Atlantic TomcodorAtlantic Cod

Two fish anglers mix up. Here is what separates them, and what each one’s rules are in your state.

Studio photograph of an Atlantic Tomcod (Microgadus tomcod), side view, on a white background — **Atlantic Tomcod***Microgadus tomcod*

Studio photograph of an Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua), side view, on a white background — **Atlantic Cod***Gadus morhua*

Rules for both fish from 10 state rulebooks, checked Oct 29, 2026. Every rule names its source and the day it was last checked; the official rulebook is the final word.

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	0 states	10 states

Rules for

Every state, both fish

The two fish are regulated differently in 10 of 10 states with a rule for either. In Connecticut, Atlantic cod is No retention, 0 while Atlantic tomcod has no rule of its own there. 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.	No retention0Closed all yearPut it backCT DEEP 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Delaware	Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.	No retention0Closed all yearPut it backFederal rule (Mid-Atlantic federal waters)NOAA GARFO 2026 · checked 2026-10-28
Maine	Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.	23" min1 per daySep 1 - Oct 31OpenME DMR 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
Maryland	Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.	No retention0Closed all yearPut it backFederal rule (Mid-Atlantic federal waters)NOAA GARFO 2026 · checked 2026-10-28
Massachusetts	Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.	23 in min (Gulf of Maine)North of Cape Cod: 1 · south of Cape Cod: noneNorth: Sep 1–Oct 31 · south of Cape Cod: closedCheckNOAA GARFO 2026 / MA DMF 2026 · checked 2026-10-12
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 2026-10-12
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 2026-10-12
New York	Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.	23"5Sept 1 - May 31OpenNY DEC 2026 · checked 2026-10-29
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 2026-10-12
Virginia	Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.	No retention0Closed all yearPut it backFederal rule (Mid-Atlantic federal waters)NOAA GARFO 2026 · checked 2026-10-28

Questions 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 10 state rulebooks. Connecticut: Atlantic tomcod no rule of its own, Atlantic cod No retention, 0; Delaware: Atlantic tomcod no rule of its own, Atlantic cod No retention, 0; Maine: Atlantic tomcod no rule of its own, Atlantic cod 23" min, 1 per day; Maryland: Atlantic tomcod no rule of its own, Atlantic cod No retention, 0; Massachusetts: Atlantic tomcod no rule of its own, Atlantic cod 23 in min (Gulf of Maine), North of Cape Cod: 1 · south of Cape Cod: none; and more in the table on this page.