Red Cod
Red cod is the bread-and-butter bottom fish of Canterbury and the broader South Island east coast — the species that fills the role snapper plays further north.
Recreational anglers catch them from shore and boat, though most serious effort comes from charter and recreational boats working the Canterbury Bight.
They're easy to catch, decent eating when handled well, and plentiful enough to keep a rod bent on slow days.
Scientific Name: Pseudophycis bachus
Also known as Akaroa cod, hoka
- Red-brown to pinkish above with white-pink undersides; the vivid colour fades quickly to a dull greyish pink once out of the water.
- A small barbel under the chin and a square-tipped tail help separate red cod from other bottom fish; a black spot at the base of the pectoral fin distinguishes them from closely related bastard cods.
- Most fish caught run 40–70 cm and 0.8–2 kg; maximum length is around 90 cm, though fish that size are uncommon inshore.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Found throughout New Zealand waters but most abundant around the South Island, particularly the Canterbury Bight and off the Westland coast.
- A native New Zealand species, also present around southern Australia.
- Depth range is wide — from the shallows right down to 600 m — but recreational catches are mostly made between the surf zone and a few hundred metres.
- Prefer sand and muddy substrates on the open coast; in shallower water they also shelter near rocky ground and caves.
Key Locations
- Canterbury Bight — the primary fishing ground for both commercial and recreational red cod on the South Island east coast.
- Off Westland — the other main commercial concentration, on the South Island's west coast.
- Canterbury surf beaches — historically a shore-fishing target, though inshore numbers have declined in recent years.
- Akaroa and Banks Peninsula area — close enough to Christchurch that the fish is sometimes marketed locally as 'Akaroa cod'.
Specific Spots
- Sandy and muddy bottom at 100–300 m is the commercial sweet spot, but recreational anglers find them much shallower — especially at night and around dawn when fish move inshore.
- Rocky edges and cave entrances in shallow water hold fish; the transition from sand to reef is worth working.
- Surf anglers along the Canterbury coast have historically picked them up from the beach, though inshore numbers have become more sporadic in recent years.
Red Cod FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Red Cod?
Fresh or frozen squid and cut fish baits (kahawai, mackerel, pilchard) on a simple two-hook dropper rig or ledger rig account for the majority of red cod caught recreationally.
When is the best time to fish for Red Cod?
Spring and summer (October–March): fish move inshore and are most accessible to recreational anglers from shore and in shallower water. Autumn (February–June): the main commercial harvest season, with larger fish available as they begin moving deeper.
How do you catch Red Cod?
Most recreational red cod fishing happens from boats, charter and private, drifting or anchoring over sandy and muddy bottom in the Canterbury Bight, with bait rigs dropped to the bottom.
What do Red Cod eat?
Red cod eat a wide range of bottom-dwelling prey, small fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates. They're not selective, which is why simple bait rigs with fresh fish or squid work consistently.
Where do Red Cod live?
Found throughout New Zealand waters but most abundant around the South Island, particularly the Canterbury Bight and off the Westland coast. A native New Zealand species, also present around southern Australia.
See it in the app
Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Red Cod.
- 01 · Species map filter
Map every Red Cod water
Pick Red Cod and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.
- 02 · Waterbody species
Tap any water. See what lives there.
Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.
- 03 · Angler Intelligence
Ask how to catch Red Cod
Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.
Stop guessing where Red Cod are.
Open the map, filter by Red Cod, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.
- Species map filter
- Angler Intelligence
- Fishing journal
Explore other species
Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.
No species information available.
Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.
onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.