How to catch Atlantic Cod
Gadus morhua
Also known as cod, skrei (Norwegian spawning cod).
The Atlantic cod built fishing economies on both sides of the ocean, and for anglers the winter skrei run into northern Norway remains one of the great cold-water fisheries.
🏆 World record: 103 lb IGFA all-tackle, Isle of Shoals, New Hampshire, USA (1969). IGFA all-tackle world record Atlantic cod, about 103 pounds caught off the Isle of Shoals, New Hampshire in 1969. IGFA records can change over time, so verify at igfa.org. All records →
Where to find them
Cold-water banks, ledges, and structure from 60 to 500 feet
Season
Winter and early spring in northern Norway; spring and summer at Iceland
Best baits & lures for Atlantic Cod
Drift over marks and work a heavy jig or big soft plastic near bottom with long lifts. When a school lights up on the sounder, stay on it - cod feed in packs.
Timing matters as much as tackle. Baitful reads the tide stage, pressure trend, solunar windows and weather at your spot and scores the bite, so you fish Atlantic Cod when conditions line up.
Catch to table: Atlantic Cod
The classic whitefish, mild and flaky and beloved for fish and chips. Keep legal fish and mind strict regulations where stocks are managed.
Taste: Mild, clean, slightly sweet white flesh with large, tender flakes. The benchmark for versatile white fish.
Cleaning: Fillet and skin, then pin-bone; the thick fillets portion neatly into loins for even cooking.
How to cook it
- • Beer-batter and deep-fry for classic fish and chips.
- • Bake with a crumb or herb crust.
- • Poach gently in a light broth or milk.
Tip: Handle the flaky flesh gently and avoid overcooking; keep the fish iced until you fillet.
Ikejime this fish for firmer, cleaner-tasting fillets and longer shelf life.
Where to catch Atlantic Cod
Book a Atlantic Cod charter
Guides and charter boats that target Atlantic Cod, by destination:
Catching Atlantic Cod: FAQ
What's the best bait for Atlantic Cod?
Proven options include heavy metal jigs (pirks), large soft plastics, shad-style lures, bait rigs. Drift over marks and work a heavy jig or big soft plastic near bottom with long lifts. When a school lights up on the sounder, stay on it - cod feed in packs.
When is the best time to catch Atlantic Cod?
Winter and early spring in northern Norway; spring and summer at Iceland. Day to day, moving water and low-light periods around dawn and dusk usually fish best.
Where do you find Atlantic Cod?
Look for Cold-water banks, ledges, and structure from 60 to 500 feet. Anglers target them at spots like Lofoten.
Anglers also target
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