At the time of writing, Cod (Gadus morhua) is rated as "Vulnerable", so anglers need to take this into consideration and, ideally, avoid targeting them until numbers recover. As a cold-water species, cod are more common in autumn and winter, forming into large, loose shoals when small but becoming solitary once they reach large sizes. Known as unfussy eaters, cod will practically bait onto any baits its presented with usually found around different weed bed, in sandy and shingles beaches at any sea level. The setup should include big hooks to a size 3/0 to 6/0, robust tackles with big baits as cod can be very big in size. It is best to use a clipped-down rig on the sandy beach, adding distance whilst casting. On rocky grounds, a pennell pulley rig is more popular increasing chances of catching any size cod. Cod can be hard to handle once caught, and they will typically pull away back to weed beds for safety and swim vigorously. Due to its size, it is best to keep vigilantes and set before and after the bite. It is best to allow a strong pull on the rod before striking or reeling back with strength. As they can bite deep in the hooks, having a disgorger on hand is always advised, along with a set of long nose pliers. It is best to remember to release them back unharmed. For pictures, giving them a break between each take would give time to rest and reduce stress. Release them safely back into the same water they were caught in.