Pacific cod

The gray cod (or Pacific cod) is found typically along the West coast. They travel as far south as Santa Monica California and have been seen as far north as Alaska. The Pacific cod also can be found as far east as Asia. Generally, the easiest place to catch pacific cod is from Alaska to Oregon. This is in spite of the amount of travelling they do to other locations.

A fully grown Pacific cod is typically not larger than forty pounds and will grow no larger than about 3 ½ feet. These fish are easy to identify as they have three dorsal fins, all of them separated from each other. The Pacific cod is grey and brown and sports small scales. They are easily identified by the brown spots all over the body. The lower jaw houses not just the whiskers but two anal fins.

The peak spawning period for the gray cod is typically between January and February - winter into early spring. They follow the same reproductive cycle as most other fish. Once eggs hatch and the young fish are strong enough to fend for themselves, they will have no shortage of company. The gray cod welcomes these young fish back to the school that is their family. The spawning community is very strong and all are welcome back once spawning, hatching and growth allows.

Pacific cod generally are bottom dwellers. Fisherman willing to brave waters of up to 150 feet will have great luck with these fish. They can actually be found from time to time in waters as many as 2600 feet but this is more unusual. Though the gray cod prefers life on the ocean floor, they may be found from time to time of the upper slopes of the ocean. Pacific cods always travel in schools - this makes them easier to spot. This also is a means of protecting the smaller fish in the school from larger predators. Predators are less likely to attack a large school of fish even if some of them are smaller and weaker.

Because of the habits of pacific cod traveling in schools, they have a higher incident than other fish of being caught up in nets meant for other fish - this is of course related to their size. Over the last few years as a result of this issue as well as changes in the natural habitat, fishing for gray cod is highly regulated. Ironically, the traveling in schools is what makes anglers love fishing for them.

For those who wish to venture into the regulatory situation dealing with gray cod you will need to be well prepared - while smaller fish and cut bait can be helpful, there is no bait that is any better than the next for catching this fish. Anglers looking for Pacific cod should be prepared for just about anything, as you never know what might happen with the pacific cod.

If you're interested in angling for pacific cod, look into all the regulations and make sure to follow them stringently. Help protect the gray cod today before it's too late to save them from extinction. Be well prepared by having a variety of bait on hand as well.