Atlantic Cod
Gadus morhua
Also called Codfish.
How to tell it
Blotchy brown-green with a PALE lateral line arching over the pectorals, a chin barbel, and a square tail.
Often mistaken for
Two fish that get called Atlantic cod, and what gives each one away.
- Haddock: Black lateral line and the thumbprint blotch. Tell them apart
- Pollock: Greenish, faint line, pointed snout. Tell them apart
Rules for
Every state
| State | Size | Bag | Season | Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | No retention | 0 | Closed all yearCT DEEP 2026 · checked | Put it back |
| DelawareFederal rule (Mid-Atlantic federal waters) | No retention | 0 | Closed all yearNOAA GARFO 2026 · checked | Put it back |
| Maine | 23" min | 1 per day | Sep 1 - Oct 31ME DMR 2026 · checked | Open |
| MarylandFederal rule (Mid-Atlantic federal waters) | No retention | 0 | Closed all yearNOAA GARFO 2026 · checked | Put it back |
| Massachusetts | 23 in min (Gulf of Maine) | North of Cape Cod: 1 · south of Cape Cod: none | North: Sep 1–Oct 31 · south of Cape Cod: closedNOAA GARFO 2026 / MA DMF 2026 · checked | Check |
| New Hampshire | 23 in TL min | 1 fish/day | Open Sep 1 - Oct 31 (closed Nov 1 - Aug 31)NH F&G 2026 · checked | Open |
| New Jersey | 23 in min | 5 | Jan 1 - May 31 and Sep 1 - Dec 31NJ DEP 2026 · checked | Open |
| New York | 23" | 5 | Sept 1 - May 31NY DEC 2026 · checked | Open |
| Rhode Island | N/A | No harvest or possession | Closed year-roundRI DEM 2026 · checked | Put it back |
| VirginiaFederal rule (Mid-Atlantic federal waters) | No retention | 0 | Closed all yearNOAA GARFO 2026 · checked | Put it back |
Not specifically regulated in Alabama, Florida (Atlantic), Florida (Gulf), Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas: each state’s rule for unlisted species applies there (on its page).
State records
| State | Weight | When, where | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 45 lb | 2004 · South of Block Island | CT DEEP Saltwater State Record Fish (Harvested) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Delaware | 44 lb | 1975 | DNREC Delaware Fishing Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Maine | 80 lb 7 oz | 1992 · Perkins Cove, Ogunquit | Maine DMR Saltwater Angler Records (Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Maryland | 24 lb | 2013 · 38 Miles S.E. Ocean City Inlet | MD DNR Sport Fish State Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Massachusetts | 92 lb | 1987 · Jeffreys Ledge | MA DMF Saltwater Game Fish Records · checked 2026-09-04 |
| New Hampshire | 98 lb 12 oz | 1969 · Isle of Shoals, Hampton | NH Fish & Game Verified Record Saltwater Fish · checked 2026-08-23 |
| New Jersey | 81 lb | 1967 · Off Brielle | NJ DEP Fish & Wildlife State Record Saltwater Fish · checked 2026-09-04 |
| New York | 85 lb | 1984 | NYSDEC Marine Recreational Angler Records · checked 2026-09-04 |
| Rhode Island | 71 lb | 1965 | RI DEM Saltwater Sportfish Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Virginia | 35 lb | 1969 · Off Wachapreague | VMRC Saltwater Fishing Tournament, 2025 brochure · checked 2026-09-04 |
How anglers catch it
Heavy jigs with a teaser above them, or clams and squid on a hi-lo rig over hard bottom.
On the table
The classic whitefish.
In the app
Point the camera at an Atlantic cod and the name appears before you take the picture, with these rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed, and every catch goes in the log.
Get the appQuestions anglers ask about Atlantic cod
What is the size limit for Atlantic cod?
It depends on the state. Maine: 23" min; Massachusetts: 23 in min (Gulf of Maine); New Hampshire: 23 in TL min; New Jersey: 23 in min; New York: 23".
How many Atlantic cod can you keep?
Maine: 1 per day; Massachusetts: North of Cape Cod: 1 · south of Cape Cod: none; New Hampshire: 1 fish/day; New Jersey: 5; New York: 5.
Where is Atlantic cod harvest prohibited?
Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island, Virginia. Release it there.
When is Atlantic cod season?
Maine: Sep 1 - Oct 31; New Hampshire: Open Sep 1 - Oct 31 (closed Nov 1 - Aug 31); New Jersey: Jan 1 - May 31 and Sep 1 - Dec 31; New York: Sept 1 - May 31.
How do you tell Atlantic cod from haddock?
Atlantic Cod: Blotchy brown-green with a PALE lateral line arching over the pectorals, a chin barbel, and a square tail. Haddock: black lateral line and the thumbprint blotch.
How do you catch Atlantic cod?
Heavy jigs with a teaser above them, or clams and squid on a hi-lo rig over hard bottom. Methods: bottom, jigging. Baits: clam, squid, cut bait. Lures: metal jig, soft plastic.
What is the record Atlantic cod?
98 lb 12 oz in New Hampshire (1969), Isle of Shoals, Hampton. Other states’ records are in the table.