Also known as
- European Pollack GB
- Pollock US
- Lythe GB
- Lieu Jaune FR
Identification
An elongated torpedo-shaped reef predator built for short bursts and powerful structure-bound dives. Unlike bottom-feeding cod relatives, hunts mid-water, ambushing baitfish around rocks and wrecks.
- Distinctly projecting lower jaw (no chin barbel — separates it from cod)
- Three dorsal fins, two anal fins — classic gadid silhouette
- Dark greenish lateral line that curves sharply over the pectoral
- Yellowish underside with uniformly dark fins
- Large sensory pores prominent on the head
Where it holds
- Inshore
- Offshore
- Rocky Shores
Behaviour
An ambush mid-water reef predator — solitary or loosely-schooled adults hold tight to rocky reefs, kelp edges, pinnacles, and wrecks at 20-100m, suspending in the column above structure waiting for sandeels, herring, sprats, and small mackerel to push past on tide. Strikes with a fast lunge then dives hard for cover, making structure-bound fights the species' signature. Juveniles spend 2-3 years inshore in kelp and estuaries before moving offshore. Most active dawn and dusk on building tide.
Diet: Sandeels, Herring, Sprats, Small Mackerel, Shrimp, Small Squid
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Spinning
The signature UK and Irish reef-and-wreck method. Cast 4-6 inch slimline white, pearl, or natural sandeel-pattern soft plastics on a 1/2-1oz jighead, or work artificial sandeels and shads on a long flowing 2-3m fluorocarbon trace behind a boom. Steady smooth retrieve — pollack hate erratic action and shy off jerky retrieves. Target rocky pinnacles, wreck shoulders, and kelp edges; the strike comes mid-retrieve and the fish dives hard for structure. 8-10kg braid with 8-12kg fluorocarbon trace.
Jigging
The dominant boat-charter method on Channel and Atlantic wrecks. Vertical-jig 60-200g shads, paddle tails, and slim metal jigs over wreck shoulders and rocky pinnacles. Drop to within 1-2m of structure, work upward with a slow steady waddle — sharp jerks spook holding fish. Larger pollack hold higher in the column above the wreck; locate fish on the sounder before dropping. Heavy 15-20kg braid extracts fish before they reach cover.
Live Lining
The most productive trophy method. Free-line a head-hooked live sandeel or live king ragworm on a long flowing trace, allowing the tide to drift the bait naturally past wreck shoulders, kelp edges, and reef pinnacles. The big fish in a school come for an unweighted natural bait drifting on tide when they ignore lures. Size 1/0-3/0 hooks, 8-12kg fluorocarbon trace.
Spear Fishing
Inshore Spearfishing
A popular European and UK reef spearo target. Hunt rocky pinnacles, kelp beds, and wreck sites in 10-25m on calm-day visibility. Pollack hold mid-water above structure and approach divers cautiously — slow controlled descent, hold position, and ambush as fish circle. Fair-good 8m+ visibility essential.
Inshore Spearfishing
Shore entry to rocky headlands, kelp beds, and accessible inshore reefs in 5-25m on calm sea. Pollack patrol mid-water hunting sandeels around structure; ambush divers from below as fish drift over. Best on slack tide when visibility holds.
Fly Fishing
Saltwater Fly
A growing UK and Irish kayak and shore specialist pursuit. 8-9wt rod with intermediate or sink-tip line; cast 10-15cm Clouser Minnows, Surf Candies, EP Sandeels, and Deceivers around rocky shorelines, kelp edges, and shallow reef tops. Slow steady strip — pollack take on a smooth retrieve, lose interest on jerky strips. Heavy 8-10kg fluorocarbon shock tippet handles structure abrasion.
