Want to know how to catch cod? The best time to fish for cod is often during the cooler months, especially in spring and fall, though specific seasons vary by location. You can catch cod using various methods, with jigging and trolling being popular choices.
Cod fishing is a rewarding pursuit, offering the thrill of a strong fight and the delicious reward of a hearty meal. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the game, mastering the art of catching cod involves a blend of the right gear, effective techniques, and knowledge of their habits. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know, from choosing your tackle to selecting the prime fishing spots.
Image Source: i0.wp.com
Essential Cod Fishing Gear
The right equipment is the foundation of successful cod fishing. Investing in quality gear will not only make your trip more enjoyable but also significantly increase your chances of landing a big one.
Rods and Reels
For cod fishing, you’ll want a sturdy rod and reel combination that can handle the weight and fighting power of these fish.
- Rods: Opt for a medium-heavy to heavy action rod, typically 6 to 7 feet in length. This provides the backbone needed to set the hook and control a powerful fish. Look for rods with good sensitivity to detect subtle bites, especially in deeper water.
- Reels: A robust spinning reel or a conventional reel is suitable. Ensure it has a smooth drag system. For deep-sea cod fishing, a reel with a high line capacity is crucial, as cod can make long runs. A reel with a gear ratio around 5.3:1 to 6.4:1 is generally a good balance between power and speed.
Fishing Line
The type and strength of your fishing line are critical for cod fishing.
- Monofilament: While traditional, monofilament can stretch, which might not be ideal for detecting bites in deep water.
- Braided Line: This is highly recommended for its low stretch, incredible strength, and sensitivity. Braided line allows you to feel even the slightest nibble, which is vital for catching cod. A line strength of 30-50 lb test is a good starting point for most cod fishing scenarios.
- Leader: Always use a strong leader. Fluorocarbon leaders are excellent because they are nearly invisible in the water and have good abrasion resistance, which is important when fishing near rocks or wrecks where cod often hide. A 40-60 lb fluorocarbon leader is a common choice.
Terminal Tackle
This includes your hooks, swivels, weights, and any other small but vital components.
- Hooks: Circle hooks are highly recommended for cod fishing. They are designed to hook the fish in the corner of the mouth, reducing gut hooking and increasing survival rates for released fish. Sizes 4/0 to 9/0 are typical, depending on the bait size and target cod size.
- Weights (Sinkers): Cod often inhabit deeper waters, so you’ll need significant weight to get your bait down to them. Weights can range from 3 ounces to as much as 16 ounces or more, depending on the current and depth. Pyramid or cannonball sinkers are common.
- Swivels: High-quality ball-bearing swivels are essential to prevent line twist, especially when using cut bait or trolling.
Cod Fishing Techniques Explained
Several effective cod fishing techniques can be employed, each suited to different conditions and preferences.
Jigging for Cod
Jigging is an aggressive and often highly productive method for catching cod. It involves using a weighted lure (a jig) that you bounce off the bottom.
How to Jig Effectively
- Jig Selection: Jigs come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Silver, white, and chartreuse are popular choices. Consider the depth and water clarity when choosing your jig. In murkier water, brighter colors can be more effective.
- The Action: Drop your jig to the bottom. Lift the jig a few feet off the bottom with a sharp upward motion of your rod, then let it fall back down. The key is to impart a lively, erratic action to the jig, mimicking a wounded baitfish.
- Detecting Bites: Bites can occur on the drop or when the jig is stationary. A tap or a sudden slackening of your line can indicate a bite. When you feel a bite, lift the rod sharply to set the hook.
- Bottom Contact: It’s crucial to maintain contact with the bottom, as cod are often found very close to it. Feel the jig bouncing off the seabed.
Trolling for Cod
Trolling involves dragging a lure or bait through the water behind a moving boat. This can cover more water and is effective for locating schools of cod.
Trolling Strategies
- Lure Choice: Large spoons, deep-diving plugs, and tube lures are popular for trolling. Often, a bait rig is trolled behind a dodger or a propeller to add action.
- Speed: A slow to moderate trolling speed is usually best for cod. Experiment with different speeds to see what triggers strikes.
