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FISH GUIDE · Sea

Pollack: identification, habitat and fishing guide

Pollachius pollachius

Pollack are sought around coastal structure and large seaweeds, using a lure whose descent and upward retrieve are controlled. The first aim is to pass near the useful area without snagging. This starting method is a suggestion; depth, drift and local presence require actual observation.

Catalogue names : Pollack. Forms and names may vary between habitats.

Editorial review : · This species guide is not permission to fish. Read the precautions below and check the current rules for your location before targeting a species. Some species or populations are protected.

Geographical distribution

Documented in the Northeast Atlantic, English Channel and North Sea; DORIS lists, among other areas, northern Norway, Iceland and the Bay of Biscay.

  • Documented presence : Northeast Atlantic
  • Documented presence : English Channel
  • Documented presence : North Sea

Documented areas, not an exhaustive list. Presence in a region does not imply presence in every water body or permission to fish.

Distribution sources

Identification

Pollachius pollachius has several dorsal fins, a protruding lower jaw and a dark lateral line curving above the pectoral fin. In saithe, this line is pale and rather straight. A yellow or brown body colour alone is insufficient to separate the two.

Habitat

On the Atlantic coast and in the English Channel, rocks, large seaweeds and submerged structure are habitats to examine. A boundary between rock and open water makes a first attempt easier. The Donegal examples document an Irish lure-fishing context; they do not identify guaranteed French fishing spots.

Diet

Mainly fish, also crustaceans and cephalopods; young fish eat notably small crustaceans and their larvae.

Behaviour

This predator eats fish and crustaceans in particular. It may hunt above the structure: there is no need to make the lure touch bottom on every pass. Watch a follow right to the edge and keep the retrieve controlled, without jerking the lure because a fish has just appeared.

Indicative biological size

An average of 60–80 cm according to DORIS; a descriptive range that varies with age and population.

Fishing context and precautions

  1. Locate the top of the structure and a clear path for retrieving the line.
  2. Rig a shad on a jig head, with the point well exposed and the body straight.
  3. Cast or lower it beside the structure; follow the descent, then retrieve steadily while gradually rising through the water.
  4. When you feel a pull, maintain contact and let the drag accommodate the run. Without a bite, change the sinking time or angle before the colour.

A distinctive feature

Unlike many other gadids, it has no barbel beneath the chin.

Sources and review

Each reference includes its access date. Overall editorial review: . Local conditions and regulations may change.

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