Cod Fishing for Everyone

Cod fishing is an exciting leisure activity that is recommended for everyone. On this website you will find useful information about different types of cod fishing. Equipment, methods, techniques and fishing spots are some of the topics you will find tips on. If you have access to saltwater, you should definitely try out this rewarding leisure activity. In most areas it is possible to engage in cod fishing throughout the year. To fish from boats has often proven to be effective, but you can also get great catches from the shore. The coastline with its beaches, rocky shores, reefs and piers provide endless opportunities.

Equipment
Your choice of equipment is important. During cod fishing your equipment should both help you to get the fish to bite, as well as get it safely ashore. What types of cod fishing you engaged in, as well as how big fishes you are chasing, will determine the requirements that are set on your equipment. Rods, reels, lines, lures, jigs and bait are some of the equipment you can read about. You will find tips on what factors are important when choosing equipment, as well as what qualities the equipment should have.

Cod Fishing Rod - Information and tips about selecting rod.
Cod Fishing Reel and Line - Information and tips about selecting reel and line.
Cod Fishing Lures and Pirks - Information and tips on what to use at the end of line.


How to fish for cod
As mentioned, cod fishing is conducted from both boat and the shoreline. There are many methods and techniques that can provide good catches and many of these methods are relatively easy to learn. Cod fishing should be fun and therefore we recommend that you choose a method that you will enjoy. Local conditions, the size of the fish, as well as what type of equipment you have available are factors that will affect which method you should choose.

Jigging is probably the method  that is easiest to learn, but also bait fishing from boats is something that everyone can participate in. During shore angling for cod the conditions can provide some additional challenges, but do not be put off. With some basic knowledge and a little practice you will be able to enjoy cod fishing from shore. Here are some articles that hopefully will provide useful information.

Wreck Fishing - About this fascinating way of cod fishing
Bait Fishing -  From boats using bait
Cod Jigging - Often the most effective method
Bait Fishing - Information about shore angling for cod using bait
Casting for Cod - Information and tips
From Boat - Information and tips


Where and when
In most areas you will be able to enjoy cod fishing all year round, as well as around the clock. However, there are some periods of time that are particularly suitable for cod fishing. Seasons will affect the opportunities for good catches, and also which method that should be used. Depending on local conditions, the time of day can also play an important role. The tidal water is in many areas the most important factor when you are looking for cod. In these articles you will find useful information.

Best time cod fishing - About the tide, water temperature, seasons and other factors.
Shore angling for cod - About the tidal water, water temperature, seasons, local conditions.

In all sea and coastal areas where cod is present, you will be able to engage in cod fishing almost everywhere. Cod is present at many different depths, and you will find it both close to shore as well as far out to sea. Still some areas stand out as especially well suited. The conditions along the seabed are usually the most important factor when choosing cod fishing spots, but others factors like local conditions, seasons, tidal water, temperature, light conditions and weather conditions will also determine where the cod will be present. What the cod is currently feeding on will also be of importance. More information on how to locate the best spots you will find in these articles.

Cod Fishing Spots - About finding the cod when fishing from boats.
Shore Cod Fishing - About how to locate the best spots

Cod Fishing Menu

Sport Fishing Mackerel

For many people long summer evenings, fine weather and sport fishing for mackerel the perfect combination. In addition to some exciting fishing, mackerel is a great fish for food and also a great bait to use for cod fishing.

Sport fishing for mackerel is as you may know time limited. First and foremost this is a summer activity and in my local areas mackerel can normally be found from April and throughout October. Normally the best sport fishing will take place during the summer months and in September. Notice that these periods can vary depending on where you are located and it is the water temperature that mainly determines where you will find mackerel. My local area where these examples are taken from is along the South-west coast of Norway, close to the North Sea.

Mackerel is a rather small fish and normally a 2 pounds fish will be great catch. Despite a rather modest size, this is a sport fishing that gives a really exciting experience, provided you use the right equipment. This is because mackerel is exceptionally strong for its size and this is probably why this is such a popular leisure activity.

Using the correct fishing equipment means, in this context to use light equipment. In order to experience the strength of the mackerel a small spin fishing rod is a good choice. Often you will be able to use equipment that you have required for other types of sport fishing from shore. For example you could use equipment in the same size as when sport fishing for trout, or slightly larger. Large beach casting rods or heavy deep sea rods will take the joy out of sport fishing for mackerel.

If you try this sport fishing from a boat, a rod intended for trout will, however probably be too fragile. This because you often will catch other species during mackerel fishing and coalfish, cod and others puts other demands on the equipment. A rod intended for salmon fishing could therefore be the perfect choice.

The challenge of fishing for mackerel is normally finding the fish and especially in the early season it can be hard to locate. Trolling will then be a good method, but it can also be effective to let the boat drift freely with the tide and/or the wind. Remember to fish at all depths, since mackerel can be found at almost any depth. It can for example be found just a few meters below the surface, even at deep waters. When you are looking for mackerel in the early season, areas facing the open sea will be normally provide the best opportunities for success.

When you have located mackerel, you will often find that it is quite easy to catch. In fact mackerel will normally bite on most lures. This means that you can use lures, spoons, jigs and others that you already have in your tackle box. Although mackerel normally is easy to catch, you may experience that it want bite at all. It can be frustrating to see the fish close to the surface and still not get it to bite. Normally a little patience is then all it takes, as it will start biting as soon as it moves a few meters towards the bottom. This is when fishing from boat. When you try this sport fishing from shore, large shoals close to the surface could mean some fantastic catches.

Mainly, I think this is all you need to know about sport fishing for mackerel. Because of its willingness to bite on almost anything, there is no need for a lot of tips on this topic. Try sport fishing from shore or from boat and you will most likely succeed in catching this impressing fish. Remember that mackerel can be found at most depths and that light equipment is recommended for the best possible experience. 

Also feel free to read

Summer fishing - Looking for cod in the summer

Fishing spots - Cod fishing from boats

Sport fishing tips - General tips 

Cod Fishing - About choosing equipment