Cod Fishing NJ
Atlantic cod are New Jersey's premier winter species — the original party boat target fish. December through March, fleet captains run to the Mud Hole and offshore wrecks for some of the most productive cold-weather fishing on the East Coast.
Atlantic cod historically defined New Jersey winter fishing long before stripers and tuna captured the spotlight. These hard-pulling bottom fish stack on deep offshore wrecks and natural depressions when cold water drives them inshore from December through March. Market cod run 5-10 lbs, while “cows” — the trophy fish — push 20-40 lbs. NJ party boats from Belmar, Point Pleasant, and Barnegat Light have been chasing them since the early 1900s, and the tradition continues every winter.
Cod require cold water below 50°F — the season coincides almost exactly with the harshest winter months. Bundle up, board the boat at 5 AM in the dark, and you will be rewarded with some of the best eating fish in the Atlantic.
Cod season coming soon
Book early to secure your dates
Book a Party Boat Cod Trip
Winter cod trips depart early — reserve your spot before the season fills. Party boats run to the Mud Hole and offshore wrecks December through March.
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NJ Cod Fishing Grounds
Cod concentrate on hard bottom, wrecks, and natural depressions where current brings cold water and baitfish. These are the primary grounds NJ boats work in winter.
The Mud Hole
80-120 ft~35 miles SE of Sandy Hook
A natural depression in the ocean floor that concentrates cold water and baitfish in winter. The premier NJ cod destination — where party boats go first when the season opens.
Best: December – February
·Access: Party boat or private charter
Cholera Banks
90-130 ft~40 miles offshore
Historic fishing grounds with a mix of natural bottom and wreck structure. Produces cod and sea bass when temperatures drop. Less pressured than the Mud Hole.
Best: January – March
·Access: Charter boats
17 Fathoms
~100 ft (17 fathoms)~30 miles offshore
Named for its depth, this area holds consistent winter cod. The flat, featureless bottom transitions to subtle relief that attracts baitfish and the cod that follow them.
Best: December – March
·Access: Party boat or charter
Offshore Wrecks
60-150 ftVaries (20-60 miles)
Dozens of shipwrecks along the NJ coast hold cod in winter. Wreck fishing can produce larger individual fish — the structure concentrates both baitfish and predators.
Best: November – March
·Access: Private charter (GPS coordinates needed)
Cod Season and Regulations
Atlantic cod are managed under federal authority by NOAA Fisheries. Annual catch limits and seasons are set by the New England Fishery Management Council and can change mid-season if quotas are reached. Always verify the current rules before fishing.
Season
Federal — check NOAA
Typically Dec–Feb; varies by quota year
Size Limit
Federal rules apply
Verify at NOAA before your trip
Required Permit
NJ Saltwater License
No HMS permit needed for cod
Important: Federal cod regulations are subject to in-season changes when quota is reached. Verify at NOAA Fisheries before your trip. Party boat captains always fish in compliance — they will know the current rules.
Diamond Jig vs Clam Bait
Diamond Jigs (6-12oz)
Chrome and white diamond jigs are the go-to for active cod. Drop to the bottom and rip aggressively — a 2-3 foot lift and drop triggers strikes. Jigs work faster, cover more water, and often produce the biggest fish on aggressive days.
- ✓ Better for active, aggressive fish
- ✓ Covers water faster
- ✓ Less bait required
- ✗ Less effective when cod are sluggish
Clam & Squid Bait
Fresh surf clam is the classic cod bait — the scent draws sluggish fish that ignore jigs on cold, slow days. Fish a high-low rig with 5/0-8/0 hooks tight to the bottom. Frozen clam works but fresh consistently outperforms it.
- ✓ Effective when fish are slow
- ✓ Scent draw works in any conditions
- ✓ Classic NJ cod technique
- ✗ Slower — less coverage per hour
Pro tip: Bring both. Start with jigs to locate active fish, switch to clam if the bite slows. Many experienced anglers run one jig rod and one bait rod simultaneously.
