Sea Fish
Cod Fishing: Complete UK Guide
Cod fishing is the highlight of the UK winter shore angling calendar. Every October, as sea temperatures drop, cod migrate inshore. Night fishing from beaches and rock marks with lugworm on pennel rigs is the classic approach. A double-figure cod from the shore is exceptional.
Quick Facts
Average Weight
2-5lb (shore), 5-20lb (boat)
UK Record
58lb 6oz (boat), N. Cook, Whitby, 1992
Best Season
October–March
Habitat
Beaches, rock marks, piers, wrecks (boat)
Difficulty
Intermediate
Best Bait
Lugworm, peeler crab, squid strip, cocktail baits
Step-by-Step
How to Catch Cod
A practical guide for weekend anglers: from choosing your method to landing your catch.
- 1
Choose your mark
Beaches, rock marks, piers, and harbour walls. Look for depth, structure, and food sources like mussel beds.
- 2
Set up your rig
The pennel rig is the cod classic. Flapper rigs for calm conditions, pulley rigs for rough ground.
- 3
Bait up big
Lugworm is the #1 cod bait. Tip with squid strip for cocktail baits. Big baits catch big cod.
- 4
Fish at night
Most shore cod are caught after dark. Night fishing in autumn and winter is the tradition.
- 5
Know the rules
Minimum landing size: 35cm. No licence required for sea fishing. Always check local bylaws.
Where to Fish
Best Spots for Cod
Top UK venues and regions for this species.
When to Fish
Cod Fishing Season
Month-by-month guide showing the best times to target this species.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Frequently Asked Questions About Cod Fishing
October to March. November and December are peak months for shore cod. Cod migrate inshore as sea temperatures drop.
Lugworm is the #1 cod bait. Peeler crab, squid strip, and cocktail baits are all effective.
Shore: 44lb 8oz, Mr B. Jones, Barry, Glamorgan, 1966. Boat: 58lb 6oz, N. Cook, Whitby, 1992.
Yes. Shore cod fishing from beaches and rock marks is hugely popular in autumn and winter.
No. Sea fishing in England and Wales requires no licence.
35cm. Any cod under 35cm must be returned alive.
The pennel rig is the standard shore cod rig. It uses two hooks to present large baits securely.
Cod begin arriving in September-October in the south. By November, they are inshore along most of the UK coastline.
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