Haddock
Melanogrammus aeglefinus
FR Églefin · ES Eglefino · PT Eglefim · IT Eglefino · DE Schellfisch
Also known as: Seed HaddockEglefinoAiglefinEglefinoÉglefinSchellfischEglefinoEglefim
BenthicShoreBoat
Score
—
Prime time
Daylight and dusk; autumn–spring are strongest inshore.
Depth
20–300m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jan–DecGood Apr–Sep
Depth range
20–300mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Bottom fishing / ledgering60%
Preferred seabed
SandMud
Findr bio
Daylight and dusk; inshore is strongest autumn to spring. Big on group dates — a nice worm, please...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Deep waterEstuaryRocky shoreShallow water
Recommended baits
WormsShellfishPrawns
Diet
BrittlestarsPolychaete wormsAmphipodsBivalvesSmall fish
Effective techniques
Bottom Fishing
Gear
Best times
DayMid floodEarly ebb
Behind Scotland’s Finnan haddie — smoked, sublime, historic.
Field notes
Where to find them
North Sea, North Atlantic
Where they hang out
Open sandy/mixed ground from beaches and piers 5–30 m; offshore banks and marks 30–100 m.
Prime time
Daylight and dusk; autumn–spring are strongest inshore.
Tide game
Moderate; likes a steady run over clean-to-mixed ground.
What they're into
Worm baits, clam/mussel, small fish or squid strips; pecks shellfish and small invertebrates.
Temperature vibe
Prefers cool water; pushes deeper in summer warm spells.
Fave weather
A settling sea after wind is ideal; heavy swell makes it hard to fish effectively.
Fun fact about me
Behind Scotland’s Finnan haddie — smoked, sublime, historic.
Dinner material?
10/10Excellent eating
Play by the rules
Minimum sizes and bag/area rules vary by country—check locally before retaining fish.UK IFCA/MMO; Norway/Denmark/Netherlands national agencies.
Looking after them
Least Concern