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COD

Cod populations occur everywhere along the Norwegian coast, also in the fjords. When it comes to the average sizes, and the maximum stand density of these fishes, one thing is clear: There are more and bigger specimens in the north than in the south of Norway.

Informations about cod

Season:
Norwegian-arctic cod or skrei (atlantic cod): from January to April
Loddetorsk (spring cod): April to June
Coastal cod: all-season

Size:
up to 150 cm

Weight:
up to 50 kg

International:
Latin: Gadus morhua
Norwegian: Torsk
French: Cabillaud, Morue
German: Dorsch, Kabeljau
English: Cod

Where to fish for cod

Typically, cod lives near the steeply sloping edges of underwater mountains at a depth of about 20-50 m. If such an area is surrounded by water that is more than 100 m deep, then you have found a real hot spot.

When the current pushes the water up the edge, it transports a lot of food. This is the best hunting ground for cod. Be also aware of the current’s direction. The fish are mostly on the side, where the water is pressed against. If there are also saithe swarms on the echo- sounder, you’re in for a treat.

If you find a water depth where the cod is resting - usually below the saithe - successful fishing is guaranteed.

The most effective methods to catch cod

In Norway, cod often lurk several meters above the ground. First let the bait sink to the sea bottom and then immediately crank the fishing reel up four or five turns. Afterwards you move the bait up and down. Then you turn the crank up a little, move it, and so on. You repeat this until the bait is about 20-30 m above the ground. If there are no bites, you let the bait sink back and start all over again.

Most bites happen during cranking or just after the ascent. Cod will also go for stationary bait. This also works well with normal pirks.
When there’s a cod on the hook, drill it gently and let it take a little chord if possible, before you start to get it out of the water. Usually they tend to have a fling until it is relatively easy to get them to the surface.

The most commonly used baits for cod fishing

In Norway you can use Baltic Sea pirks with a weight of 100-200 g. If the drift current is very strong use a heavier pirk, with a weight of about 300-500 g. This way the pirk sinks a lot faster.

Of course you can also fish with soft plastic lures.

Types of fishing lure: pirk (100g - 500g), soft plastic lure (about 12-15cm), speed pirk, overbite rig

Keep in mind when fishing for cod

The best time for cod fishing in Northern Norway is during winter. Get the catch of your life when the skrei (winter cod) wanders along the Norwegian coast!

Our recipe suggestion for you

Cod fillet with chip crust (4 persons)
Ingredients
2 shallots
100g butter, softened
1 tablespoon flour (wheat flour)
1 tablespoon capers
2 tablespoons herbs (dill, parsley, tarragon), chopped
4 discs fish fillet (cod, 150 g)
8 medium sized boiled potatoes
5 tablespoons of white wine
60 g chips (crisps)
salt and freshly ground pepper
mustard
fat for the casserolle

Preparation

Peel the shallots and cut them into small cubes. Mix butter, mustard, flour, capers and herbs well. Rinse the fillets under running cold water, pat them dry and sprinkle them with salt and pepper.
Peel the potatoes, cut them into slices and place them in a greased, shallow casserolle. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and white wine. Place the fish fillets on it and apply the butter and onion mass. Coarsly crumble the potato chips and spread on the mass.

Put the casserolle on the grill and in the oven. Cook for about 25 minutes with hot air (about 180 ° C, preheated).

(Source: www.chefkoch.de)

Cod, fishing, skrei, fish species, Norway, codfish
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