Haddock fishing

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

About Haddock

A cod-relative with a black flank spot that holds deep over soft and mixed bottoms, feeding on invertebrates. Most active in cold water. It feeds on worms, shellfish and brittle stars picked off the bottom, so bait beats a lure and the hooks want to be small. A two-hook bottom rig with mussel, shrimp or a strip of squid, fished dead on the bottom in thirty metres or more, is the way. Winter and spring are the best seasons. The mouth is small and soft, so lift into the fish rather than striking hard.

Typical size: Usually 40-60 cm. Record (approx.): ≈ 6 kg.

Season, time and habitat

Best season

Jan-Feb, Nov-Dec

Best time

Day

Habitat

Coast

Season by month

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Darker cell = more active that month. Based on the species' usual yearly rhythm.

Lures and baits that work

Ledger bait Fish the bait still on the bottom with a sinker. Common for bottom feeders; watch the rod tip for gentle bites. Check price on Amazon

Soft-plastic jig Let the jig sink to the bottom and work it with small lifts and pauses. Stay in contact with the line; takes usually come on the drop. Check price on Amazon

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Common questions

When is the best time to catch Haddock?

Haddock fishing is usually best around Jan-Feb, Nov-Dec. The best windows in the day are usually day.

What lures and baits work for Haddock?

Effective methods for Haddock include Ledger bait and Soft-plastic jig.

Where can you catch Haddock?

Haddock is most often found in coast. Napp shows the nearest waters and the live odds on the bite right now.