Even if you’re not a fan of “fishy food,” chances are you’ve tried Cod. And you probably liked it! This mild and versatile fish is a favorite around the world, from fish tacos and lutefisk to the classic fish and chips. Needless to say, the commercial fishery for this species is massive. But you don’t have to be a professional to enjoy good Cod fishing.
Though Cod are overfished in many areas, they’re relatively underrated as a game fish. But anglers shouldn’t overlook them! There’s definitely something to be said for catching your own eating fish and bringing it home. You may even gain respect for that tender, breaded filet you’re about to bite into.
How to Identify Cod
Many fish have Cod in their name, but only three species are true Cod which belong to the Gadus genus. These include Atlantic Cod, Pacific Cod, and Greenland Cod. Pacific and Atlantic Cod are the most popular and are especially coveted for their food value. Both are excellent eating fish, though their taste profiles are slightly different. Pacific Cod have a firm texture and produce a mild, savory flavor, while Atlantic Cod are softer and sweeter.
Atlantic Cod
Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) span the upper reaches of the Atlantic Ocean, from the west coast of Canada to the coasts of Norway and Russia. In the Western Atlantic, they swim as far north as Greenland and south to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. In US waters, they’re most common in the Gulf of Maine and have been an icon of fishing in New England for generations.
These fish are long and slender with several dorsal fins and a rounded tail. They have a white lateral line on each side and a barbel on their chin. Their color varies from brown to green, with dark spots and a pale underbelly. Cod living close to shore typically grow to around 30 inches and weigh 6–12 pounds, while offshore specimens reach 4–6 feet and weigh up to 25 pounds.
Pacific Cod
Pacific Cod (Gadus macrocephalus) also prefer cold waters and stick to the upper reaches of the Pacific. Their habitat stretches from the Bering Sea down to Japan and across the ocean to California.
They’re most commonly caught in Alaska, which is why this species is also referred to as Alaskan Cod. Their gray hue has also earned them the name “Gray Cod.” Pacific Cod are darker than Atlantic Cod and may grow larger (up to 50 pounds), but otherwise they look the same.
Cod vs. Haddock vs. Pollock
Cod share waters with several closely related fish. This can cause the average angler some confusion because they look alike – as if it wasn’t bad enough having plenty of non-Cod fish with “Cod” in their name!
Mainly, you want to watch out for Haddock and Pollock:
- Haddock inhabit the same waters as Atlantic Cod. To the untrained eye they look similar, but just remember that Haddock are gray in color and feature a dark lateral line, as opposed to the pale lateral line you’ll see on Cod. And, while Cod have rounded fins, those on a Haddock are pointed.
- Both Atlantic and Pacific Cod also share waters with Pollock. Once again, you’ll want to look at their fins for a clue: Pollock have pointed fins, much like Haddock. Whereas Cod have dark spots all over their bodies, Pollock have pale markings (or no visible markings) and the back of the fish is noticeably darker than the sides.
Best Cod Fishing Spots
Whether fishing the Atlantic or Pacific, anglers willing to brave cold seas have access to these renowned eating fish. Some of the world’s best spots include:
Alaska
If you’re in the market for Pacific Cod, head to any area crowning the Gulf of Alaska. That’s where you can take advantage of the state’s best recreational Cod fishing, from Prince William Sound to the Aleutian Islands. Kodiak Island is a stand-out destination in the middle of it all.
Most sportfishing for Cod in Alaska happens relatively close to shore, where these fish spawn in winter and spring. Currently, the Gulf of Alaska’s stock is not considered overfished, which means there are no size or possession limits for recreational anglers.
Massachusetts
For some of the best Cod fishing in America, head to Cape Cod – it’s literally in the name! Here you’ll have access to the Gulf of Maine, which is said to hold the most abundant Cod fishery on this side of the States. Atlantic Cod call these waters home year-round, but the best time to target them is in the cooler months when they head inshore to spawn.
Have in mind that regulations limit when and where you can keep these fish. In the Gulf of Maine, there’s a relatively short open season from September through October. Beyond the Gulf, you may be able to keep your catch anytime between September and May. Size and bag limits for Cod vary depending on the area as well.
Rhode Island
In recent years, anglers in Rhode Island have been able to take advantage of great Cod fishing during the fall. At this time of year, these fish come closer to shore, making them real accessible. Traditionally, peak season begins in December and stays strong until March.
Few charter boats in Rhode Island run past Thanksgiving, but those that do can take you south of Block Island where Cod are found in droves come wintertime. Rhode Island also gets you close to Coxes Ledge, one of New England’s best-known Cod fishing spots. Rhode Island’s recreational Cod season is open from September through May when anglers can keep up to five fish of 23 inches or greater.
