Orkney has an abundance of Cod and is one of the new prime locations to catch them for the rod and line angler. Shore fishing will generally produce the smaller cod to 2lbs (0.91kg) with the Churchill Barriers the exception where Cod into double figures can be found. Boat fishing produces the larger Cod up to 20lbs (9kg) where fish greater than that are possible over the wrecks. Orkney’s peak Cod season runs from May through to January.

Cod are unmistakable in appearance. A big head and cavernous mouth with the upper jaw protruding over the lower which has a feeler to detect food in the sand. The lateral line takes an upward curve over the pectoral, but then carries in a straight line through to the tail fin. There are three separate dorsal fins along the back with two anal fins. The Cod is broad at the head and tapers to the tail. Cod are usually light yellow/brown coloured over sand, greyish yellow and green over shingle and maroon red over rocks. The lateral line is creamy white and the belly white.

Shore Fishing
When shore fishing it’s best to fish on the biggest spring tides where the tides are rising towards the peak sized tide. Try to pick the worst of the weather! Cod like it rough and a big swell and pounding surfs are the ideal conditions. Marks on the west side such as the Bay of Skaille are ideal taking the a good surf in windy weather. A good cast of around 100 yards (92m) is best to reach the Cod and find some deeper water in the relatively shallow bays on Orkney.

Shore fishing will require the use of a beachcaster capable of throwing 5-6ozs. For open beach fishing its best to fish with a dedicated beach casting reel with 15lb (6.8kg) line, for the heavier fishing, a larger capacity reel with heavier gearing will be needed.

The best rig to use is a one hook paternoster. Take 30-inches to 48-inches (76cm to 122cm) of 60lb (27.216kg) mono and tie a 3/0 lead link to the end. Now slide on a bait clip or preferably a bait shield, now a trace crimp or alternative, then a micro bead, small size 8 swivel, micro bead, crimp and finally tie in a strong swivel at the top. Adding a weak link device to the lead is a good idea for the rougher locations to allow the lead to be lost but the rig retained when snagged. 10 to 15lbs (4.536kg to 6.804kg) line should be used and tied between the weak link device and the weight.

Hook traces need to be about 18-inches (46cm), so set the crimped swivel to this height, in fast tides it pays to lengthen the hook trace to as much as 36-inches (91cm) or more. Make the hook trace from 35lb (15.875kg) line and choose either a 4/0 Viking or strong Aberdeen pattern hook.

The best baits to use around Orkney are lugworm and squid. Big bulky baits are the order of the day, with several worms making up a single bait to around 8-inches (20cm) in length. Whole squid baits are also excellent to catch the Cod between the 2lb (0.9kg) and 5lb (2.2kg) range. Waukmill Bay offers some good mussel collecting and as such it’s worth trying mussel along the ledges here.

Boat Fishing
The Cod can be targeted over rough rocky reefs with pinnacles and kelp. This will produce good numbers of average sized Orcadian Cod to 5lbs (2.2kg), although the wrecks will produce much bigger fish. Cod use the wrecks for protection, working along the seabed behind the wreck to deflect the oncoming tide away from them and to capitalise on nay food washed their way. When wrecking try to pick the smaller neap tide periods so the boat drift is slower. The fishing is usually best after a good storm, although safety must be your first priority over ideal fishing conditions!

When fishing the reefs use Hokkai or white or black feathers baited with lugworm, mussel or mackerel with only small movement necessary to work the feathers. When the bottom is really clean, simply letting the weight drag the seabed is enough. Fishing close to rock cliffs or over particularly rough ground, using a flying collar rig will produce the bigger cod.

The bigger wreck Cod tend to take either pirks between 10oz and 1½ lbs (0.68kg), or large mackerel flapper baits intended for Ling and Conger. Adding a muppet either above the pirk or to the pirk hooks acts as a secondary attractor to create more movement and cover a wider feeding band. Using luminous pirks will also increase you chances of catching Cod. Cod will also take a Jelly Worm (black is best) fished on a flying collar rig, usually intended for Pollack!

For real sport fishing thrills use either a 12lb class or Uptide rod coupled with a suitable reel such as an Abu 7000C. This is best for working feathers and particularly needed for the flying collar rig. For the bigger Cod using the pirking technique, you will need to go heavier to 30lb or even 50lb class gear fished with a 4/0 reel and relatively heavy line between 30 and 50lbs (13.6kg to 22.68kg).

Scottish Shore Record – 40lbs 11ozs 8drm (18.456kg approx)
Scottish Boat Record – 46lbs 0ozs 8drm (20.86kg approx)