Pollock (Pollachius pollachius) are one of the best sport fish in UK coastal waters. Fast, aggressive, and willing to take lures as well as bait, they are a year-round target from rocky coastlines around the British Isles and a primary target for shore lure anglers from Cornwall to Orkney. On light tackle, a pollock of even 2-3lb fights with a speed and power that cod of twice the size cannot match.
Unlike cod, which are primarily a winter species in UK waters, pollock are available to shore anglers throughout the year with peak activity in spring and summer. This, combined with their responsiveness to artificial lures, makes them the target of choice for UK shore lure fishing.
Identification
Pollock are distinctive once the key features are known:
Key features:
– Protruding lower jaw: The lower jaw extends visibly beyond the upper jaw. This is the single most reliable identification feature and distinguishes pollock from cod (which have upper jaw and chin barbel).
– Dark curved lateral line: The lateral line curves prominently over the pectoral fin before running straight along the flank. This curved lateral line is distinctive.
– Three dorsal fins: Like cod, pollock have three separate dorsal fins
– Colouration: Dark olive, green, or dark brown on the back; silver-green flanks; pale or white belly. The colour is typically darker than cod.
– No chin barbel: Unlike cod, pollock have no chin barbel (or only a vestigial one, invisible in the field)
– Streamlined body: More torpedo-shaped and streamlined than the deep, heavy-headed cod
– Minimum landing size: 30cm in English waters – verify current minimum with the MMO
Similar species:
– Coalfish (saithe): Very similar to pollock. Coalfish have a straight lateral line (not curved like pollock), typically lighter (silver-grey to greenish) colouration overall, and the lower jaw protrudes less prominently. This is a genuinely difficult identification for field anglers.
– Cod: Upper jaw extends beyond lower jaw; chin barbel present; no curved lateral line
– Haddock: Dark “thumbprint” above pectoral fin; straight lateral line; smaller
Distribution
Pollock are found around all UK coastlines but are most abundant:
West coast of England and Wales: The rocky coastlines of Devon, Cornwall, and west Wales produce the best shore pollock fishing. South West England is the heartland of UK pollock lure fishing.
Scotland: The rugged western and northern Scottish coasts produce very large pollock. Marks on the west coast of Scotland (Argyll, Skye, Mull, and the Outer Hebrides) are famous pollock grounds.
Ireland: All around the Irish coastline; particularly prolific from rocky west coast marks in counties Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Clare, and Kerry. Some of the largest UK and Irish pollock are caught from Irish rock fishing.
East coast: Less common from the English east coast than the west due to habitat – pollock prefer rocky reef and kelp ground, which is more common on the Atlantic-facing coasts. But appear from some east coast reef marks, particularly in Scotland.
Habitat
Pollock are a reef-dwelling species associated with kelp forest and rocky ground. They are rarely found over clean sand or muddy ground. Shore anglers find them:
– Over rocky headlands and reef gullies
– At the edge of kelp beds
– Around pier pilings and harbour walls
– At depth off steep cliff faces into deep water
The kelp fringe is pollock habitat. As tide or depth changes and kelp ends, pollock numbers drop away.
Shore Lure Fishing for Pollock
Pollock are among the most responsive UK sea fish to artificial lures. Shore lure fishing for pollock is a major UK coastal angling discipline:
Tackle: A medium lure rod 9-10ft rated 20-60g, or a dedicated shore rock fishing rod; fixed-spool reel 4000-5000 size; 20-30lb braid; a 20-30lb fluorocarbon leader.
Lures:
– Soft plastic shads: 4-7 inch paddle-tail shads in white, silver, or natural fish colours on 20-40g jig heads. Standard pollock lure choice from shore.
– Rigged eels (Sidewinder-style soft eel lures): Very effective for large pollock in the kelp zone. Traditionally fished on float tackle or a rolling leger but also on jig heads.
– Spinners: Large spinners (size 3-5, 15-30g) work well in moderate tide conditions.
– Plugs and jerkbaits: Surface lures and subsurface plugs work particularly at dawn and dusk when pollock hunt near the surface.
Method: Cast across current or downtide, allow the lure to sink toward the kelp zone, then retrieve with a steady pump-and-wind retrieve. Pollock often take on the drop – as the lure sinks – so maintain tension throughout. Takes are fast and aggressive.
Float fishing with lures: A traditional pollock method using a long trace (5-15ft) suspended under a float, with a rubber eel (Devon minnow, Red Gill) or worm imitation at the end. The float allows the lure to be held in position against the tide at the edge of the kelp. Very effective and the predecessor to modern lure fishing for pollock.
Boat Fishing for Pollock
Offshore pollock fishing over reef marks (particularly the Eddystone Reef off Plymouth, Lundy Island, and the reefs off west Scotland) produces the largest fish:
Vertical jigging: Dropping a large soft plastic or metal jig to the reef and working it vertically.
Uptide and downtide fishing: Drifting over reef marks with shads or rubber eels.
Live bait: A live sand eel fished mid-water on a flowing trace produces very large pollock on offshore marks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between pollock and coalfish?
The most reliable field identifier: pollock have a curved lateral line (curves prominently over the pectoral fin); coalfish have a straight lateral line. Pollock have a more obviously protruding lower jaw. Coalfish are typically darker and greyer overall. Both are excellent sport fish and the distinction matters for species records.
What is the best time of year for pollock?
Pollock are available year-round in UK coastal waters but are most active in spring and summer. The spring run (March-June) sees fish moving into shallower water. Summer evenings from rocky shorelines produce good sport. Autumn produces the largest specimens from boat fishing over offshore reefs before winter pushes fish deeper.
What is the British record for pollock?
The British record pollock is a boat-caught fish of just over 29lb. Shore records are significantly lower. Verify current records with the British Record Fish Committee. Pollock over 10lb from shore are specimens; fish over 15lb from shore are exceptional.
Do pollock eat in winter?
Yes, but they move to deeper water and become less accessible to shore anglers. Boat fishing over offshore reefs produces pollock in winter. Shore fishing declines significantly from November to February.
Is a pollock the same as a lythe?
In Scotland, pollock are commonly called “lythe.” It is the same fish – Pollachius pollachius. In other UK regions, “pollock” or “pollack” is the standard name. “Lythe” is a specifically Scottish term.