Sportfishing - Ground Fish
The several species of Ground Fish in the Atlantic, as well as the northern Pacific Ocean, share a number of characteristics. These fish prefer cold water and live near the bottom, deep in the ocean. Their primary habitat is as far north as Greenland. Only two Atlantic species are likely to be found as they move south during the summer. Cod and Haddock move past New Jersey but are found in deep waters well out to sea. Both cod and haddock are fished commercially and provide a smooth, white meat.
Cod
Cod, or Codfish, live primarily off of Maine and further north to Greenland. They like the cold, deep waters of the Atlantic and live near the bottom, as deep as 500 feet. They spawn in winter and early spring, also near the bottom. Young fish reproduce at 2 to 3 years when they are 12-16 inches long. Older, larger fish migrate southward in late spring and summer. Cod are believed to move as far south as North Carolina. Cod may live to 20 years and grow to 75 pounds, and over 4 feet long. The cod population is lower than it has been in the past, and recent harvests have been smaller. Additional commercial fishing restrictions have been implemented.
Haddock
Haddock is closely related to the Cod, but is somewhat smaller. Haddock can be distinguished by the dark black spot on both sides of the body. Haddock like cod, prefer cold, deep water, with the younger fish living about 100 feet deep and the larger fish living down to 500 feet. They all live near rocky bottoms. Haddock are smaller, growing to about 30 pounds and 3 feet long. This species is believed to migrate about as far south as the southern tip of New Jersey. During migration they are found in deep water well offshore, and may be mixed with cod.