Pollock

Pollachius virens

Atlantic pollock (`Pollachius virens`) is a cold-water gadoid common in the North Atlantic. It schools over offshore reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs, feeding on fish and crustaceans; it is a popular commercial and recreational species.

Saltwater

Pollock reference image — Ryan Hodnett, cc-by-sa, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Olive-green to brownish back with silvery sides and a pale belly
Three dorsal fins and a deeply forked tail typical of cod relatives
Lower jaw projects slightly, with a pale lateral line that curves strongly above the pectoral fin

Habitat

Cold temperate to subarctic North Atlantic waters, typically over rocky bottoms, reefs, wrecks, kelp edges, and steep drop-offs from nearshore to offshore shelf depths; juveniles often stay shallower than adults.

Bait notes

Good baits include cut herring, mackerel strips, squid, and sand eels. Lures that imitate baitfish—metal jigs, soft plastics, and flutter jigs—are effective when fish are schooling.

Behavior

A strong schooling predator that feeds actively on herring, sand lance, capelin, shrimp, and other small fish. It often holds midwater or close to bottom and can feed aggressively, especially in cooler water and low light.

Caution

No notable species-specific hazard, but large marine fish can contain higher mercury levels than smaller fish; follow local consumption advisories and size/bag regulations.

Fishing notes

Fish near structure, current edges, and sonar marks with bait on bottom rigs or vertical jigs. Troll or drift baitfish patterns for roaming schools; medium-heavy tackle and strong hooks help with larger fish.