Saltwater · Spring and fall peaks on Georges Bank and the Gulf of Maine
Haddock
Melanogrammus aeglefinus
New England's beloved codfish — a schooling bottom fish of Georges Bank gravel, marked by its black thumbprint and first-class white flesh.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- A black 'thumbprint' smudge on each side behind the gill — St. Peter's mark
- Black lateral line running the length of the body (cod's is pale)
- Silvery-grey to brown back, white belly, and a small chin barbel
- First dorsal fin is tall and pointed
- Look-alike: Atlantic/pacific cod lack the black thumbprint and have a pale lateral line
Habits
- Schools over gravel and sand-gravel bottom in 100-300 ft on the offshore banks
- Feeds on worms, brittle stars, small crustaceans and sand lance
- Bites softly for a codfish — many are hooked while the rod just loads up
- Moves seasonally between the banks and deeper slope water
Distribution
Where to find them
- Georges Bank and Stellwagen Bank off New England
- The gravel grounds of the Gulf of Maine and Jeffreys Ledge
- Browns Bank and the Scotian Shelf off Nova Scotia
- Deep gravel patches off Newfoundland's south coast
Where they live
How to catch them
Bait fishing the banks
Rig: High-low rig with 12-20 oz sinker, 5/0 hooks, clam teasers
Bait/lure: Sea clams, squid strips, shrimp
Key tip: Keep the rig still on bottom in the drift — haddock pick gently, so watch the rod tip and lift smoothly.
Jigging with teasers
Rig: Heavy jig with two teaser flies above it
Bait/lure: Metal jigs, cod flies
Key tip: Work the jig in slow lifts just off bottom over gravel patches.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: 7' heavy boat rod
- Line: 50 lb braid
- Terminal: High-low rigs, heavy sinkers and jigs, 60 lb leader
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 2-5 lb; large specimens 8 lb and up
On the table
Superb — mild, sweet, white flesh; the classic fish-and-chips and chowder fish of New England and Atlantic Canada.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
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