How to Fish for Black Cod

Catch black cod with a few simple tips.

Distributed across the Pacific from New Zealand to Alaska, black cod dwells in deep waters. Adapted to the cold environments of the arctic, black cod have anti-freezing qualities in their blood that allows for survival in very cold areas of the sea. Because they enjoy deep, frigid water, black cod tend to swim areas on the sea floor, near rock and debris that can make them difficult to reach. However, with a little patience and few tips, black cod can be caught.

Instructions

1. Charter a boat and travel to deep water off Alaska or Canada. Though black cod exist elsewhere in the Pacific, the closest North American fishing areas are off the northwestern coast. Black cod love cold, deep water, so you will need a boat to get out to water at least a few hundred feet deep.

2. Choose your bait. On their own, black cod feed on a variety of squid, crab and mollusks, but they are known as lazy fish that will go for a wide variety of bait. Grubs and artificial worms are known to work well and are typically low-cost. Cod in general love "stink" bait, so consider getting a fragrant jelly or aged fish to compliment your bait selection.

3. Use a depth finder to locate rock and debris areas. Black cod love the sea floor and tend to inhabit rocky areas. Be sure to bring plenty of extra tackle, as the rocky debris fields will likely catch hooks and bait and cause you to cut bait and re-outfit your rig.

4. Find calm water. Black cod a not particularly active fish, and will not often follow moving bait, so being able to keep your boat relatively stationary is important. If you are fishing in poor weather, consider using a drift sock, which affixes to the aft of the ship and creates an element of drag that reduces movement.

5. Reel the fish in at a steady pace. Black cod are not known as fighters, but there is still a danger of having the line snap and losing the fish. Take your time and reel the fish in slowly and without sudden tugs. When the fish comes to the surface, do not lift it out with your pole, which can snap the line. Instead, wait until someone can net it and bring it into the boat.

References

• National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration: Sablefish (Black Cod)
• Esaworld.co.za: Targeting Bottom Fish on Dropshot
• Fish Ex: Black Cod (Sablefish)
• Sport Fishing: Banking on Colr-Weather Cod
• Tackle Tour: Central California Rockfishing

Resources

• Rasa Malaysia: Nobu Black Cod with Miso