How to Fish for Cod

Fish is among the healthiest foods out there and codfish particularly has proven to be very beneficial to those suffering from heart disease. According to research, people who consume fish are at a lower risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular illnesses than those who do not eat fish regularly. Cod promotes your heart’s health since it contains omega- 3 fatty acids which have blood-thinning properties. Besides the health benefits, cod offers you versatility in cooking due to the multiple methods you can cook it. However, for you to take advantage of this heart-friendly food, you should endeavor to eat it while fresh. If you are near a shore, fishing for cod does not have to be an uphill task. With the cod fishing techniques discussed below, you will learn how to fish for cod to facilitate a healthy meal.

Pay attention to location, time and weather

You should know the particular area where you are most likely to catch codfish. Enquire from your fellow fishermen on the ideal place to set up since no matter how prepared you are; if you are not at the right place at the right time, your efforts will go down the drain.

The weather also plays a huge role when it comes to fishing cod. If your areas experience a storm, then you have high chances of catching cod immediately after the storm. A storm churns up the water causing food to settle on the seabed where the cod will swim to feed. Also, since codfish like cold water, you will increase your chances of a good catch when there is frost. During spring time cod will most likely be near the shores where they will most likely be swimming.

Codfish prefer deep waters; therefore, if you can get a pier or deep-waters, then you may have found the perfect place where to catch cod easily. During early morning hours as well as when the sun sets, cod will be swimming in the shallow waters. They feel much safer on the shores where the small fish they eat will also be. When the sun shines, it penetrates the seas making the fish find solace in the deep waters. Therefore, cast out on shallow waters during such times when the sun is yet to shine.

How is your tackle?

Since codfish are usually in deep waters, you will want to minimize the chances of breaking your tools. In this case, you should invest in heavy lines, weights, and hooks also because the fish will put a fight and you do not want to have your line broken. As for the hooks, you should have big hooks ranging from 3/0 to 6/0 which will help in preventing the smaller fish from stealing your bait. Also, note that rigs which have a bait clip device are likely to cast further than those that do not have. Pinned baits are less of a hindrance since they do not flap around to slow down the lead weight.

Apart from the reels, weights, and hooks, you will also want to be comfortable as you wait for the cod. Therefore, have a seat or tackle box where you can also store your spare gear. Of course, if you decide to fish in the night, then you will need a headlamp.

Which baits are best to use?

Since cod are greedy and can eat almost anything, they offer you a wide variety from which you can choose. Despite codfish’s greedy nature, they have small mouths; therefore, you should select your bait paying attention to the sizes. Unfortunately, cod are unpredictable, so what you used last time may not work next time making it difficult to entice them. You should, therefore, take a variety with you, for instance, squids, crabs, lobsters sea worms and many more. All the same. Live bait is the best but since it is hard to have it all year round, you may have to use frozen bait sometimes.

How is your rig?

You need a cod rig, and if you do not have one, you can quickly learn how to make one since it is not difficult. All you need are a hook, swivel, and bead for stop knot. You should then hook up the baits between the main hook and the bead. Once it is ready, drop it to the bottom of the deep waters and wait for a cod to come biting the bait.

Some fishermen are not steady enough and instead drop the rig, lift it several inches, and drop it again. If you keep lowering and raising the rig, you increase the chances of losing your bait. Once you catch a cod, drop your rig in the surrounding waters to increase your catch. Codfish usually travel in groups so if you have found one; then there will most likely be others in the area.

You should also time the casting period to maximize the potential of the bait to lure in the cod. If you leave it a bit too long in the water, other creatures can eat it. Alternatively, if you retrieve too soon, it will not have left a scent to attract the cod towards your bait. You, therefore, should renew your bait after every cast otherwise recasting a washed-out bait is wasting your time because no cod will come to your bait.

Can you use artificial baits?

Sometimes getting hold of natural baits may prove difficult but that does not mean you should not go cod fishing. You can use artificial baits to lure the fish, and the baits include:

Tube Jigs

Tube jogs are hollow cylindrical plastic baits in which you pit a scented sponge in the hollow part to attract the fish. Since plastic is not as heavy, you should ensure it can sink to the bottom where the cod usually are.

Diamond Jigs

If you are planning to catch a big cod, then this is your best bet to do so. Diamond jigs are generally inclined at 45 degrees making them very efficient tools to catch cod.

Conclusion

A fresh meal is the delight of every family, and when it includes a freshly-cooked cod, then it becomes even better. With the above cod fishing techniques, you will improve your chances to catch a cod for a tasty meal.