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06 Numbers and Powers

Go Fishing Codes: Meaning & How to Use

Card No. 06·13875 · Updated · Standard formula, shown below

Go fishing codes are short, standardized abbreviations used by anglers to share fishing reports, conditions, and catches quickly, especially in online forums, text messages, and social media. This article explains the most common codes, how to read them, and how to use them effectively.

What Are Go Fishing Codes?

Fishing codes are a shorthand system that developed organically in fishing communities. They let you convey a lot of information in a few characters—species, size, location, and even the bait used. For example, “LMB 4.2 on a senko” means a largemouth bass weighing 4.2 pounds was caught using a stick worm (Senko is a brand, but the term is widely used generically). Codes vary by region and fishing type, but many have become universal.

Common Species Codes

Most codes are simply abbreviations of the fish’s common name. Here are the ones you’ll see most often:

  • LMB – Largemouth Bass
  • SMB – Smallmouth Bass
  • RP – Rainbow Trout
  • BT – Brown Trout
  • KK – King Salmon (Chinook)
  • CO – Coho Salmon
  • WAL – Walleye
  • PIKE – Northern Pike
  • MUSK – Muskie (Muskellunge)
  • CR – Carp
  • CAT – Catfish (often specified as CHC for channel cat)
  • PER – Yellow Perch
  • CP – Crappie (both black and white)
  • GILL – Bluegill

Some codes are regional. For instance, in the Pacific Northwest, “Nook” is used for Chinook salmon, and “Hog” is a general term for a large fish of any species.

Size and Weight Codes

When reporting a catch, anglers use a consistent format for size and weight:

  • Weight – Usually in pounds and ounces, e.g., “5.2” means 5 pounds 2 ounces (not 5.2 pounds). To avoid confusion, many write “5-2” or “5#2oz”.
  • Length – In inches, e.g., “22in” or “22\””.
  • Combined – Some report both: “LMB 5-2, 22in”.

A common misconception is that a decimal always means pounds. In fishing reports, “5.2” almost always means 5 pounds 2 ounces, not 5.2 pounds (which would be 5 pounds 3.2 ounces). If you’re unsure, ask the poster.

Technique and Bait Codes

Anglers also abbreviate the method or bait used, which helps others replicate the success:

  • Senko – Stick worm (generic for soft plastic stick bait)
  • Spinnerbait – Often just “SB”
  • Crankbait – “CB”
  • Jig – “Jig” or “Football Jig”
  • Topwater – “TW” (includes poppers, frogs, walk-the-dog baits)
  • Drop Shot – “DS”
  • Carolina Rig – “C-Rig”
  • Fly – “Fly” or specific fly names (e.g., “Woolly Bugger”)

Example: “SMB 3-4 on a DS” = Smallmouth bass 3 pounds 4 ounces caught on a drop shot.

Location and Condition Codes

When sharing where and how the fish were caught, these codes are common:

  • Bank – Fishing from shore
  • Boat – Fishing from a boat
  • Deep – In deep water (often with depth, e.g., “20ft”)
  • Shallow – In shallow water
  • Current – In moving water
  • Calm – No wind, flat water
  • Windy – Windy conditions
  • Overcast – Cloudy skies
  • Sunny – Clear skies

Sometimes you’ll see a water temperature, like “62F” or “17C”, which is critical for predicting fish behavior.

How to Read a Full Report

Here’s a typical report you might see on a fishing forum:

“Fished the river this AM. Water 58F, clear. Caught 3 SMB (2-8, 3-1, 3-6) on a black/blue jig. Also 1 WAL 4-0 on a crank.”

Translation: “Fished the river this morning. Water temperature 58°F, clear water. Caught 3 smallmouth bass weighing 2 lb 8 oz, 3 lb 1 oz, and 3 lb 6 oz, on a black and blue jig. Also caught 1 walleye weighing 4 lb 0 oz on a crankbait.”

Notice the poster didn’t mention the exact location—that’s often kept vague or shared via private message to avoid overcrowding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do fishing codes work for saltwater fishing?

Yes, but they’re less standardized. Common saltwater codes include “RED” (red drum), “SNAPPER” (various snapper species), “FLOUNDER”, and “TUNA” (often with a species prefix like “BFT” for bluefin). Many saltwater anglers just spell out the species because there’s more variety.

Are there codes for ice fishing?

Yes, but they’re similar to open-water codes. You might see “TIPUP” for tip-up fishing, “JIG” for jigging, and “PANFISH” for bluegill, crappie, and perch. Ice thickness is often reported in inches (e.g., “8in”).

Why do anglers use codes instead of just writing it out?

It saves time and characters, especially on platforms with character limits like Twitter or SMS. It also creates a sense of community—knowing the codes signals you’re an insider.

Are there any official fishing codes?

No, there’s no governing body. Codes are informal and evolve naturally. However, some organizations like the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) have official species abbreviations for record keeping, but those are rarely used in casual reports.

How do I learn more codes?

Spend time on fishing forums, subreddits like r/Fishing, or local fishing Facebook groups. You’ll pick up the regional codes quickly. When in doubt, ask the poster—most are happy to explain.

Do codes ever get confused?

Yes, especially with regional variations. For example, “RP” could mean Rainbow Trout or Redfish in some contexts. Always consider the location and species likely in that water body. If it’s ambiguous, ask for clarification.

Conclusion

Go fishing codes are a practical, fun way to share fishing intel. Start with the basics—species, weight, and technique—and you’ll be reading reports like a pro in no time. Just remember to include enough context so your report is useful to others.

Related

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