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RECORD: 3.89kg, G. Hamilton, Stewart Is., 1971
DESCRIPTION:
Not a true cod like our red or rock versions, New Zealands blue cod belongs to a tropical family and is more like a flathead or catfish in appearance. They have a large head that tapers out to their long, thick tail. They have a blue/grey colopur scheme. While they may grow out to 70cm they are usually landed in the 35-45cm range.
MoF REGULATIONS:
Size limit: 33cm
Bag limit: 10
Each fishery area has different regulations for blue cod. The limits listed are the most conservative. You can check the limits for your area here
FEEDING HABITS & HABITAT:
Far more common in the south, the blue cod is found over broken ground from the shallows out to 150m. A very non-specialized feeder they will eat virtually any animal food source.
HUNTING TECHNIQUES:
Blue cod are probably the easiest speared fish in New Zealand waters. Given their extremely generalized diet thay are an aggressive and opportunistic hunter not at all phased by a diver's presence - in fact it is common for them to try to eat the flopper on your spear given half a chance. A little bit of berley virtually guarantees a good feed of cod if there are any around.