Tips for Fishing for Cod

Bait

Cod are not particular about what they will eat. They have large mouths and will eat most types of bait that come near them. Fake worms and grubs in various colors will attract cod in most situations. Cod are attracted to "stink bait," so using aged fish or artificial "stick" jellies is a good idea. Cod also love deep water, so be sure to use a sinker a few feet up the line from the bait. When dropped in the water, the sinker will take the line to the bottom where it will hold and let the bait float above in the range of the cod.

Location

As a rockfish, cod love deep rocky areas. Though the length of line will depend on the area you are fishing, it is possible to need over 400 feet of line to reach the bottom where many cod dwell. Because cod are so fond of rough and rock areas, you should bring extra tackle, as you will likely lose a good deal from entanglements with rock and debris.

Time of Day

Cod prefer deeper water, so consider fishing at night when the tide is in. Tide levels rise during the night, which draws the deep-water loving cod in closer to shore, which will cut the distance out to sea that you will need to travel. If you choose to fish during the day, you may need to travel further to reach 300 or more feet of depth necessary to find cod.

Conditions

Because cod are lazy, windy conditions that make it difficult to keep the boat stationary can make cod fishing difficult. If you can, do your cod fishing under good conditions with minimal wind. For poor weather conditions, consider using a drift sock. Drift socks attach to the aft of a boat and help to minimize movement by creating drag.

Reeling in the Fish

Once on the line, the cod will fight, but it is not known as particularly hard fighting fish. Reel the fish in steadily without heavy tugs that may snap the line. Cod rarely escape, though, so if the hook is well set in the mouth, you should have no trouble reeling the fish in.

Preparation and Storage

When caught fresh, cod should be prepared or frozen within three days. Cod freezes well, and can last in the freezer for six months or so. Cod can be prepared in a variety of ways from being beer battered for fish and chips or simply grilled with salt, butter and lemon. Cod takes on flavors well, so experiment with seasoning of your choice.