Choosing lures and jigs for Cod Fishing

In this article we will take a closer look at lures and jigs that are suitable for cod fishing. We begin by looking at lures suitable for cod fishing from shore. This is a form of sport fishing that anyone can learn. Piers, small islands, steep slopes and other places where water is relatively deep close to shore, are well suited areas for this type of cod fishing.

Cod is a fish that eat almost everything, but still it might be wise to adapt your choice of fishing equipment to its natural food. If the cod is chasing herring it would be preferable to choose a herring imitation. Both spoons and ​​more compact lures have proven to be effective cod catchers. It is recommended that you have both these types of lures among your fishing equipment. Variation is important for any fisherman that wants to be successful under different conditions. Therefore you should also have lures with different colors, shape sand sizes among your fishing equipment. This will increase your opportunities for good catches.

Cod fishing lures 
Here's an overview including some of the best lures for cod fishing, as well as some information about these. These are lures that are recognized for their qualities as cod lures. Also, you will find some of my personal favorites that I always have among my fishing equipment.

• Jensen Pirken, I would recommend that everyone has among their fishing equipment. This acclaimed all-round lure is suitable not only for cod fishing. Most species can be caught with this lure. This is a herring imitation that is shaped so that it has exceptionally good casting qualities. Therefore it is particularly suitable for long distance casting and cod fishing in areas where the water is deep close to shore. Solvkroken deliver this lure in 10 colors ranging from 16 to 80 grams.
    
• Toby is a classic lure well suited for cod fishing. The special shape gives it lively, irregular movements, which often causes the fish to bite. Abu Garcia provides this lure in a large variety of colors usually found from 7 to 28 grams. This lure is perfect for cod fishing in shallower water.
     
• Moresilda is an all-round lure that is sold worldwide. This renowned lure has a pattern of movement that often causes the cod to bite. It is always among my fishing equipment. Moresilda is distributed by Rapala VMC Corp and it is available in 14 color variations ranging from 6 to 55 grams.
     
• Luhr-Jensen Krocodile is an all-round lure that is best known for its abilities as a salmon lure. However, it is also excellent for cod fishing. This lure moves a lot in the water. Therefore it is best suited for shallow water. This spoon is manufactured by Luhr Jensen in Oregon, USA. It is available in 13 color options ranging from 7 to 29 grams.
    
• Stingsild is known all over the world. This lure is ideal for long casting and deep conditions, something that makes it well suited for cod fishing. Preferably it should be fished with jerky movements along the bottom. Stingsild is standard fishing equipment for many sea anglers. Solvkroken provides this lure in 7 colors ranging from 18 to 75 grams.

Cod fishing lures can be found in a large selection. By choosing from the selection mentioned above you will be able to meet any conditions. Choose some lures with a lot of movement like Toby, and some that allow you to long distance casting like Stingsild. If I should choose only one lure for cod fishing, I would choose Jensen Pirken. This lure has provided me with a lot of great catches during all kind of conditions.

Jigging for cod
It is usually during cod fishing from a boat that the largest fish are caught. Cod is known as a bottom fish, meaning that jigging is effective method. Here is a list of some acknowledged jigs suitable for cod fishing. You should have several different colors, shapes and sizes, among your fishing equipment. Variation and the opportunities to cope with all kind of conditions are essential if you are to achieve great catches.

• The Norwegian Traditional Jig is a real classic that sells well worldwide. Its unique movement allows you to catch cod during any conceivable conditions. Solvkroken deliver this jig in weights ranging from 75 to 1,000 grams. All anglers that are fishing from boats should definitely have this legendary jig among their fishing equipment.
    
• Silen is a compact jig that is well suited for jigging. It moves relatively little in the water and therefore it should be fished actively. Abu Garcia provides this in several colors and the sizes ranging from 150 to 750 grams.   
• Jensen Jig is a larger version of the famous Jensen Pirken. This is an excellent all round jig suitable for cod fishing at smaller depth. It has a compact form combined with some great movements. Jensen jig can be found in 6 color variations ranging from 100 to 400 grams.
    
