Atlantic Cod
Gadus morhua
FR Morue franche · ES Bacalao del Atlántico · PT Bacalhau do Atlântico · IT Merluzzo nordico · DE Atlantischer Kabeljau
Also known as: CodCommon CodCodlingBacalao del AtlánticoMorue francheAtlantischer KabeljauMerluzzo nordicoBacalhau do Atlântico
BenthicShoreBoat
Gamefish
Score
—
Prime time
Low light and night; autumn–winter inshore peaks.
Depth
10–150m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jan–DecGood Apr–Oct
Depth range
10–150mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Vertical / shore jigging85%
Bottom fishing / ledgering80%
Preferred seabed
Sand
Findr bio
Reef ambusher — beside reef drop-offs and glides the contour then darts; Trolled Feathers Near The Edge.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Deep waterSandy beachShallow waterWreck reef
Recommended baits
Fish baitsSquidCrab
Diet
Small fishSand eelShrimpSquidBivalves
Effective techniques
Bottom FishingSpinning
Gear
Best times
DawnDuskNightMid floodEarly ebb
Fueled empires and collapse lectures — a tiny fish with a giant history.
Field notes
Where to find them
North Sea, Baltic, Norwegian waters
Where they hang out
Shallow rough ground 5–20 m from beaches, piers, rocks.
Prime time
Low light and night; autumn–winter inshore peaks.
Tide game
Strong; running tide over rough ground best.
What they're into
Lug/ragworm, squid, crab, fish baits; eats crabs, fish, shellfish.
Temperature vibe
Cold‑water species; moves deeper when warm.
Fave weather
Settling after storms good; extreme swell makes it hard to fish effectively.
Fun fact about me
Fueled empires and collapse lectures — a tiny fish with a giant history.
Dinner material?
10/10Excellent eating
Play by the rules
Closed areas/seasons and MLS common, especially Baltic—check locally.Norway Fiskeridirektoratet; Denmark/Sweden agencies; UK IFCA/MMO.
Looking after them
Vulnerable
Other regions where you can target Atlantic Cod