Species · Sea · Pollachius pollachius
Pollack
A powerful reef predator with savage takes and unstoppable first dives. Pollack ambush prey from kelp forests and rocky pinnacles, making them one of the most exciting sea species on light tackle.
Where and when
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Reefs, wrecks, kelp beds, harbour walls, rocky coastlines |
| Best time | Dawn/Dusk |
| Category | Predator |
Baits and tactics
- Tactics: Lure fishing, Live sandeel, Drift fishing
- Baits and flies: Soft plastic lures, Live Sandeel, Ragworm, Mackerel strip
Tackle that suits
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Hooks | 1/0-3/0. Wide gape jig heads. Offset shank for soft plastics, single hooks for live baits |
| Mainline | 0.20-0.28mm. 15-20lb. Braid for sensitivity - feel every tap and bump |
| Hooklength | 0.30-0.40mm. 6-10ft. Long fluorocarbon leader - essential over clear ground |
| Shotting | 10-30g jig heads for lure fishing. Light leads for live bait rigs. |
| Field notes | Pollack dive hard for kelp on the first run - keep the rod high and pump; Long fluorocarbon leaders of 6-10ft are essential in clear water; Work lures slowly through the water column - they hit on the drop; Dawn and dusk are prime time as pollack move up from the deep; Braid mainline is essential for feeling the subtle takes at depth; Never try to stop the first run - let the drag do the work |
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