Atlantic Cod
name: Atlantic Cod
other names: N/A
Atlantic cod has dark green or brown skin and is larger than the Pacific cod. Its belly is white and its upper body is mottled with white spots. It has a long, lateral line. The Atlantic cod also has a barbel or whisker that protrudes from its lower jaw. Cod is one of the most widely recognized food fish in the Western World. The fish has three dorsal fins, two anal fins, and a broom shaped tail.
Cod s a bottom-dwelling species that occurs on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. The species inhabits waters that are 32° to 50°F, and range from 10 to 1,300 feet in depth. Cod are often found around any under water structure like ship wrecks, sand bars etc.
Cod feed on many creatures that live near the sea floor. Their favorite foods are crabs, worms, clams, and other fish. Cod have a fantastic sense of smell. They mainly detect their food by smell and vibrations.
Cod may attain weights of 25 to 35 kg (55 to 77 lb). Maximum age is in excess of 20 years, although young fish aged 2 to 5 generally constitute the bulk of the catch. Sexual maturity is attained between ages 2 to 4; spawning occurs during winter and early spring.
Beach fishing & boat fishing are the main methods practiced, with more anglers turning to boat fishing because of low stocks of cod.
Many anglers have turned to reef & wreck fishing using mainly artificial lures such as perks, lead heads, feathers.
