When people talk about prized fish, hake doesn’t always come up first, and that’s a mistake. I’ve been fishing for decades, and let me tell you, hake is one of the most consistent, versatile, and underrated catches out there. Whether you’re trawling off the Atlantic coast or longlining in deeper waters, hake gives you good action, clean fillets, and strong market value.

If you’ve never targeted hake or you’re just looking to learn more about it, this guide breaks it down — from where to find them to how to land and use them.

What is Hake?

Hake is a soft-fleshed, white fish found mostly in cold to temperate waters. It’s part of the cod family, and while not as famous as cod or haddock, it’s a solid catch for both commercial and small-scale fishermen.

• Scientific name: Most common is Merluccius merluccius
• Family: Gadidae (same as cod)
• Habitat: North Atlantic, Mediterranean, parts of the Pacific
• Depth range: 30 to 1,000 meters, usually deeper during the day

Where and When to Catch Hake

From experience, the best time to target hake is early morning or night, especially when they move up the water column to feed. During the day, they head deeper and stick close to the seabed.

• Best regions: Off the coasts of Spain, Portugal, Ireland, and New Zealand
• Hot season: Spring and early summer are best for volume
• Gear to use: Bottom trawls, longlines, and handlines with bait
• Best baits: Mackerel strips, squid, small whole fish

How to Fish for Hake

Hake are aggressive feeders but picky about depth and temperature. I usually fish them around 150 to 300 meters deep, using longline rigs and baited hooks. If you’re on a boat, sonar helps a ton. They show up in schools, and when you hit one, there’s usually more around.

Make sure to use strong lines. They aren’t the hardest fighters, but if you’re in deep water, you need reliable gear to bring them up without issues.

• Line weight: 20–30 lb test minimum
• Hook size: 3/0 to 5/0 depending on bait size
• Weight: Use enough sinker to hold bottom in your depth and current

Handling and Storing Hake Onboard

Hake is a delicate fish once caught. The flesh is soft, and it spoils fast if you don’t handle it right. As soon as you get one on deck, bleed it, gut it, and put it on ice.

Here’s how I do it:

• Bleed the fish right after landing by cutting the gills
• Gut it within 15 minutes if possible
• Store on crushed ice, belly-down to prevent bruising

If you’re selling to market or cooking it later, freshness is everything. Hake doesn’t hold well in warm temps. Even a couple of hours without proper chilling, and it’s mush.

Why Hake is a Great Eating Fish

Hake is right up there with cod in my book. It’s got a mild, clean flavor and flakes beautifully. I’ve cooked it every way you can think of — pan-fried, grilled, in chowder, you name it. It’s a great choice for folks who don’t like strong fishy flavors.

Nutritional Chart (per 100g cooked)

This fish is a go-to for heart-healthy diets and low-fat meals. It’s lean but still moist if you cook it right. I usually brine it a little before grilling to keep the texture firm.

Common Mistakes When Fishing for Hake

Over the years, I’ve seen plenty of fishermen waste a good haul or miss the bite altogether. Here’s what to avoid:

• Fishing too shallow during the day: Hake go deep when the sun’s up
• Not chilling fast enough: Soft flesh spoils easily
• Using flashy lures: Hake prefer natural bait, not spinners or jigs
• Assuming they’re not around: Sometimes they’re there, just deep and tight to bottom

Final Thoughts from a Fisherman

If you’re not fishing for hake, you’re leaving money and meals in the water. It’s a reliable catch, tastes great, and holds value on the dock. Plus, they’re fun to target once you dial in your depths and bait.

I’ve fished all kinds of species, from tuna to cod, but hake holds its own. It deserves more respect. So next time you gear up, give hake a shot. You might come home with a cooler full and dinner handled for the week.