ID Guide: Pollock
Common names: Pollock, pollack
Latin: Pollachius pollachius
Appearance: Pollock are bronze-brown with a hint of green on their backs, golden on their flanks and white on the belly. They have three separate dorsal fins and two anal fins, the first of which is long and originating directly below the first dorsal fin. They also have a distinctive underbite.
Where: Pollock can be found throughout the waters around Great Britain and Ireland. Their highest numbers are off the west coast of England and in the English Channel.
How to forage: The best way to fish for pollock is by using a lure rod with a 10-40g cast weight and fixed spool reel.
When: Spring and summer are the best seasons to catch pollock, and dusk and dawn are the most productive times of day.
How to use: Pollock is a mild-tasting white fish and it is very versatile. The most popular way to cook it is frying, but it can also be baked.


Commonly mistaken with…
Pollock can sometimes be confused with coalfish (in the US coalfish is known as pollock, just to confuse things further). Coalfish inhabit the same areas as pollock but are greener in colour with a lateral white stripe.