How To Catch Cod

When-The cod is possibly the UK sea angler’s favourite quarry. It moves inshore during the autumn months and remains a targetable species until well into the spring.

Where– Favoured marks are anything from rocky outcrops to piers and steep shingle beaches.

How– A standard beach casting rod and reel will suffice, though if you intend to fish over rougher ground it will pay to use a slightly heavier set up. A fixed paternoster or pulley rig should make up the end tackle and a pair of 4/0 Varivas Big Mouth hooks loaded up with blow or black lugworm is the preferred bait in most areas. Tidal flow is a key factor when fishing for cod from the shore so concentrate your efforts when the tide is pulling. Other baits of use to the cod angler are squid, herring, peeler carb, razorfish and ragworms.

Joe McMahon with a prime cod