How To

How to Catch Cod

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

Rate: (6 Ratings)

Atlantic cod are cold-water fish that you can catch in the surf and at sea. They commonly weigh 10 lbs or more and anglers frequently catch cod weighing more than 50 lbs. Gigantic catches have been recorded at 200 lbs and up. Cod flesh is simple, but delicious. It tastes much better fresh than the processed and frozen cod found in fish sticks. Catch some to find out for yourself.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Choose a location to fish for cod. Shore fishermen like jetties which give them access to deeper water. With a boat, you can easily reach deep water and bigger cod.
Step 2

Pick a bait. Anglers find success with mussels, razor clams, sand worms, squid and live or cut baitfish. You can use artificial lures, too. Jigs, plastic imitation baits and feather lures catch cod under appropriate conditions. Adding mussels or other bait to lures is also effective.
Step 3

Cast your line. Fishing wrecks and other underwater features is a good strategy. Fish your bait on or near the bottom.
Step 4

Reel in the slack line and, when you feel the weight of the fish, set the hook. Once the hook is set, bring the fish to hand.
Step 5

Release the cod quickly if you are not going to keep it. If you are going to eat it, keep the cod on ice until you are ready to clean it.