Blue Cod (Parapercis Colias)

Best Spots to Target Them

Blue cod are commonly found around the southern coasts of New Zealand, particularly in areas with rocky reefs and weedy bottoms. They inhabit waters from the rocky shore to depths of up to 100 meters.

• Rocky Reefs and Weedy Bottoms: These areas provide the ideal habitat for blue cod.
• Southland and Marlborough Sounds: Known for their abundance of blue cod.
• Areas with Sandy Seabeds and Weed: Blue cod often reside in these areas, making them prime spots for spearfishing.

When to Look for Them

Blue cod can be found year-round, but they are more active and easier to spot during the cooler months, from April to September. During these times, they are often found in shallower waters.

Finding Them in the Current 

Blue cod are bottom-dwellers and can often be found near the seabed. When diving, swim close to the bottom and look for them around rocky outcrops and weedy areas.

Size and Legal Limits

Blue cod are slow growers, maturing at around 3–5 years old and 20–25cm long. They can reach up to 60cm and over 3kg, with males typically larger than females.

You'll spot them close to the seafloor, hanging around rocky reefs and kelpy structure. Their blunt heads and blue-green colouring make them easy to ID.

In most regions, the daily bag limit for blue cod is 10 per person, but size and slot limits apply. You can generally keep fish between 30cm and 40cm — anything smaller or larger must go back.

Rules can vary by area, so always check the latest MPI regulations before heading out. Keeping to the limits helps protect local stocks for future dives.

For more detailed regulations, visit the  Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) website .

• Stay Low in the Water: Avoid startling them by staying close to the seabed and moving slowly.
• Approach from the Side: Blue cod are less likely to be spooked if you approach from the side rather than directly above.
• Use the Environment: Utilise rocks and kelp to conceal your approach.

A shorter speargun, like a 75cm or 90cm model, is ideal for hunting blue cod. These guns provide excellent manoeuvrability for the close-range shots you'll need near rocky areas and reefs.

Hot Tip! – Try scratching the sand with your gun tip, often the Cod will get curious and swim right over to it to investigate…

Scientific Name: Parapercis colias

Average Weight: 1-2kg, but can grow larger

Habitat: Rocky reefs, weedy bottoms, and areas with sandy seabeds

Diet: Small fish, shellfish, and crabs

Fun Fact: Blue cod are not actually true cod; they belong to the sandperch family. They are also known for their ability to change sex from female to male as they grow larger .

**Be sure to check out the MPI site to see the legal take size for your area.

Blue cod is prized for its delicate, white flesh. Here's a delicious beer batter recipe to try:

Blue Cod Beer Batter Ingredients:

• Fresh blue cod fillets
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beer (pale ale works well)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying

Method:

1. Open the beer and let it sit for about 15 minutes to let the foam evaporate.
2. In a large bowl, combine 1 ¾ cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 cups beer. Mix just until the batter is no longer clumpy.
3. Pat the blue cod fillets dry using a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the oil temperature stays at 375°F (190°C).
5. Dredge the seasoned blue cod fillets in flour, then dip them into the beer batter.
6. Fry the fillets in batches, flipping them with tongs when they start to turn golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side).

Once the fillets are fully cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve warm with tartar sauce.

Hunting blue cod is a rewarding experience. Remember to respect the ocean and your prey, and always dive within your limits. Check the latest rules and catch limits for blue cod in your area on the MPI website: MPI Fishing Rules.