Fish

Haddock

Eglefino

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Saltwater

At a glance

Typical size

2–5 lb.

Depth

120–400 ft.

Best time

Daylight.

Found in

2 areas

Spot it, size it up and learn its habits.

Identification: Cod relative with a black lateral line and a dark thumbprint blotch above the pectoral fin; three dorsal fins and a small chin barbel.
Typical size: 2–5 lb.
Maximum size: About 3 ft and over 30 lb.
Diet: Herring, sand eels, squid, crabs, shrimp and clams.
Behavior: Schools over rocky bottom, ledges, banks and wrecks in cold water.

Where, when and how deep to look.

Where to find it: Found from Rhode Island & Massachusetts and New Hampshire & Maine. Sand, gravel and shell bottom on the offshore banks of the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank, including Stellwagen, Tillies and Jeffreys Ledge.
Habitat: Sand, gravel and shell bottom on the offshore banks of the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank, including Stellwagen, Tillies and Jeffreys Ledge.
Depth: 120–400 ft.
Fishing depth: On or near the bottom in 80–300 ft.
Best season: Best in the cool months near shore and all year on the deep offshore banks; seasons and closures apply.
Best time: Daylight.
Best tides: A light current lets you hold bottom and keep the jig in the zone.
Best weather / conditions: Calm seas — most of this fishing is far offshore in the Gulf of Maine.

What to tie on and what to throw.

Best bait: Clams and squid on a two-hook bottom rig.
Best artificial lures: Small jigs or teasers with clam; haddock have small mouths.
Tackle setup: Medium-heavy jigging or bottom rod with a conventional reel.
Hook size: 2/0–4/0 hooks.
Line: 50–65 lb braid.
Leader: 50–60 lb mono.

The rod, reel, line and lures BigJoe would use.

As an Amazon Associate, BigJoe earns from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing extra and helps keep this guide free.

Step by step, from first cast to landing.

Go where it lives: Sand, gravel and shell bottom on the offshore banks of the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank, including Stellwagen, Tillies and Jeffreys Ledge.
Rig up: Medium-heavy jigging or bottom rod with a conventional reel. 50–60 lb mono.
Pick your bait: Clams and squid on a two-hook bottom rig. Lures: Small jigs or teasers with clam; haddock have small mouths.
Fish it: Fish clams right on the bottom over softer ground next to the rocks where the cod live.
Time it: Daylight. A light current lets you hold bottom and keep the jig in the zone.

Fishing techniques: Fish clams right on the bottom over softer ground next to the rocks where the cod live.
BigJoe's tip: Haddock bite softly — use smaller hooks and fresh clam, and keep a light touch.
Catch and release: Catch and release: wet your hands, keep the fish in the water when you can, and release it quickly. Use circle hooks and a dehooker.

Is it good to eat, and how to prepare it.

Edibility: Excellent eating — one of the best-tasting fish in its range.
Cleaning: Bleed and ice it right away. Fillet, then remove the skin and any dark bloodline.
Cooking suggestions: Sweeter and finer than cod — fried, baked or in chowder.

Safety, rules and taking care of the fishery.

Safety warnings: Dress warm and wear a life jacket — the water is cold even in summer.
Regulations: Managed by NOAA Fisheries with a minimum size, bag limit and seasons for the Gulf of Maine; rules change most years. Saltwater licenses and limits are set by each state (VMRC, NJ Fish & Wildlife, NYS DEC, CT DEEP, RI DEM, MA DMF, NH Fish & Game, Maine DMR) and by NOAA Fisheries and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission — check the current rules for your state before you keep fish.
Conservation: Keep only what you'll eat, release the rest quickly, and follow size and bag limits.

Tap an area to open its fishing map.

Sources & photo credits