Atlantic Cod

Oceans & Range: North Atlantic Ocean — from Greenland and Iceland south to the Mid-Atlantic states, and from Norway to the Bay of Biscay. Historically the most important food fish in the North Atlantic. Major sport fisheries exist off New England — particularly Georges Bank, Stellwagen Bank, and Jeffreys Ledge. Found over rocky and sandy bottom in 30–1,500 feet.

Preferred Water Temperature: 32°F–55°F. A cold-water species that moves into shallower nearshore water in winter and retreats to deeper water in summer as surface temperatures rise. Most accessible to sport anglers in winter and spring in New England.

Size & Weight: Typical New England catches run 5–25 lbs. Trophy "toad" Cod exceed 60 lbs. World record: 98 lbs 12 oz from New Hampshire. Populations severely depleted by commercial overfishing — strict management has led to some recovery in recent years. Outstanding eating — the most historically important food fish in Atlantic history.

Best Lures: Large diamond jigs (6–12 oz) in chrome or white dropped to bottom and jigged aggressively are the top producer. Large Norwegian jigs and pirk-style jigs are traditional and effective. Bucktail jigs tipped with squid produce well. Red-colored lures are traditionally effective.

Best Baits: Fresh whole clams are the top party boat bait. Fresh whole squid produce consistently. Fresh-dead herring work well. Large sea worms are effective in shallower areas. High-low bait rigs with fresh clam dropped to rocky bottom are the standard approach. Always check current regulations — Cod fishing seasons and limits are strictly managed.

North Atlantic Ocean — from Greenland and Iceland south to the Mid-Atlantic states, and from Norway to the Bay of Biscay. Historically the most important food fish in the North Atlantic. Major sport fisheries exist off New England — particularly Georges Bank, Stellwagen Bank, and Jeffreys Ledge. Found over rocky and sandy bottom in 30–1,500 feet.

32°F–55°F. A cold-water species that moves into shallower nearshore water in winter and retreats to deeper water in summer as surface temperatures rise. Most accessible to sport anglers in winter and spring in New England.

Best Lures: Large diamond jigs (6–12 oz) in chrome or white dropped to bottom and jigged aggressively are the top producer. Large Norwegian jigs and pirk-style jigs are traditional and effective. Bucktail jigs tipped with squid produce well. Red-colored lures are traditionally effective. Best Baits: Fresh whole clams are the top party boat bait. Fresh whole squid produce consistently. Fresh-dead herring work well. Large sea worms are effective in shallower areas. High-low bait rigs with fresh clam dropped to rocky bottom are the standard approach. Always check current regulations — Cod fishing seasons and limits are strictly managed.

Typical New England catches run 5–25 lbs. Trophy "toad" Cod exceed 60 lbs. World record: 98 lbs 12 oz from New Hampshire. Populations severely depleted by commercial overfishing — strict management has led to some recovery in recent years. Outstanding eating — the most historically important food fish in Atlantic history.