Adapting your outings to winter targets, refocusing on certain species, are the objectives to set for successful sessions. With the cold weather on its way, it's safe to say that we're entering winter, and it's up to us to adapt. Winter doesn't mean kayak or boat in the garage! Of course, there are fewer slots available, and the cold, at water's edge, makes itself felt if there's a bit of wind. But there are still opportunities to be had, so let's ask the right questions first and find out more about cod fishing.
A new species to fish
With new regulations in place until 2026, one of the main winter targets has been taken away from us. We're going to have to rethink our habits and adapt our techniques to fish we didn't used to target systematically.
For this winter, my target fish will be cod. Gadus morhua by name, cod when in salted fillets, cod when fresh. A common sight on our coasts until well over twenty years ago, cod has been an occasional sight since. But there are signs that it is making a comeback along our coasts. All you need to do is look at the publications on the networks reporting interesting catches in the south of England and the north of France.
Every winter, we catch a few on the tip of Brittany, fishing the area without really looking for them. The presence in force of squid on the headland (one of its preferred prey) also reinforces this observation of the cod's return.
Target cod or codfish
In the Abers area, where I have my wintering grounds, the bottoms on which they like to hunt are made up of ridges (ridin or riden). Riddens are small ripples of sand of varying depths. In these areas, you'll find high concentrations of shellfish, razor clams, cockles, clams, marine worms and sand eels. These are the prey on which cod feed in this area. The fish are truly wedged between two sand ridges, head down, searching for their prey thanks to their highly sensitive barbels placed under the mouth, which detect the slightest vibration in the sand.
This is the characteristic that will guide us in our animation.
Lures for cod fishing
To find them, I use shad or eel lures. Sizes range from 120 to 140 mm. Preferred colors are pink, orange, yellow, ayu or the same colors, but flashy on days when the water is heavier. As this is bottom fishing, don't hesitate to overhang on days when the current is strong. On this type of bottom, fish rarely rise to the top of the water.
I also use Texan mounts, as it's not uncommon to come across a few places where it snags.
Animation
I'm often inclined to say that for this fish, and in the conditions we find ourselves in on this sector, you have to scratch below the bottom. It's not just a figure of speech. To be effective, the lure really needs to move along the bottom. Like a fish searching the sand for food. It also sends out vibrations that the cod will feel through its sensitive barbel. Knowing this, and even with a Texan rig, lure snags and losses will be frequent, so don't set off without lures and fill your lure box well with spares. Once the lure is on the bottom, I use the natural drift to move it, making sure to stay on the bottom.
This type of fishing is therefore more effective at low coefficients. I get good results with coefficients of 50/60 on the rise.
Cod fishing equipment
It's the same as for the spot, but for the leader, I go up a bit in diameter. I use a good Topknot Leader from Yo Zuri in 33 or 37/100 which has good abrasion resistance. Cod's mouths are equipped with small, sharp teeth and they often bite deep, bringing the leader into contact with their teeth.
The battle
After a strong strike, or even a double strike, the fish won't take off like a shot. Its resistance will be its weight, which it will impose on the line and up to the surface, giving a few head strikes to shear the line. So, between each catch, check the condition of the leader.
When fishing like this, you're bound to pick up a passing spot, but this is limited, as pollack rarely feed on the bottom. On the other hand, large pout will also be attracted by these animations. Fresh pout is also excellent on the plate. So change your habits and look for cod by kayak or boat this winter.
