Hake is a name used for several groups of food fish all closely related to the cods. True hakes live in most coastal areas of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Mediterranean Sea, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Commercial fishing crews use a variety of techniques to catch hakes. Some hakes are sold either fresh or frozen. Others are used as animal feed.
True hakes have two fins on the back, with a deep notch in the second fin, and a long fin on the underside, also deeply notched. These fish vary in color. Many are brown to gray on top and silver to white on the belly and sides. Some true hakes reach about 4 feet (1.2 meters) in length and weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms). But most weigh less than 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms).
Some species of fish that are commonly called hakes are in the codfish family. These fish may have fins on the back or underside that extend into long, narrow feelers.
Hakes feed on shrimp, squid, and even other hakes. They swim in schools (groups) when hunting.