• Elbe Cod is a classic Jig designed for cod fishing. This is a relatively compact jig, that has proved effective for many years. It is available in weights ranging from 100 to 300 grams, making it are suitable for cod fishing at minor depths. Elbe Cod should be fished actively.

All anglers have their own favorites. The most important thing is to have several sizes and colors among your fishing equipment. Include a few compact jigs like Silen, as well as some jigs with more movement like the traditional Norwegian Jig among your fishing equipment. Then you will be well equipped for cod fishing in all conditions and at any depths. My personal favorite is without a doubt the Norwegian traditional Jig. This can be used during any conditions. Therefore it is an excellent jig for cod fishing.

Also feel free to read
Cod Fishing from boats - Jigging for cod -
Cod fishing spots - Cod fishing from the shore

           

Wreck Fishing for Cod

Wreck fishing is in many areas recognized as the best and also most popular form of cod fishing. Great catches, including large individuals are often caught close by wrecks, and many a fishermen have set their personal fishing records at such spots. This type of cod fishing requires some knowledge, which we will offer on this website. There are two main approaches to wreck fishing. Either you fish from a boat that is anchored or you fish from a boat drifting freely.

Fishing Spots
Seeking out spots suitable for this type of cod fishing, will be the first and possibly also the most important thing to do. A depth sounder, together with a good draft or a GPS will prove to be of invaluable help. If you lack local knowledge, you should consider taking part in a wreck fishing charter. If you have little experience from this form of cod fishing the same applies. Contact your local angling club or use the internet to find offers on such charters. Read the article cod fishing spots for tips on other fishing grounds that will provide good opportunities.

From anchored boat
During wreck fishing from an anchored boat is very important that the boat is maneuvered into a suitable position. The boat should be positioned a bit upstream in relation to the wreck. However, the distance should not be too long. This because it should be possible to effectively fish close by the wreck.

Using bait will often yield the best results, but jigging may also provide some really good catches. No matter which method you are choosing, the presentation of the bait or jig will be essential. You should try to present your bait very close to the wreck, along the seabed.

From drifting boat
Cod fishing from a drifting boat will also provide excellent opportunities for some great catches. The deciding factor will often be how fast, as well as in what direction the boat is drifting. The best chances you will normally experience when the boat drifts along or above the wreck. It will require some experience to place the boat in the best positions. A combination of wind and tidal water will determine the boat's movement during such cod fishing. Typically, jigging will be the preferred method during wreck fishing from drifting boats, but bait can also provide a high catch rate.

If you lack local knowledge, you should definitely join a chartered boat. The same applies if you have little or no experience from wreck fishing. You will then get a local skipper, who will know how to locate the best spots. In addition, you will be able to pick up good tips from the other participating fishermen.

Inshore or offshore?
A distinction is usually made between inshore and offshore wreck fishing. Methods are usually the same no matter where you are engaged in cod fishing. The biggest difference is normally that offshore fishing requires more powerful equipment. Remember that you are more vulnerable to bad weather during offshore fishing. If you are planning on using your own boat for cod fishing, you should begin wreck fishing inshore. It will often be easier to learn this challenging way of cod fishing on such fishing spots. Also, you will to some extent be protected from harsh weather conditions.

Wreck Fishing
When you engage in wreck fishing, it might be useful to choose methods and fishing spots based on your knowledge about cod. This fish stays close to the wrecks out of two main reasons. First and foremost, it is feeding at this location. It will therefore be an advantage if you adjust your bait, pirk/jigs, suspension and other gear according to cod's natural food source. Cod is also seeking protection in and close by the wreck. At the strong tidal current it will, for example, often seek quiet areas on the lower side of the current.

Shore angling for cod 
Jigging for cod
Bait Fishing