Definition of "Codling"?

OK - is there a definition of "codling" as opposed to "cod"? I guess it's a cod under 5 (not 10) KG?

Oddly, I've caught a fish which reverses the words - lingcod - in the Pacific (not related to cod, though tastier and better sport):

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Last edited by uvox on Wed Nov 26, 2008 7:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.

most are of the opinion that a fish over 6lbs is a propper cod.
anything under is a codling

john.....

i was told anything under 5lb was a codling

JOHN 1 is on the money , anything over 6lb is considered a cod !

i stand corrected as usual

6lb is the benchmark

JOHN 1 is on the money , anything over 6lb is considered a cod !

thanks boycie can i have a hundred lug instead of the cash

The word "coding" do not exist in the dictionary I use but it is a localised word to describe a small cod with no defined weight, it changes in different areas.
In Cork they were often called Tamling. That word has since slowly disappeared. Same species no different.
When filling out a score card at a comp did you ever write in the word "codling" or would you just write in "cod" no matter how small it was.

A cod is a cod is a cod

codling : mythical species that was once caught from irish beaches during the winter months.
cod : forget about it !

Jeeze Donal I haven't heard the word Tamlin in over 20 years. All the old fishermen in Youghal used to use it.
Have to agree with you A cod is a cod is a cod.

They have been known by a few names here in Cork over the years.

Nags,
Budeens,
Tamlin,
Tommy Cod ( small circa MLS codling),
Codling,
Cod.

The way commercial fish buyers determine which is a cod (highest price) & which is a codling is very simple if a cod is equal to or greater in length to a fish box in other words if its tail and head touch each side of the box when placed in it, it's a Cod, If it doesn't make that length it's a codling, a Tommy cod depends on the fish buyers humour

Bassling, Flounderling, Whitinling!

Donal is correct, Cod is Cod it's only to make us feel good about catching small ones that we say Codling, sounds better than I got a few small Cod!

Interesting discussion lads, hope you don't mind if I threw in my 5 cents on this

In various other European countries like Germany, Norway, Finland etc.. where cod is one of their main catches - or used to be they call the species a completely different name (Kabeljau) before they come into reproduction age.
After they have reached their full maturity and reproduced at least for one year then they are called Cod or "Dorsch" (in German lingo)
So maybe the same could apply to "Codling" and "Cod" I wonder Codling being just virgin Cod?

i call a cod under 5Ibs a codling, 5Ibs 1oz+ is a proper one.