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Pollack

Pollachius pollachius

Pollack© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Pollack (Pollachius pollachius) is a fast‑swimming marine fish prized for its mild, flaky flesh and is a common target for coastal anglers. It inhabits rocky and sandy bottoms and is often caught from shore or boat.

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Taste
Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Gadidae

Max Size

130 cm

Max Weight

18.1 kg

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

40-200m

Climate

temperate

Best Season

Spring to autumn (April‑October)

Best Time

Early morning and late evening

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Pollack

  • Use light to medium action rods (6‑7 ft) with 6‑12 lb test line for better sensitivity.
  • Troll or cast small lures such as soft plastic grubs, metal spoons, or surface poppers near structure and kelp beds.
  • Live bait like minnows, sand eels, or small herring works well; rig them on a simple hook‑bait setup.
  • Fish during tide changes, especially incoming tides, when pollack feed actively near the surface.

Top Fishing Locations for Pollack

Lofoten Islands

Norway
intermediate85% Very Common

Rocky coastal reefs with strong currents attract abundant pollack, a favorite for both shore and boat anglers.

Best: June-August

Isle of Mull

Scotland
beginner70% Very Common

Sheltered lochs and surrounding seas provide excellent pollack bites, especially near kelp beds.

Best: May-September

County Donegal

Ireland
beginner75% Very Common

Rugged Atlantic coastline with numerous inlets where pollack feed on baitfish during summer months.

Best: June-September

Westfjords

Iceland
intermediate65% Common

Cold, nutrient‑rich waters off the western fjords host large schools of pollack along the steep drop‑offs.

Best: July-September

Gros Morne National Park

Canada
intermediate55% Common

The Gulf of St. Lawrence near Gros Morne offers deep‑water pollack runs that lure both shore and boat fishers.

Best: August-October

Santander Bay

Spain
beginner80% Very Common

Protected bay waters with abundant baitfish make pollack readily bite along the sandy beaches and piers.

Best: April-June

Portland Head Light

United States
beginner70% Very Common

Maine's rocky coastline and strong tidal currents create ideal pollack feeding grounds near the historic lighthouse.

Best: May-July

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Pollack

Recommended Equipment

Rod6‑7 ft medium‑action rod
Line6‑12 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSoft plastic grubs, metal spoons, surface poppers
TechniqueTrolling, casting near structure, and live bait jigging

Best bait: Live minnows, sand eels, small herring