Haddock fishing by anglers in the UK

Haddock Fishing by Rod in the UK

Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) is a prized species among UK sea anglers, known for its delicate white flesh and strong fighting spirit. While traditionally targeted by commercial boats, recreational anglers can also enjoy catching haddock using rod-and-line tactics from both shore and boat.

Where to Find Haddock

Haddock are primarily found in deeper, colder waters of the North Sea, the Irish Sea, and the northern waters of Scotland. The best haddock fishing grounds in the UK include: • Northeast Scotland – The waters around Peterhead, Fraserburgh, and Aberdeen are excellent, especially during the colder months. • West Coast of Scotland – Areas around Oban and the deeper channels of the Minch hold good haddock populations. • Northumberland and Yorkshire Coasts – Whitby and Seahouses are known for producing haddock on boat trips. • Southwest England – While less common, haddock can sometimes be caught off the deeper wrecks and reefs in the Bristol Channel.

Best Time to Fish for Haddock

Haddock can be caught year-round, but the best months for rod fishing are from late autumn to early spring (October–April) when they move into slightly shallower waters. Winter months see them feeding aggressively, making them easier to target.

Tackle and Tactics

Boat Fishing for Haddock

Most haddock are caught from boats, often over mud, sand, or gravel seabeds where they feed on worms, crustaceans, and small fish. • Rods & Reels: A 6-12lb class boat rod paired with a small multiplier reel spooled with 20-30lb braid is ideal. • Rigs: The most effective rigs include: • Running ledger rigs with a single size 1/0 to 2/0 hook • Two-hook paternoster rigs with snoods of around 18 inches • Bait: Fresh or frozen black lugworm, squid strips, peeler crab, and shellfish (mussels, razorfish, or prawns) work well. Some anglers also use fish baits like mackerel strip. • Technique: Drop your rig to the seabed, keep a slight tension, and wait for the distinctive rattle of a haddock bite. They tend to give a few sharp tugs before a solid take.

Shore Fishing for Haddock

Haddock can occasionally be caught from the shore, particularly in deepwater marks along Scotland’s east and west coasts. • Rods & Reels: A 12-15ft beachcaster matched with a 6500-size multiplier or large fixed-spool reel loaded with 15-20lb mainline. • Rigs: A two-hook flapper or a pulley rig with size 1/0 hooks. • Bait: Similar to boat fishing, fresh lugworm, black lug, peeler crab, and squid are effective. • Best Marks: Haddock are rare from shore south of Scotland, but deeper beaches, piers, or rock marks along the Moray Firth and some parts of the Northumberland coast may produce fish.

Catch and Conservation

Haddock stocks fluctuate due to commercial fishing pressure, so recreational anglers should practice sustainable fishing: • Observe local size limits (minimum landing size varies by region). • Take only what you need for the table. • Use circle hooks to reduce deep hooking. • Return undersized fish quickly and carefully.

Conclusion

Haddock fishing by rod in the UK is an enjoyable and rewarding experience, particularly from boats in deeper offshore waters. With the right tackle, bait, and location, anglers can target these hard-fighting fish and enjoy some of the best eating seafood the UK has to offer. Whether drifting over sandbanks in the North Sea or bottom fishing in a Scottish fjord, haddock fishing is a great addition to any sea angler’s repertoire.