Atlantic TomcodorAtlantic Cod
Two fish anglers mix up. Here is what separates them, and what each one’s rules are in your state.
How to tell them apart
Atlantic Tomcod
A miniature marbled cod with ventral fins drawn out into filaments; rarely over a foot.
Atlantic Cod
Blotchy brown-green with a PALE lateral line arching over the pectorals, a chin barbel, and a square tail.
Atlantic cod, next to Atlantic tomcod: juveniles lack the marbling and fin filaments.
Side by side
| Atlantic Tomcod | Atlantic Cod | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Microgadus tomcod | Gadus morhua |
| Also called | Frostfish | Codfish |
| Waters | Inshore | Offshore |
| Heaviest state record | — | 98 lb 12 oz · New Hampshire (1969) |
| On the table | Sweet winter panfish. | The classic whitefish. |
| Rules of its own in | 1 states | 7 states |
Rules for
Every state, both fish
The two fish are regulated differently in 7 of 7 states with a rule for either. In Massachusetts, Atlantic tomcod is No size limit, No bag limit and Atlantic cod is 23 in total length, 1 per day. Call the fish wrong and you keep a short one or throw back a legal one.
| State | Atlantic Tomcod: size · bag · season | Atlantic Cod: size · bag · season |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies. | Per federal regulationsPer federal regulationsPer federal regulationsOpenCT DEEP 2026 · likely · checked |
| Maine | Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies. | 23" min1 per daySep 1 - Oct 31OpenME DMR 2026 · checked |
| Massachusetts | No size limitNo bag limitOpen year-roundOpenMA DMF 2026 · likely · checked | 23 in total length1 per daySept 1 – Oct 31 (2026)OpenFederal rule (Gulf of Maine federal waters)NOAA GARFO 2026 · checked |
| New Hampshire | Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies. | 23 in TL min1 fish/dayOpen Sep 1 - Oct 31 (closed Nov 1 - Aug 31)OpenNH F&G 2026 · checked |
| New Jersey | Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies. | 23 in min5Jan 1 - May 31 and Sep 1 - Dec 31OpenNJ DEP 2026 · checked |
| New York | Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies. | 23"5Sept 1 - May 31OpenNY DEC 2026 · checked |
| Rhode Island | Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies. | N/ANo harvest or possessionClosed year-roundPut it backRI DEM 2026 · checked |
In the app
Point the camera at the fish and Chum names it before you take the picture, Atlantic tomcod or Atlantic cod, with the right rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed.
Get the appQuestions anglers ask
How do you tell Atlantic tomcod from Atlantic cod?
Atlantic Tomcod: A miniature marbled cod with ventral fins drawn out into filaments; rarely over a foot. Atlantic Cod: Blotchy brown-green with a PALE lateral line arching over the pectorals, a chin barbel, and a square tail. Atlantic cod, next to Atlantic tomcod: juveniles lack the marbling and fin filaments.
Which is better to eat, Atlantic tomcod or Atlantic cod?
Atlantic Tomcod: Sweet winter panfish. Atlantic Cod: The classic whitefish.
Do Atlantic tomcod and Atlantic cod have the same limits?
Not everywhere. They differ in 7 state rulebooks. Massachusetts: Atlantic tomcod No size limit, No bag limit, Atlantic cod 23 in total length, 1 per day; Connecticut: Atlantic tomcod no rule of its own, Atlantic cod Per federal regulations, Per federal regulations; Maine: Atlantic tomcod no rule of its own, Atlantic cod 23" min, 1 per day; New Hampshire: Atlantic tomcod no rule of its own, Atlantic cod 23 in TL min, 1 fish/day; New Jersey: Atlantic tomcod no rule of its own, Atlantic cod 23 in min, 5; and more in the table on this page.