A Guide On How To Fish For Cod From The Shore.

Introduction

Cod fishing from the shore around the UK is one of the most exciting and rewarding angling experiences for keen fishermen. The thrill of the chase and the potential for a good catch is what makes cod fishing so attractive. With long, dark winter nights and cold, choppy seas, cod is a common sight on menus and in fishmongers’ shops. But nothing can beat the satisfaction of landing a big, fresh cod after a long day out on the coast.

In this guide, we will take a comprehensive look at everything you need to know about cod fishing from the shore in the UK. We will cover the best venues, baits, rigs, tactics, and conditions and provide you with all the key information you need to increase your chances of success when targeting this species.

The Cod

Before we start getting into the specifics of cod fishing, it’s important to understand a little bit about the fish and its behavior. The cod is a member of the Gadidae family and can grow up to one and a half meters long and weigh up to 60kg. Cod are highly adaptable and can be found in all kinds of habitats including rocky and sandy areas, kelp beds, and wrecks. They are also a migratory species and will move around from season to season in search of prey and the best conditions for breeding.

Breeding Cycles

The breeding behavior of cod is a key consideration when fishing for the species. During winter months, cod move towards shallow waters to breed, making it much easier to target them from the shore. Females can produce 5-9 million eggs per year, and they scatter their eggs over several locations to increase their chances of success. These eggs then sink to the seabed where they hatch into small larvae.

Sizes

Cod can be caught at a variety of different sizes. Generally, smaller fish are more common and are caught frequently by anglers. However, bigger fish offer a greater challenge, and cod over 50lb are not unheard of. The record for a shore caught cod in the UK was an impressive 58lbs.

Venues

To catch cod from the shore, it is necessary to know where to focus your efforts. Generally, rocky, shallow areas are good places to start as this is where cod will go to breed during the winter months. Wrecks and deep holes are also popular with cod as they offer shelter and a steady supply of food. Sandy beaches and estuaries can also produce cod, especially during the summer months when they are not congregating in shallow areas.

Here are some of the best venues to try for cod fishing from the shore in the UK:

1. Chesil Beach, Dorset

Chesil Beach is a 18-mile stretch of shingle beach which attracts many anglers throughout the year. Cod is a common catch here, and the beach is good for both high and low tide fishing.

2. Holyhead, Anglesey

Holyhead is one of the most popular fishing locations in North Wales. The rocky shore here is ideal for cod fishing, and there are deep gullies and rocky sections that offer plenty of opportunities to catch these elusive fish.

3. Portland, Dorset

Portland is probably the most famous fishing location in the UK. The rocky ledges and gullies here attract a wide variety of fish species, including cod. It is also a great location for winter fishing, and the local tackle shops and guides are very helpful.

4. Roker Pier, Sunderland

Roker Pier is probably the best location for cod fishing in the southwest of England. The pier is around half a mile long and offers anglers a range of good fishing spots. Cod are caught here throughout the season, and the pier itself is a good spot for night fishing.

5. Southend Pier, Essex

Southend Pier is said to be the longest pier in the world, measuring 1.34 miles long. It has a reputation for producing large cod specimens during the winter months. The pier itself is a good spot for fishing, and there are also areas nearby where you can try your luck.

Baits

When it comes to bait, fresh is best, and any angler targeting cod from the shore should use the freshest bait available. Whole squid, mackerel, and sand eels are all popular baits, while cocktail baits like mackerel and squid are also worth a try. Lugworms and ragworms are other popular bait options and are readily available at most fishing shops.

Fish or squid is probably the best cod bait when fishing from the shore. Anglers usually fish with a two-hook flapper rig baited with strip bait or whole squid. A simple running lead on a five-foot trace is an effective approach. If you are fishing in rough waters or near to rocks, a standard pulley rig can also be used. The main advice is to keep the bait practical, simple, and in the right place.

Rigs

There are several different rig types that can be used for cod fishing from the shore. The two-hook, flapper rig is a popular choice, especially when fishing with baits like worm or squid. This rig is designed to offer multiple hookbaits and maximise your chances of catching fish. A simple running lead with a five-foot trace is also an effective approach. A standard pulley rig may also be used, and it’s worth noting that multi-hook rigs can be more effective if left stationary on the sea bed.

Tactics

The tactics used for cod fishing from the shore will depend on the location and the type of fish that you are targeting. Generally, you should look to work the tide and water movement to your advantage. Cod prefer slow-moving water and will often feed at the same time each day. Try to fish when the tide is circulating and pay attention to the contours of the sea bed. If you can locate a deep gully or rocky outcrop, this can be a great place to cast. You should also consider using a strong shock leader and a high-quality spinning reel to give you the best possible chance of landing a big fish.

Conditions

Finally, it’s important to be aware of the conditions when targeting cod from the shore. During the winter months, the seas around the UK can be extremely challenging and dangerous, so make sure you are well prepared and have all the necessary safety equipment, including warm clothing, waterproofs, and a buoyancy aid. You should also be aware of the tides and currents in your chosen location, and always check the local weather forecast before setting out.

Conclusion

Cod fishing from the shore around the UK is an exciting and challenging sport that provides an incredible sense of satisfaction when you finally land a big fish. By understanding the ecology and behavior of the species, choosing the right bait, rig, and tactics, and being aware of the conditions, anglers can greatly increase their chances of success. With good preparation and the right equipment, cod fishing from the shore is a rewarding and unforgettable experience for any keen fisherman.