Massachusetts · North Shore
COD FISHING
IN PLYMOUTH
Plymouth is a solid destination for cod fishing, with good fishing in January, February, November, December. Book a charter and target cod with local experts.
About Cod Fishing in Plymouth
Atlantic cod is a historic New England species that shaped the region's culture and economy. Found over rocky bottom and wrecks, cod fishing peaks in the colder months when these bottom dwellers move into accessible depths on Stellwagen Bank and other nearshore grounds.
Atlantic Cod are the historic fish that built New England — the species that drew European settlers to the New World and fueled a fishing industry for centuries. These cold-water bottom fish are found over rocky substrate, wrecks, and ledges, primarily in winter and spring when water temperatures drop. Cod have a mottled brown-green body with a prominent chin barbel and three dorsal fins. Their firm, flaky white flesh is considered some of the finest eating fish in the world and remains a staple of New England cuisine.
Scientific name: Gadus morhua
Cod Seasonal Calendar — Plymouth
Month-by-month availability for cod in Plymouth, MA.
How to Catch Cod in Plymouth
Techniques & Bait
Bottom fishing with diamond jigs (8-16 oz) bounced on rocky bottom in 60-200+ feet of water is the traditional technique. Tipping the jig with a strip of squid, clam, or fish belly increases effectiveness. Baited cod rigs (high-low rigs with size 6/0-8/0 hooks baited with clams, squid, or cut fish) fished on the bottom over wrecks and rocky structure produce consistent catches. Jigging with Norwegian-style cod jigs and butterfly jigs is effective in strong current. Fish Stellwagen Bank, Jeffreys Ledge, and deep-water wrecks for the best action.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-heavy to heavy conventional rod (5'6"-6'6"), loaded with 40-65 lb braid, 50-80 lb fluorocarbon leader. Heavy diamond jigs or cod rigs with 8-16 oz sinkers. The depth and current dictate weight needs.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Plymouth
Top spots where local captains target cod and other nearshore species.
Cape Cod Bay Structure
Cape Cod Bay's nearshore waters off Plymouth feature scattered rock structure, sand bars, and drop-offs that hold striped bass, fluke, black sea bass, and tautog. The bay's fertile waters support massive spring runs of sand eels and herring that attract migrating stripers and bluefish into the nearshore zone. Trolling, jigging, and bait-fishing over the bay's structure produces diverse catches throughout the season.
Manomet Point
Manomet Point is a rocky headland south of Plymouth where Cape Cod Bay's deeper water meets the shore, creating current breaks and structure that hold striped bass, bluefish, and tautog. The point's submerged boulders and ledge provide ambush cover for fish feeding on crabs and baitfish along the rocky coastline. Shore anglers cast from the cliffs while boat anglers work the point's productive edges for larger fish.
Plymouth Nearshore Reefs
Artificial reef sites and natural rocky patches in the nearshore waters off Plymouth provide bottom-fishing structure in 20 to 50 feet of Cape Cod Bay water. Black sea bass, tautog, scup, and fluke hold on the hard structure, offering reliable half-day fishing from Plymouth Harbor. These nearshore reefs are particularly productive during summer when warm water brings sea bass and scup into the bay in large numbers.
Gurnet Point
Gurnet Point is the narrow peninsula extending into Cape Cod Bay at the entrance to Plymouth and Duxbury Bays, with a historic lighthouse marking its tip. The point's position between the open bay and the protected harbors creates tidal rips that concentrate striped bass, bluefish, and fluke along its edges. Surf-casting from the Gurnet and boat-fishing the rip produce some of the best nearshore action on Massachusetts' south shore.
Other Species in Plymouth
More fish you can target while visiting Plymouth.
Cod Fishing in Plymouth — FAQ
Cod fishing in Plymouth is productive during January, February, November, December.
Cod fishing charters in Plymouth are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Bottom fishing with diamond jigs (8-16 oz) bounced on rocky bottom in 60-200+ feet of water is the traditional technique. Tipping the jig with a strip of squid, clam, or fish belly increases effectiveness. Baited cod rigs (high-low rigs with size 6/0-8/0 hooks baited with clams, squid, or cut fish) fished on the bottom over wrecks and rocky structure produce consistent catches. Jigging with Norwegian-style cod jigs and butterfly jigs is effective in strong current. Fish Stellwagen Bank, Jeffreys Ledge, and deep-water wrecks for the best action.
No — when you book a charter in Plymouth, your captain provides all required Massachusetts fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Cod regulations in Massachusetts include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Cod in Plymouth, you may also catch Striped Bass, Bluefish, Bluefin Tuna, Fluke, Porgy. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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