- Depth: Use downriggers or heavy trolling weights to get your lures into the strike zone, which is often near the bottom or along drop-offs.
- Rigging: A common trolling rig involves a heavy sinker or a diver followed by a leader and then your lure or bait.
Bait Fishing for Cod
Using live or cut bait is a classic and highly effective method for catching cod.
Best Bait for Cod
- Cut Bait: Mackerel, herring, clams, and sandworms are excellent choices. Cut them into pieces that match the size of your hooks.
- Live Bait: Live herring, mackerel, or eels can be irresistible to cod, especially larger specimens.
- Artificial Baits: Soft plastic baits, often in the shape of baitfish or grubs, can be rigged on jig heads and are very effective, especially when combined with scent attractants.
Bait Fishing Rigs
Several rigs are suitable for bait fishing for cod.
High-Low Rig
This is a popular and effective rig.
- Components: A main line, a sinker at the bottom, and two dropper loops above the sinker for your hooks.
- How it Works: The two hooks are presented at different depths, increasing your chances of intercepting a cod that might be suspended or feeding closer to the bottom.
- Rigging: Tie a sinker to the end of your main line. Create two dropper loops by tying small loops a few inches above the sinker, spaced about 12-18 inches apart. Attach your baited hooks to these loops.
Fish Finder Rig (Carolina Rig)
This rig allows the fish to take the bait without feeling the weight of the sinker.
- Components: A weight that slides freely on your main line, a bead, a swivel, a leader, and your hook.
- How it Works: The weight slides along the line, allowing the cod to swim away with the bait before you feel the strike. When you set the hook, the weight is pulled away from the fish.
- Rigging: Thread a sinker onto your main line, followed by a bead to protect the knot. Tie the main line to a swivel. Attach a fluorocarbon leader of appropriate length (1-3 feet) to the other end of the swivel, and then tie on your hook.
Cod Fishing Locations
Knowing where to find cod is as important as knowing how to catch them. Cod are widespread and can be found in various marine environments.
Coastal Cod Fishing
Nearshore areas can be productive, especially for smaller to medium-sized cod.
- Structure: Look for rocky areas, reefs, wrecks, and kelp beds. Cod are often found near structure where they can ambush prey.
- Depth: Coastal cod can be found from shallow waters down to around 100 feet.
- Tides: Fishing around moving tides, especially the incoming tide, can be very effective.
Deep Sea Cod Fishing
For the truly large specimens, venturing into deeper waters is often necessary.
- Offshore Structures: Wrecks, artificial reefs, and natural underwater formations are prime locations. These provide shelter and attract baitfish, which in turn attract cod.
- Drop-offs and Canyons: Areas where the seabed drops off sharply can hold significant numbers of cod.
- Depth: Deep sea cod fishing can involve depths from 100 feet to over 500 feet.
Popular Cod Fishing Destinations
While cod are found in many oceans, some regions are renowned for their cod populations.
- New England Coast, USA: Georges Bank, Stellwagen Bank, and the waters off Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island are famous for Atlantic cod.
- Canadian Maritimes: Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence offer excellent cod fishing.
- North Atlantic: Ireland, the UK (particularly the North Sea), Norway, and Iceland are also known for their cod fisheries.
Understanding Cod Behavior and Feeding Habits
Deciphering when and how cod feed will greatly enhance your success.
Feeding Times
Cod are opportunistic feeders and can be caught throughout the day, but certain times are more productive.
- Dawn and Dusk: These are often prime feeding times, as light levels change, and baitfish become more active.
- Tidal Changes: The transition periods between tides, especially the peak of the incoming tide and the beginning of the outgoing tide, can trigger feeding frenzies.
- Overcast Days: Many anglers find that overcast or slightly foggy conditions can lead to excellent fishing, as the subdued light may make cod more comfortable feeding closer to the surface or in shallower areas.
Preferred Habitats
Cod are bottom dwellers, preferring cooler waters.
- Structure: They are drawn to structure like rocks, reefs, wrecks, and artificial structures. These provide ambush points and attract bait.
- Temperature: Atlantic cod prefer water temperatures between 35°F and 50°F (2°C and 10°C).
