Top baits for ling cod

I fish with a 9" Sledge Hammer Swimbait with a 4-6 oz jighead.  If a fish can't swallow my bait....I don't want it. 

Diamond and Hex bar jigs. 4 to 8 oz.

Whole squid with hook... Catch anythin biting.... Hammers are a good plastic on the 3-6oz jig heads. Really as others said.... Anything that crumps on bottom and smells/sparkles/wiggles works.....

LOL @Str8FISHING

Best Bait.... I don't know but I do prefer the Greenback Mackerel. They are feisty and swim constantly plus I think most fish prefer them as oppose to the Spanish Mack.


Swimbaits are my go to for Ling Cod. I buy Big Hammers 6.5" min. up to the 9" sledge ones. I also feel that the use of the Swimbait is economically better in that you lose a lot less of them as oppose to the metal jigs. With the Hook oriented upwards on a Jig you decreases your chances of snagging as you bounce it on the surface. Most of the time unsnagging a 4 oz or 6 oz jig head is just as easy as well, just give the rod a little wiggle and flicking and use the weight of the jig. I do like flat fall lures that are being used all over Japan and Australia for Slow Pitch Jigging though.

They are all correct, they eat everything except during tournaments.
whatever you do, be ready to hook them and reel fast or they go in the holes and are difficult to impossible to get out.

Hitch hikers on rock cod.

Branson Baits all day!

I caught one last year on a bare sinker, although I'm pretty sure that's not the best bait...

Live bait..

Hitch hikers on rock cod.

That's always a favorite. Whatever ate your gear first is the bait-du-jour. Especially if that's the last species you need for the tournament list, and you're only going to get half of the fish into the boat.

where`s that photo of the crescent wrench and an assist hook  and take a look at the pics from the Holiday Tourney  homemade Xmas ornaments with hooks...

New to ling fishing I bagged 2 befor season closed on live smelt. Are jigs better for them or is live the way to go?

Troll for lings.

I keep it simple.  8oz diamond jigs all day long.  I like the heavier jigs because they get to the bottom faster and it's easier to keep the line vertical with any drift.  Also if you get hung up on the bottom you can allow the jig to drop and the weight of the jig can pull the hook out of the snag. 

Josh

Any recommendations on where to pickup heavy jig heads in the 3 to 6 ounce range...?

RacinRob makes some,,,,,,,Mantanaska does also.
I have heard that Andy1976 flakes on a lot of orders, but some do get what they ordered.