Science Name: | Gadus morhua |
Other Names: | cod, codfish, scrod, codling |
Ideal Temp: | 40 to 50 |
World Record: | 98 lbs. 12 ounces, NH |
Environment: | offshore |
Techniques: | bottom fishing, medium tackle |
Range: | Atlantic Ocean |
Both sexes usually reproduce for the first time when 5 or 6 years old. The fecundity (number or eggs produced in a given year) of females increases with size and age. A 40 inch female may lay about 3 million eggs, and a 50 inch female up to 9 million eggs in one spawning season. The Atlantic cod is a winter spawner. It reproduces from November to December along the coast of southern New England. Spawning takes place at depths of 3 to 350 feet, with the greatest activity occurring in about 200 feet of water. Adults inhabiting inshore areas generally move offshore to reproduce. Larvae measuring 0.2 inches hatch from 10 to 40 days after spawning, depending upon the water temperature.
Where to Find
The Atlantic Cod is native to most of the North Atlantic Ocean. In the northwest
Atlantic it inhabits waters from western Greenland south to Cape Hatteras, North
Carolina, and is most abundant from the coast of northern Labrador to the
Nantucket Shoals region off Massachusetts.
Habitat
Atlantic cod live in a variety of habitats but generally are found at depths of
200 to 360 feet and in temperatures ranging from 34 to 46 degrees F in the
summer and a depths of 295 to 440 feet and in temperatures of 36 to 39 F in the
winter. They are seldom found deeper than 660 feet. Cod undergo seasonal
migrations in the more northerly and southerly reaches of their range in the
northwest Atlantic. Those fish inhabiting polar waters in the summer and autumn
migrate to more southerly and deeper waters in winter and spring, while fish
summering in Nantucket Shoals region overwinter along the New Jersey coast. Fish
inhabiting the region between coastal Nova Scotia and Cape Cod do not exhibit
predictable seasonal migrations. Some move considerable distances in search of
food or in response to overcrowding at certain spawning grounds, but generally
adults remain within limited areas of uniform physical conditions. Cod do not
swim about in large schools but they do travel in small groups when searching
for food.
Feeding Habits
The smaller bottom dwelling cod feed mainly upon small crustaceans such as
shrimp and amphipods. Adults will eat almost anything small enough to fit into
their mouths, including clams, cockles, mussels and other mollusks, as well as
crabs, lobsters and sea urchins. Adults also pursue schooling fish, eating
substantial numbers of herring, capelin, shad, mackerel, silver hake, young
haddock and other species. Voraciously pursuing a variety of potential food, cod
will occasionally dine upon some very exotic items; ducks, shoes, jewelry and
rope have been found in the stomachs of captured cod.
Tips for Handling
Cod should be iced immediately after capture to retain their delicate flavor. If
they are iced in a large cooler the melt water should be drained occasionally so
the fish do not soak in warming water. If they are iced in a boat fish box,
remove the fish box's drain plug.
Tips for Cooking
This flavorful fish can be baked, broiled, poached, fried, made into cakes or
chowder or salted for long term storage without loss of flavor or nutrition.
In the early spring cod can be fished inshore using a smaller rod and conventional reel spooled with 15 to 20 pound monofilament line. Instead of a "Scotsman" rig a homemade one can be easily assembled. Pass the end of the line through a fish finder then attach a black swivel to it. Use snelled 3/0 to 6/0 hooks, attaching the loop end to the swivel. Attach a 4 to 6 ounce sinker to the fish finder. Again a large piece of sea clam covering the hook works well.