Cod Fishing in Maine

Featured Cod Guides

Expert captains ready to take you on your next adventure in Maine.

Offshore Adventures Sportfishing

Fishing charters leaving daily from South Portland, Maine! Room for groups of 6! Sharks, tuna, haddock, cod, stripers, blufish & mackerel! Private sightseeing harbor cruises on Casco Bay! Lighthouses, seals, ships, tugboats - the Maine coast is yours!

offshorefreshwaterTunaSpanish Mackerel

Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Seasonal Activity Chart

Current Status: poor

Low activity season. Cod are less active and catches may be limited. Consider targeting other species.

BEST

GOOD

FAIR

POOR

Cod

saltwater

Cod fishing in ME: focus on seasonal forage and water conditions near Bailey Island. Use natural presentations and adjust depth with temperature and current.

How to Catch Cod

Typical Size

Length: Varies by fishery

Weight: Varies by fishery

Habitat

•Local structure and edges
•Current seams
•Bait concentrations
•Depth changes

Where & When to Fish

Target Locations

•Current seams
•Points/edges
•Structure holding bait

Best Times

•Dawn/dusk and nights
•Moving tides or peak current

Bias patterns to Bailey Island area: use local structure (passes/bridges for coastal; channels/points for inland) and match depth to temperature.

Cod Fishing Regulations in Maine

Open Season

Year-round, subject to federal regulations

Daily Bag Limit

Varies based on federal regulations; often changes throughout the year.

Size Limit

Varies based on federal regulations; often changes throughout the year.

License Required

Saltwater fishing license

Cod regulations are heavily influenced by federal fisheries management plans and can change frequently. Check current NOAA Fisheries regulations before fishing.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Maine state wildlife agency before fishing.

Popular Cities for Cod Fishing in Maine

Kennebunkport Boothbay Harbor Rockland Peaks Island Prospect Harbor Sandy Point Seal Harbor Portland

Other Popular Species in Maine

Brown Trout Northern Pike Rainbow Trout Flounder Largemouth Bass Channel Catfish Crappie Skate