- Depth: While they can be found in relatively shallow coastal waters, they are more commonly targeted in deeper offshore areas where they may aggregate.
Advanced Cod Fishing Tips & Tricks
Elevate your cod fishing game with these expert insights.
Scent and Sound
Cod have a keen sense of smell and can detect vibrations in the water.
- Scent Attractants: Using fish-scented oils or sprays on your lures or bait can make a significant difference, especially in attracting inactive fish.
- Vibrating Lures: Jigs or lures with a wobble or vibration can help attract cod from a distance.
Stealth and Presentation
While cod are not always shy, presentation matters.
- Line Management: In clear, deep water, consider using a thinner diameter line or a fluorocarbon leader to minimize spooking the fish.
- Bait Presentation: Ensure your bait is presented naturally on the hook, not bunched up or hiding the hook point.
Reading the Water
Learn to interpret your surroundings.
- Depth Finders: A good fish finder is invaluable for locating underwater structure, changes in the seabed, and schools of baitfish, which often indicate the presence of cod.
- Currents: Understand how currents move around structure. Cod will often position themselves facing into the current to ambush bait being swept towards them.
Keeping Your Catch Fresh
If you plan to keep your cod, proper handling is crucial for taste.
- Bleeding: Immediately after catching a cod you intend to keep, cut the gill filaments or make a cut behind the gill plates to bleed the fish. This removes blood from the flesh, improving taste and texture.
- Icing: Place the bled fish directly into a cooler filled with ice. Keep the fish on ice until you are ready to prepare it.
Common Cod Fishing Challenges and Solutions
Even experienced anglers face hurdles. Here’s how to overcome them.
Problem: No Bites
- Solution:
- Change Lure/Bait: Try different colors, sizes, or types of bait.
- Adjust Depth: Experiment with fishing slightly higher or lower off the bottom.
- Vary Retrieve/Jigging Action: Impart a different action to your lure.
- Check Location: Move to a different spot.
- Consider Time of Day/Tide: Try fishing during a different tidal phase or time of day.
Problem: Losing Fish on the Drop
- Solution:
- Slow Down: If you’re jigging, slow your descent.
- Use a Bait Holder: If using bait, ensure it’s rigged securely.
- Sharpen Hooks: Ensure your hooks are sharp for better hooksets.
- Use Circle Hooks: These are less likely to pull out.
Problem: Snags on the Bottom
- Solution:
- Use Breakaway Rigs: Design your rig so the sinker is the weakest point and breaks off if snagged, saving your line and lures.
- Vary Weight: If you’re constantly snagging, you might be using too light a weight for the current, causing your line to drift into the snag. Or, conversely, using too heavy a weight that sinks into soft bottom.
- Gentle Lifting: When you feel your line touch bottom, lift gently to avoid embedding your hook or weight into structure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best time of day to fish for cod?
While cod can be caught throughout the day, dawn and dusk are often the most productive times, especially when combined with favorable tidal movements.
Can I catch cod from a pier?
Yes, it’s possible to catch cod from piers, especially in areas with nearby structure or deeper channels. However, offshore or boat fishing typically offers more consistent success and access to larger fish.
What is the difference between Atlantic and Pacific cod?
While both are popular food fish, they are distinct species. Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) are found in the North Atlantic, while Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) inhabit the North Pacific. There are some differences in their appearance and preferred habitats, but fishing techniques are largely similar.
Is it better to troll or jig for cod?
Both trolling and jigging are effective. Trolling can cover more water and help locate fish, while jigging allows for more precise lure presentation and can be very exciting. The best method often depends on the conditions and how the fish are behaving.
What are the legal regulations for cod fishing?
Fishing regulations, including size limits, bag limits, and seasons, vary significantly by region and are subject to change. Always check with your local fisheries management authority or relevant government agency before you go fishing to ensure you are in compliance with all applicable laws.
Fishing for cod is a dynamic and rewarding experience. By arming yourself with the right gear, employing proven cod fishing techniques, and seeking out the best cod fishing locations, you’ll be well on your way to a successful outing. Remember to adapt your approach based on conditions, and most importantly, enjoy the process of catching cod!