Haddock belongs to a large family of cod fish. This species lives in the cold waters of the Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean. Keeps in the bottom layers with a high level of salinity. A fairly common species of commercial importance. The fish has a squared body, high and laterally compressed. A distinctive feature is the presence of a dark spot on the sides of the fish. The first dorsal fin is much higher than all the others. The mouth is lower, the upper jaw protrudes slightly forward. In general, haddock is quite similar to other cod fish. The size of the fish can reach 19 kg and length over 1 m, but most individuals in the catches are about 2-3 kg. Bottom schooling fish, usually lives at depths up to 200 m, but can go down to 1000 m, although this is rare. Fish are not well adapted to life at great depths and do not often leave the coastal zone. It is worth noting here that the seas in which this fish lives are deep-sea and, as a rule, with a sharp drop in depths in the coastal zone (littoral). Young fish live in relatively shallow water (up to 100m) and often occupy higher layers of water. When choosing food, fish prefer worms, echinoderms, mollusks and invertebrates.
Ways to catch haddock
The main gear for fishing for haddock are various equipment for vertical fishing. In general, fish are caught together with other cod. Given the peculiarities of haddock habitat (near-bottom habitation near the coastline), they do not go into the sea, they fish with various multi-hook gear and vertical lure. Catching gear can be considered various equipment using natural baits.
Catching haddock on spinning
The most successful way of fishing for haddock is sheer lure. Fishing takes place from boats and boats of various classes. As with other cod fish, anglers use marine spinning tackle to fish haddock. For all gear in spinning fishing for sea fish, as in the case of trolling, the main requirement is reliability. Reels should be with an impressive supply of fishing line or cord. In addition to a trouble-free braking system, the coil must be protected from salt water. Spinning fishing from a vessel may differ in the principles of bait supply. In many cases, fishing can take place at great depths, which means that there is a need for long-term exhausting of the line, which requires certain physical efforts on the part of the fisherman and increased requirements for the strength of tackle and reels, in particular. According to the principle of operation, the coils can be both multiplier and inertial-free. Accordingly, the rods are selected depending on the reel system. When fishing with spinning marine fish, fishing technique is very important. To select the correct wiring, you should consult experienced local anglers or guides. Large individuals are not often caught, but the fish have to be raised from great depths, which creates significant physical exertion when playing prey.
Baits
As already mentioned, fish can be caught with baits used in catching all cod. Including sliced fish and shellfish. Experienced anglers claim that haddock responds better to shellfish meat, but at the same time fish slices hold better on the hook. When fishing at great depths, this is quite important. When fishing with artificial lures, various jigs, silicone rigs, and so on are used. It is possible to use combined options.
Places of fishing and habitat
The highest concentration of haddock is observed in the southern parts of the North and Barents Seas, as well as near the Newfoundland Bank and Iceland. As already mentioned, the fish is found in the boreal zone of the continents and near the islands in the lower layers, where the salinity of the water is high. It practically does not enter desalinated bays and seas. In Russian waters, haddock is abundant in the Barents Sea and partly enters the White Sea.
Spawning
Sexual maturity occurs at 2-3 years. The speed of maturation depends on the habitat, for example, in the North Sea, fish mature faster than in the Barents Sea. It is known that haddock is characterized by spawning migrations; movements to certain areas are characteristic of various territorial groups. For example, fish from the Barents Sea migrate to the Norwegian Sea. At the same time, flock movements begin 5-6 months before the start of spawning. Haddock caviar is pelargic, after fertilization it is carried by currents. The larvae, like the fry, live in the water column feeding on plankton.