Haddock
Melanogrammus aeglefinus
How to tell it
BLACK lateral line and the 'devil's thumbprint' smudge above the pectoral; tall pointed first dorsal.
- Not a atlantic cod? That one pale lateral line, no thumbprint. (Atlantic Cod)
- Not a pollock? That one no thumbprint, undershot jaw. (Pollock)
Rules for
Every state
| State | Size | Bag | Season | Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | Per federal regulations | Per federal regulations | Per federal regulationsCT DEEP 2026 · likely · checked | Open |
| Maine | 17" min | 15 per day | Open year-round except Mar 1-31 (no possession)ME DMR 2026 · checked | Open |
| MassachusettsFederal rule (Gulf of Maine federal waters) | 18 in total length | 15 per day | Apr 1 – Feb 28 (closed March)NOAA GARFO / MA DMF 2026 · checked | Open |
| New Hampshire | 17 in min | 15 per day | Open year-round except Mar 1 – Mar 31NH F&G 2026 · likely · checked | Open |
| New Jersey | 18 in min | No bag limit | Open year-roundNJ DEP 2026 · checked | Open |
| New York | 18" | No bag limit | Open year-roundNY DEC 2026 · checked | Open |
| Rhode Island | 18" min | No bag limit | Open year-roundRI DEM 2026 · checked | Open |
Not specifically regulated in Alabama, Delaware, Florida (Atlantic), Florida (Gulf), Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia: each state’s rule for unlisted species applies there (on its page).
State records
| State | Weight | When, where | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | 15.61 lb | 2004 · Perkins Cove, Ogunquit | Maine DMR Saltwater Angler Records (Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Massachusetts | 20 lb | 1974 · Boston Lightship (tie with Stellwagen Bank, 1972) | MA DMF Saltwater Game Fish Records · checked 2026-09-04 |
| New Hampshire | 10 lb 10.75 oz | 1988 · Gulf of Maine, Rye | NH Fish & Game Verified Record Saltwater Fish · checked 2026-08-23 |
On the table
Excellent — sweeter than cod.
In the app
Point the camera at a haddock and the name appears before you take the picture, with these rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed, and every catch goes in the log.
Get the appQuestions anglers ask about haddock
What is the size limit for haddock?
It depends on the state. Connecticut: Per federal regulations; Maine: 17" min; Massachusetts: 18 in total length; New Hampshire: 17 in min; New Jersey: 18 in min; New York: 18"; Rhode Island: 18" min.
How many haddock can you keep?
Connecticut: Per federal regulations; Maine: 15 per day; Massachusetts: 15 per day; New Hampshire: 15 per day.
When is haddock season?
Maine: Open year-round except Mar 1-31 (no possession); Massachusetts: Apr 1 – Feb 28 (closed March); New Hampshire: Open year-round except Mar 1 – Mar 31.
How do you tell haddock from atlantic cod?
Haddock has this: BLACK lateral line and the 'devil's thumbprint' smudge above the pectoral; tall pointed first dorsal.. Atlantic Cod pale lateral line, no thumbprint.
What is the record haddock?
20 lb in Massachusetts (1974), Boston Lightship (tie with Stellwagen Bank, 1972). Other states’ records are in the table.