Species guide
How to catch Pacific cod
Gadus macrocephalus
Pacific cod is a robust bottom-dwelling predator found mainly along continental shelves. It is prized by anglers for its firm white flesh and is known for living close to shore. This species does not typically form large schools and can be found from shallow to moderately deep waters.
Where they live
Pacific cod inhabits brackish and saltwater environments along North American Pacific coasts, from shallow areas around 10 meters deep to depths over 1200 meters, favoring continental shelf and upper slope zones near the coast.
Typical size
Up to about 119 cm
What they eat
- squid
- small fish such as sand lance and smelt
- small bass-like fish
- various macrofauna prey
Best baits
- chunks of squid
- small fish pieces
- shrimp
Best lures
- jigs
- soft plastic bait imitations
- metal spoons
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- jigging
- bait fishing near rocky or structured seabeds
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