Big cod like this may become more common as closed areas and stricter regulations allow the codfish population to expand. This fine fish was caught during an unusual balmy day offshore. Photo by Milt Rosko

As a youngster, I vividly recall reading the Encyclopedia Britannica to learn of the exploits of commercial fishermen. These fishermen converged on the Georges Bank off Canada and the northeastern United States to harvest what they thought was an inexhaustible supply of codfish. Fast-forward a half-century. I had enjoyed recreational cod fishing with my dad during my youth some seven decades ago. But already as I reached my 20s, I could see the fishery declining, when suddenly this favorite coldwater bottom-feeder of the Northeast became a rarity on the end of recreational fishermen's lines.

As with many fisheries throughout the world, the "inexhaustible" supply of codfish had been devastated. I'm reminded of the great halibut fishery in these very same waters a century ago, where boatloads of huge halibut each weighing 100 pounds or more were brought in by the commercials, to the point of virtual extinction. It appears that mankind has a lock on making history repeat itself.

Fortunately, some of the actions taken first by the government of Canada in closing the Georges Bank to cod fishing, and then the United States taking a similar stand in 1994, appears to have brought the overharvesting under control. From what I've been able to research, recent estimates had the cod stock assessment down to a dangerous 15 percent of what it once was. On a positive note -- while some may disagree -- it appears the closure and minimal breeding stock was enough to bring about the long, slow process of rebuilding.

In developing this article, I decided to reach out to the many captains with whom I've sailed from ports ranging from Maine's Boothbay Harbor to Delaware's Indian River, where I previously scored with codfish along the entire length of the northeast coast. These old timers reminisced of "the good old days," but qualified their assessment in acknowledging that at times years ago, many anglers fished more for the table than recreation. Further, while today's catch numbers don't necessarily compare with a half-century ago, a reasonably skilled recreational angler can enjoy great codfish action these days.

It's important to note things were different years ago with respect to the boats targeting codfish. There were many small party boats sailing from vintage docks in coastal communities, each capable of carrying 15 to 25 people. Many of their fares were fishing for the table, filling burlap potato sacks with fish while literally using hand lines and multi-hook bottom rigs baited with clam. These boats sailed to grounds just a few miles from shore and regularly posted good catches.

Today, small party boats are a thing of the past for the most part, replaced by big boats in the 70- to 125-foot class, which are equipped for long trips and sailing throughout the winter months. It should also be noted that the codfish fishery today is primarily composed of big party boats and a limited number of charter boats. Many of the smaller charter boats and a majority of private boats don't have much of an impact on the fishery.

While speaking with the sage of the Viking Fleet out of Montauk, Steve Forsberg Sr. recalled a report from his son, Steve Jr., who radioed in on the action of Feb. 25, 2009.

"The fishing is just phenomenal on the Viking Superstar. We're catching the real "Viking" cod of yesteryear, with 20- and 30-pound fish flying over the rails and the only complaint was there is no more room in anyone's cooler."

The pool winner that day was Tom Hyon from New Jersey with a 34-pound beauty. Rather unusual was that two anglers, who both hooked the same cod, shared the second-place pool money on that trip!