Blue Cod

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.