Atlantic Cod

Season in Cape Cod

OTW Oct 31 2024: Westport charters found some cod mixed with tautog in about 25 ft of water. Single report; chart is a low marker only. (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

Rocky ledges, gravel and irregular bottom from about 30 ft down; in fall some come onto inner ledges near Boston Harbor (Harding's and Ultonia ledges, Toddy Rocks, President Roads, Boston Light to the B buoy) and nearshore ledges off southern Maine (Platt's Ledge) and New Hampshire (Tantas Ledge).

On the bottom over rock, gravel and irregular bottom on ledges and humps.

What to look for

Gray-green to reddish-brown fish covered in reddish-brown spots, a pale almost white lateral line, three rounded dorsal fins, a broad square tail and a chin barbel (Maine DMR).

What to throw

Metal casting jig (diamond, Hopkins or Stingsilver style)1 to 2 oz, 3 to 4 in. Fast steady retrieve for mackerel; let it sink and rip it up for blues; jig near bottom for weakfish.

Bait

Clam, Shrimp, Sand lance, Mackerel, Herring strips, Crab. A jig with a plastic-worm teaser fished off the bottom with a jerking motion (Maine DMR names 10 oz and up for headboats), or bait on the bottom.

Leader

Standard gear per Maine DMR: a 5 to 8 ft medium to heavy rod, heavy reel and 50 lb Dacron line; MA DMF suggests a 7.5 to 9 ft rod, 4/0 reel and 50 lb Dacron.

Common mistakes

• Fishing too far off the bottom
• Assuming cod are open: Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank stocks are overfished and seasons are short or closed, so check the current rules first

Landing

Reel steadily and net it or lift it aboard at the boat.

Handling

Maine DMR: cod have no fin spines. Handle with wet hands and release quickly any fish that must go back.

Keep or release

Mildly flavored white meat that flakes into large pieces (MA DMF). NOAA: Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank stocks are overfished and subject to overfishing (2021 assessment); recreational seasons are short and may be closed, so check the regulations file before keeping one.

Recipes for atlantic cod

Typical: Inshore cod 27 to 34 in and 6 to 12 lb (MA DMF). Large: Offshore cod usually 40 to 42 in and about 25 lb (MA DMF); up to 51 in and 77 lb (NOAA).

Limits

FishOS has not checked the MA limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries before you keep a fish.

Sources

• On The Water: Cape Cod Fishing Report, Oct 31 2024 (Red Top Sporting Goods, Eastman's Sport and Tackle) (Angler knowledge)
• NOAA Fisheries: Atlantic Cod (Official source)
• MA DMF: Learn about Atlantic cod (Official source)
• On The Water: What's Biting in September in Massachusetts? (2025) (Angler knowledge)

All the fish of Cape Cod