Deep sea fishing attracts thousands of anglers to Maines coast every year, and it is easy to see why. The thrill of heading out onto the open sea in search of that elusive trophy catch is enough for some, whilst others enjoy the uncertainty that surrounds just what may end up on the end of their line. After all, there are plenty of different species of fish to be found just off the coast of Maine, and whilst you expect some to bite, others you might not.
Haddock is another particularly sought after fish due to its size, weight and excellent meat. Fresh haddock is highly rated, and the added bonus of being able to preserve it by drying or smoking makes it an even more appealing target to anglers. The haddock can easily be distinguished from other deep sea species by a dark lateral line that runs along its body and a dark marking just above its pectoral fin, sometimes referred to as the Devils thumbprint.
Adult haddock are typically found at depths of around 120 to 400 feet, though are known to have a range of up to 900 feet in extreme cases. Juvenile haddock prefer much shallower waters, and will usually reside just off the coast until they mature. Haddock are...