.
Giant Ling Cod, weighing in excess of 65 lbs., are landed each year by our guests. Many Ling Cod are landed during our charters that range anywhere from 20-40lbs. July 1st marks the beginning of the season for Ling Cod, with a daily bag limit of one. The season extends through the month of September with the time period of July-August being the peak season.
The areas we fish for these Trophy-Class Ling Cod provides exceptional action, and it is not uncommon to have several of these huge Lings on at the same time. In addition to catching Ling Cod you will experience fast action on Black Sea-Bass, Kelp Perch, Yellow-Eyes and other rock fish as you attempt to catch your Trophy Ling Cod.
As a testament to how terrific our Ling Cod action is consider that at least three major television networks charter with us each season to produce exciting fishing shows featuring this fishery! ESPN, The Chevy Outdoorsman Show and The American Outdoorsman have produced exciting shows battling these exotic bottom-dwellers of the last frontier!
Bright orange Rockfish, known as Alaska Red Snapper, frequent the same waters as Ling Cod
Ling Cod Fishing Techniques
These voracious feeders make a habit of foraging near underwater structures and rock outcroppings. One of the biggest challenges is to keep these incredibly strong fish from racing back into the rocks once you have hooked them. Many an angler has been disappointed after hooking into these large fish only to discover after a sizzling run that the line has been cut by the sharp rocks near a big lings sanctuary.
We have found that using graphite rods with ample backbone combined with Shimano Charter Special Reels filled with 80lb. Spectra, or Tough Line, is a winning combination. A leader comprised of 100 lb. monofilament prevents these sharp toothed predators from an unwanted release.
Baits
Many a large Ling Cod has been brought to the boat after literally hanging onto another rockfish without ever being hooked. A variety of scampi style baits seem to be the absolute favorite of the Ling. We have found that cut-plug herring also seems to be an irresistible presentation as well.
Jigs, ranging in weight from 6-16 ounces, (depending on the depth of the water being fished), also should be included in one's arsenal when going after these mighty fish.
All dedicated die-hard Ling Cod fisherman will have their favorite bait that they prefer and swear by. We have found that on any given day one bait presentation or scampi or jig will probably be more effective than the most effective one the previous day.
Generally during an outing for Ling Cod, our anglers will be in waters that are abundant with Silver and Pink Salmon, halibut and a full variety of rockfish, not to mention the sea-lions and Orca Whales. This makes for an exciting day on the water. One you don't want to miss
