How to catch Pollack
Pollachius pollachius
Pollack are hard-pulling reef predators of the northeast Atlantic, taking lures and baits fished over rough ground and wrecks.
🏆 World record: The IGFA tracks an all-tackle world record for pollack, a European reef and wreck species of the northeast Atlantic. IGFA records can change over time, so verify the current figure at igfa.org. All records →
Where to find them
Reefs, wrecks, and rocky ground
Season
Year-round; best spring through autumn
Best baits & lures for Pollack
Drift over reefs and wrecks, letting a lure sink then retrieving up through the water column.
Timing matters as much as tackle. Baitful reads the tide stage, pressure trend, solunar windows and weather at your spot and scores the bite, so you fish Pollack when conditions line up.
Catch to table: Pollack
A mild, affordable whitefish that is a fine substitute for cod. Keep legal fish and cook it fresh for the best texture.
Taste: Mild, lightly flavored white flesh with a softer flake than cod. Best when very fresh, as it softens quickly.
Cleaning: Fillet and skin, then pin-bone; the flesh is soft, so handle it gently and cook it soon after cleaning.
How to cook it
- • Batter and fry for fish and chips.
- • Bake with a crumb or cheese topping.
- • Poach in milk for a classic fish pie.
Tip: Cook pollack fresh; the flesh softens quickly, so ice it well and use it within a day.
Ikejime this fish for firmer, cleaner-tasting fillets and longer shelf life.
Where to catch Pollack
Book a Pollack charter
Guides and charter boats that target Pollack, by destination:
Catching Pollack: FAQ
What's the best bait for Pollack?
Proven options include soft plastic shads, jelly worms, sandeel. Drift over reefs and wrecks, letting a lure sink then retrieving up through the water column.
When is the best time to catch Pollack?
Year-round; best spring through autumn. Day to day, moving water and low-light periods around dawn and dusk usually fish best.
Where do you find Pollack?
Look for Reefs, wrecks, and rocky ground. Anglers target them at spots like Cornwall, Gloucester, Kinsale.