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Emerald rockcod

Trematomus bernacchii

Emerald rockcod© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Emerald rockcod (Trematomus bernacchii) is a small Antarctic demersal fish prized for its firm, white flesh. It inhabits cold, deep waters around the Southern Ocean and is a popular target for cold‑water anglers seeking a challenging bite.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Nototheniidae

Max Size

28 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

0-700m

Climate

polar

Best Season

December to February (Southern Hemisphere summer)

Best Time

Early morning to midday when water is slightly warmer

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Emerald rockcod

  • Use a light line to detect subtle bites in the cold water
  • Fish near rocky outcrops or kelp where rockcod hide
  • Retrieve jigs slowly with occasional pauses to imitate injured prey
  • Dress warmly and consider using a boat with a sturdy anchor for steady bottom positioning

Top Fishing Locations for Emerald rockcod

McMurdo Station Waters

Antarctica
expert75% Very Common

Rich coastal waters around Ross Island where Emerald rockcod congregate on the sea floor during the austral summer, easily accessed from the US research station.

Best: December-February

expert65% Common

Rocky sub‑Antarctic reefs off the western tip of South Georgia host large aggregations of Emerald rockcod, popular with expedition anglers.

Best: November-February

Port‑aux‑Français, Kerguelen Islands

France
expert60% Common

Cold, nutrient‑rich waters surrounding the main settlement of the Kerguelen archipelago are a hotspot for this species during the summer months.

Best: December-January

Northern Coast, Heard Island

Australia
expert55% Common

Remote volcanic island with steep drop‑offs where Emerald rockcod are abundant on the continental shelf, targeted by specialist cruise operators.

Best: January-February

Palmer Station Area, Antarctic Peninsula

Antarctica (USA)
expert70% Very Common

Coastal waters off Anvers Island near Palmer Station provide reliable catches during the peak summer season.

Best: January-February

Île de la Possession, Crozet Islands

France
expert50% Common

Sub‑Antarctic archipelago with steep underwater cliffs that attract Emerald rockcod in large numbers during the austral summer.

Best: December-January

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Emerald rockcod

Recommended Equipment

RodLight spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action
Line4‑6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSmall soft‑plastic jigs or metallic spoons (1‑2 in)
TechniqueBottom jigging or slow trolling near the seabed

Best bait: Frozen krill, small shrimp, or baitfish strips