Pollock
Pollachius pollachius
Pollock (Pollachius pollachius) is a fast-swimming gadid of the northeastern Atlantic, often taken around rocky coasts, reefs, and offshore banks. It feeds on small fish and crustaceans and is a popular sea angling species where it is abundant.
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Identification points
- Dark olive-green to brown back with silvery sides and belly
- Lower jaw noticeably longer than the upper jaw
- Usually lacks the distinct pale lateral line stripe seen on coalfish/saithe
Habitat
Rocky inshore ground, kelp edges, reefs, wrecks, and offshore banks in the northeastern Atlantic; commonly midwater to near-bottom over rough seabed.
Bait notes
Mackerel, herring, and sandeel baits work well; fish strips or whole small baits on flowing traces. Metal jigs, soft plastics, and small to medium shads are effective when baitfish are present.
Behavior
Schooling and highly mobile, especially around tide rips and current-swept structure. It hunts small fish such as sand eels and herring, plus crustaceans, and often feeds more aggressively in low light.
Caution
Watch for sharp gill covers and spines when handling. Large marine fish can accumulate contaminants in some areas, so follow local consumption advisories.
Fishing notes
Work lures or baits through the water column around rough ground, wrecks, and tide edges; use a fast retrieve with pauses for jigs. A strong trace and abrasion-resistant leader help when fishing rocky structure.