Newfoundland
Of course, there’s great Cod fishing to be had beyond the US. Before we stray too far afield, it’s worth mentioning the historic Cod fishery in Newfoundland, Canada. These fish were once abundant in Newfoundland’s waters and a were a staple of the local economy for generations. Sadly, commercial overfishing led to the fishery’s collapse in the 1990s, and a moratorium on Cod fishing went into effect for 30 years.
With the Cod population returning, commercial fishing has recently reopened. Recreational anglers are also able to dabble in this renowned fishery too, albeit following strict regulations. There are about 40 days per year when Canada’s Cod fishing regulations allow you to catch and keep this fish on select dates.
United Kingdom
If you thought New England had good Cod fishing, wait until you cast your line in the old country. Here, it’s a popular catch, not only at sea but also from shore. The Bristol Channel boasts some of the most accessible Cod fishing in the UK, with various shore fishing spots such as Battery Point, Hinkley Point, and Lady Bay. Beyond that, some well-known spots await in Langton Herring, Ferrybridge, Abbosbury, and Dorset.
Large Cod make their way to Britain in autumn and stay throughout winter before migrating to colder waters around Scandinavia. However, small specimens can be found in local waters year-round. There’s a minimum size limit of 14 inches for any Cod you keep, although this varies by region.
Norway
Atlantic Cod fishing in the UK may be good, but some say that Norway offers the best in the world. Here, they’re known as Skrei Cod and, as usual, the best time to fish for them is in winter and spring.
With so many fjords and islands to explore, you’ll have no shortage of fishing spots to choose from. Some of the most popular Cod fishing grounds include Sørøya and the Lofoten Islands, but don’t overlook local recommendations like Senja Island, Nappstraumen, Mefjord, and Loppa. Anglers visiting from foreign countries can read up on Norway’s Cod fishing regulations here.
How to Fish for Cod
Cod are bottom feeders that school at various depths depending on the time of year. They aren’t particularly picky eaters and will forage for pretty much anything around sandy flats as well as rocky patches and wrecks.
Recreational anglers usually target Cod by jigging, either from an anchored boat or while drifting. This technique involves raising and dropping your rod tip repeatedly in order to bounce your bait off the seafloor. Be sure to pause when your bait hits the bottom, since that’s when these fish are most likely to take a bite.
In some areas, you can target Cod from shore. This is especially common in the Northeast and the UK.
Cod Fishing Rods
Cod are a great catch for beginners because they don’t require fancy gear and they’re willing to take almost any bait.
You can get started with a sturdy 5–9′ spinning or baitcasting rod and matching reel. Since you’re likely to fish in rocky areas, spool your reel with a 20–50 lb braided line and add a 20–25 lb fluoro leader. Depending on the area, you might opt for a heavier leader.
The exception to this is when you’re fishing from shore, in which case a mono line offers more flexibility. Your main line should be 20–30 lb test while your leader needs to be 60–80 pounds. Shore anglers should also opt for rods that can cast far and handle rough surf. Pack a powerful rod in the 12–15-foot range which is rated to cast 5–7 ounces, along with a 7000 or 8000 series reel. Feel free to make adjustments depending on the conditions.
It’s common to add a sinker or lead weight to your setup in order to make sure it gets all the way down to the bottom. Depending on conditions, you can use anything between 4–20 ounces.
Cod Fishing Bait and Lures
As opportunistic feeders, Cod are likely to bite pretty much anything you drop in front of them, including dead bait. Common baits include worms, octopus, squid, or cuttlefish, along with crustaceans such as prawns, crab, and lobster. They’ll even eat smaller fish like sand eels or mackerel strips. Some anglers swear by combinations such as worm and squid cocktails or baited jigs.
You can also fish for Cod using jigs and plastics shaped like fish they normally eat, such as mackerel, herring, and sand eels. Some of the most successful colors are various shades and combinations of pink, orange, white, green, and yellow. You can even choose soft baits which have artificial scents added to them.
When to Fish for Cod
You can catch Cod year-round in many places. But you’ll have to head farther from shore during summer when they retreat to deep waters. For this reason, winter and early spring are often considered the peak season for Cod fishing, when they’re abundant close to shore.
That said, every state and country has its own regulated season for the species, so you may not always be able to keep your catch. Size and bag limits are an important part of conserving local Cod populations which have been overfished in many areas.
Cod: A Fish to Feed the World
Given how good they taste and how easy they are to catch, it’s no surprise that Cod have made their way into local cuisines all over the world. These fish have fed generations of people, from the Bering to the Barents Sea. More than a meal, they make up many traditions and are often the key ingredient in our favorite comfort foods. This makes them a species worth protecting. And, after reeling one in for yourself, you’ll never look at those filets the same way again!
Have you ever been Cod fishing? Did the fact that you landed it yourself make it taste any sweeter? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
The post How to Go Cod Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2024 appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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