Haddock are native to both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and are most prominent in Georges Bank, located in the Gulf of Maine. Haddock are fast-growing fish, usually growing up to 3 ft at full maturity and living anywhere from 3-7 years, 10 years or older in some instances. As groundfish, they live near the bottom of their habitat at around 100 - 500 ft with preferably smooth compact sand or clay, gravel, and pebbles.

Haddock has a mildly sweet taste, similar to cod but a bit sweeter with firm flesh. It is an excellent fish choice to use for smoking.