Haddock Fishing Guide

Haddock is a close cousin of the cod and one of the most commercially important fish in the North Atlantic, prized equally by anglers and chefs for its clean, flaky white flesh. Distinguishable by the unmistakable black thumbprint mark above its pectoral fin and a dark lateral line, haddock runs smaller on average than cod but is every bit as important to the New England and Scottish fishing heritage. The species has staged a notable recovery in parts of its range under improved management, offering some of the best bottom-fishing action available in the Gulf of Maine and on offshore banks. Haddock are not aerial acrobats, but a good-sized fish near twenty pounds pulls hard on jigging tackle. They respond well to shrimp, squid, and clam baits fished near bottom.

Haddock is a saltwater species.

Habitat

Haddock occupy similar cold-water habitat to cod but tend to prefer slightly softer bottom and greater depths — commonly caught from 150 to 450 feet on the major offshore banks. They are most abundant on Georges Bank, Browns Bank, and throughout the Gulf of Maine. Haddock are schooling fish that aggregate over sand and gravel bottom, often found slightly higher in the water column than cod.

Diet

Haddock feed primarily on bottom invertebrates including sea urchins, sand dollars, worms, clams, and small crustaceans, supplemented by small fish and squid when available. They are less piscivorous than cod and rely more heavily on benthic invertebrates, which gives their flesh a particularly clean, mild flavor. Like cod, they feed opportunistically and will readily take cut bait and jigs.

Fishing Techniques

Best Seasons

Fall, Winter, Spring

Size & Records

Average weight: 5 lbs. World record: 14.17 lbs (Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts, USA (2011)).