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A close relative of the burbot, although considered a saltwater fish, it is caught in freshwater rivers of the Far East. Another name for the navaga is the vakhnya, or coalfish. This predator is of great commercial importance. Its meat not only has excellent flavor but can also treat many ailments. Therefore, it is caught not only with conventional fishing gear (spinning rods, fishing poles), but also with trawls.
The fish are found in schools along the coastlines, allowing anglers to catch large numbers of cod. Navaga do not venture far out to sea and often enter the rivers and lakes that feed them. However, black cod are not found in the waters of the Putorana Plateau. In the Yenisei River, only its relatives, burbot, are found.
The appearance of a predatory individual
The navaga is similar to the founder of the genus, the cod, but it is not difficult to find differences between them.
This predator is smaller than its close relative, reaching up to half a meter in length. However, the fish can weigh over 1 kg.
· The body is rounded, tapering from the head to the tail.
· On the small head are located the eyes, mouth with a protruding jaw, and a mustache on the chin.
· There are 3 dark green fins on the back, and the whole body is covered with specks.
· The belly is light, almost snow-white.
· The sides are purple.
· the jaw protrudes significantly.
Previously, Far Eastern fishermen didn't value this species highly, leaving it on the ice after ice fishing. They preferred smelt. This may be because the fish is fond of all kinds of carrion, including drowned fish.
There were similar rumors about burbot, and some simply disdained them, not realizing that even peaceful fish will attach themselves to anything that disappears underwater. Today, attitudes have changed, and fish are now highly prized.
Habitat
There are two species of black cod: northern and Far Eastern. The northern species inhabits the Laptev, White, and Kara seas and their tributaries. The Far Eastern species, also known as Pacific cod, can be fished in the Chukchi, Japan, Okhotsk, and Bering seas.
This predator prefers cold, shallow waters. Navaga can be caught in coastal areas. The fish rarely dives deeper than 50 or 60 meters. Anglers often target black cod in winter and catch large numbers of trophies.
This bloodthirsty and voracious predator, found near shorelines, consumes a wide variety of small fish (capelin, smelt, crayfish, etc.). In winter, anglers take to the ice with rods with guides up to half a meter long, equipped with the following:
· Inertial reel;
· Fishing line – 0.35 mm;
· Fluorocarbon leader – 30 cm;
· The bait used is spinners, jigs, pieces of meat, preferably with a little smell, worms, etc.
Cast your bait to the very bottom of the pond. During the colder months, your catch is more likely to be a trophy.
Summing up
Navaga contains a wealth of vitamins, minerals, fats, and amino acids, which can help treat various ailments. The excellent flavor of cod fish has long been appreciated by many gourmets.
Fishing for predator fish is very exciting, especially in winter. These fish live in schools, and if you catch one, don't delay your next cast, as you might catch a whole family in one go.
