Side by Side

Lingcod Ophiodon elongatus

Typical: 24–36 in, 5–20 lb

Key field mark: Big fanged canine teeth, an elongate body, and a long notched dorsal separate lingcod from the toothless-jawed, broad-headed cabezon.

• Long, mottled body; color ranges gray-brown to blue-green or copper
• Very large mouth with 18+ big sharp canine teeth
• Single long dorsal fin with a notch between the spiny and soft sections
• Cirrus (small flap) over each eye; head largely scaleless
• Flesh sometimes tinted blue-green

Full Lingcod guide — season, gear and rules →

Pacific Cod Gadus macrocephalus

Typical: 20–32 in, 5–15 lb

Quickest tell: The single fleshy chin barbel and three separate dorsal fins are unique among Alaska bottomfish and immediately separate cod from the barbel-less, single-dorsal lingcod.

• Single long chin barbel (whisker) at least as long as eye diameter
• Three separate dorsal fins and two anal fins
• Brown/gray mottled body, pale belly
• Pale, curved lateral line
• Rounded/square tail, blunt snout

Full Pacific Cod guide — season, gear and rules →

When Each Is Running July — current month highlighted

Where Lingcod and Pacific Cod Overlap

Both run in Alaska — Southcentral & Southeast — that is where telling them apart actually matters.

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