Best Ports for NJ Cod Trips
Belmar
Closest port to the Mud Hole — shortest run means more time fishing
View boats →Barnegat Light
Viking Village winter fleet runs dedicated cod trips December–March
View boats →Point Pleasant
Large fleet with party boats departing for offshore cod grounds all winter
View boats →Also see: All NJ party boats for a full listing of winter cod fleet options.
Spring striper run starting
Early season rates - book your trip now
Book a Fishing Charter
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Cod Trip Pricing
Party Boat
$80–120
Per person; rod rental often included
Private Charter
$1,000–1,500
Full-day, up to 6 anglers
Trip Length
8–12 hrs
Departures typically 5–6 AM
Winter party boat trips include rough weather risk — check the forecast and call ahead. Most captains will cancel or reschedule in dangerous conditions.
Heavy Diamond Jig (8-12oz)
Cod hold tight to deep wrecks — heavy jigs reach bottom and trigger strikes when bait gets ignored
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Recommended Gear for cod
The right gear makes all the difference. Here is what experienced anglers recommend for targeting cod at the Jersey Shore.
Diamond Jig (6-12oz)
$8-20 eachHeavy jigs reach deep wrecks where cod hold. Chrome and white are top colors.
Check Current PriceHeavy Conventional Rod (6-7ft)
$80-20050-80lb class rod for deep bottom fishing. Stiff action for setting big hooks.
Check Current PriceConventional Reel (50-80lb class)
$100-250Level wind with strong drag. Penn Senator or similar for deep cod fishing.
Check Current PriceClam & Squid Bait Rigs
$5-12High-low rigs with 5/0-8/0 hooks. Fresh surf clam is the classic cod bait.
Check Current PricePro Tips
- 💡Fish the Mud Hole in 80-120 feet — cod stack on the bottom near structure in winter
- 💡Fresh surf clam out-fishes frozen bait significantly for cod
- 💡Heavy jigs (10-12oz) reach bottom faster in deep water with less drift
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. See our complete gear guide for more recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is cod season in NJ?
New Jersey cod fishing peaks December through March when water temperatures drop below 50°F. The federal season and quota rules vary by year — always verify the current federal cod season at NOAA Fisheries before heading out. November and April can offer additional opportunities when conditions align.
Where do party boats fish for cod in NJ?
The Mud Hole is the premier NJ cod fishing destination — a natural depression 30-40 miles southeast of Sandy Hook in 80-120 feet of water. Party boats from Belmar and Barnegat Light also work Cholera Banks, the 17 Fathoms area, and various offshore wrecks that concentrate cod in winter.
What is the minimum size for cod in NJ?
Cod are managed federally under NOAA Fisheries. Size limits and bag limits are subject to annual changes based on stock assessments and quota allocations. Check the current NOAA Atlantic cod regulations before fishing — limits can change mid-season if quotas are reached.
Diamond jigs or bait for cod?
Both work well. Diamond jigs (8-12oz) in chrome or white are excellent for active fish and cover water faster — rip them aggressively off the bottom. Fresh surf clam bait on a high-low rig is the classic approach for slow days when fish are sluggish. Many anglers bring both and alternate based on what the fish want that day.
Are cod good to eat?
Atlantic cod is exceptional table fare — firm, white, mildly sweet flesh that holds up to frying, baking, grilling, or chowder. It is historically one of the most important commercial fish in the North Atlantic. Fresh-caught NJ cod is a genuine treat and one of the best reasons to brave a winter party boat trip.
How far offshore do you go for cod?
The Mud Hole is approximately 30-40 miles offshore from Sandy Hook, a 1.5-2 hour run on most party boats. NJ cod trips are typically 8-12 hours total (departing around 5-6 AM) to allow enough time on the grounds. Offshore wrecks and Cholera Banks can be 40-60 miles out depending on the target area.
More Cod Resources
Also Target These Species
Spring striper run starting
Early season rates - book your trip now
Book Your Winter Cod Trip
Party boat cod trips book up quickly in December and January. Reserve your spot early — the Mud Hole bite doesn't last all winter.
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