Bluefish

The bluefish has a stout body, a forked tail, and a large mouth.  It has two dorsal fins, the first short and spiked followed the taller second fin.  Most bluefish range between 18 and 36 inches.  The best time to catch bluefish in New Hampshire and Maine waters is from the end of July to the beginning of September.  Bluefish can be found in Great Bay and is tributaries, along the coast and at the Isles of Shoals.  Fly fishing, spinning or trolling with bait are all good methods for caching bluefish.  When spin fishing, a medium to heavy duty rod with 10 to 40 pound test line is recommended.  Wire leaders are a must: bluefish have sharp teeth that can cut through most monofilament lines.  Swimming lures and drifted bait are effective for catching bluefish.
 

Cod

Cod have three rounded dorsal fins and two rounded anal fins.  The head is large with a blunt snout, large mouth, and chin barbell.  The body is marked by a pale lateral line.  The average size of codfish caught near shore ranges from six to 12 pounds.  Cod fishing is at its best in spring and fall.  Stocks exist in the Gulf of Maine, near the Isles of Shoals, and along Jeffrey’s Ledge.  Most offshore anglers fish for cod using fresh bait or jigs with teasers. The legal limit is 24 inches.

Haddock

Haddock have three dorsal fins and two anal fins, a black lateral line, and a large dark spot over each pectoral fin.  Haddock generally do not grow larger than 24 inches.  Haddock can be found off the coast of Maine during the summer, also in deep New Hampshire waters from spring to fall.  A medium action 8-foot boat rod is effective for haddock fishing.  Haddock have soft mouths that gently tap at a baited hook.  Fresh clams, shrimp and squid are the best baits. The legal limit is 19 inches.

Pollock

Pollock have three dorsal fins, a small chin barb, and two anal fins.  Pollock are olive green in color and range in size from 10 to 16 inches for harbor Pollock up to two and three feet offshore.  Pollock are active fish that live at all depths.  In Maine and New Hampshire, Pollock are found offshore, near the coast, and in the harbors.  Pollock are caught with either artificial lures, such as diamond jigs and mackerel trees, or with bait such as clam necks and clam worms. The legal limit is 21 inches.  

Wolffish

The wolfish is unique looking, with a large head and large rounded pectoral fins tapering back to an elongate body; the dorsal fin reaches from the gill cover to the end of the body.  Large teeth and powerful jaws allow this species to feed on various hard-shelled invertebrates.  Although available year round, catches tend to drop in the fall when wolfish are shedding old canine teeth and spawning.