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.

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

heavy metal jigs (pirks)large soft plasticsshad-style luresbait 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.

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.

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.

Time your next Atlantic Cod trip

Free live conditions, Bite Score, and what's biting now.

Open Baitful →