Haddock

Identification

The haddock is a cod relative with a distinctive black lateral line (unlike cod's white lateral line) and a dark spot above the pectoral fin — the so-called thumbprint of St. Peter. The body is silvery-grey with a dark back and a small chin barbel. The upper jaw slightly overhangs the lower. Haddock reaches up to 112 cm, typically 30 to 50 cm.

Behavior & ecology

Haddock lives in schools close to the seabed at 40 to 200 meters depth. It feeds on bottom organisms: worms, shellfish, starfish, crabs, and small fish. Haddock bites eagerly and without hesitation on offered bait. The species occurs in the northern North Sea and migrates seasonally to shallower waters.

Fishing techniques

Haddock is primarily caught from boats:

• Paternoster with shrimp or mussel: A two-hook paternoster rig with fresh shrimp, mussel, or ragworm.
• Pilking: Pilkers combined with a bead hook or short snood with bait.
• Deep-sea fishing: Over wrecks and hard grounds in the northern North Sea.

In the Netherlands

Haddock is less common than cod in the southern North Sea but is regularly caught during boat fishing from IJmuiden, Scheveningen, and Zeeland harbours. The species prefers cooler, deeper water. Culinarily, haddock is very popular for fish & chips and smoked haddock (finnan haddie).