Pollock

The pollack is said to be the most active member of the cod family Gadidae.

Region

Northeast

Catch Ease

Medium

Habitat

Bay, Ocean

How to identify a Pollock

Pollock can be distinguished from other members of the cod family by three features. Its lower jaw projects beyond the upper jaw, its tail is forked, and its lateral line is quite straight, not arching above the pectoral fins. Young pollock have cod-like barbells on the chin, but these are small and usually disappear with age. The back varies from olive green to greenish brown. The flanks are a lighter yellowish green or gray.

Where to catch Pollock

The pollock can be found on both sides of the Atlantic, from Greenland and Labrador to Virginia on the west side, and on the east, from Iceland to northern Spain, including the Bay of Biscay, the English Channel, and the western Baltic and North Sea.Though it occurs in shallower water than either the cod or haddock, it is generally a deep or midwater fish occurring in depths of up to 600 feet. It will sometimes chase bait fish to the surface and smaller individuals are often seen milling about at the surface in large, tightly packed schools. In the western Atlantic south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, off the U.S. east coast, pollock can be taken from depths of 300 feet to as little as 20 feet. North of Cape Cod where most of these fish are taken, they have even been caught by surf fishermen in the shallow surf of New England. The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish:

Coastal Waters

Jetties and Breakwaters

Rocky Sea Floor

Deep Shore Water

Reefs, Wrecks, and Shoals

Surf and Shore

how to catch Pollock

The diet of the pollock consists of smaller pelagic fishes, sand eels and various crustaceans. Fishing methods include bait fishing or jigging with shrimp, herring, squid, clams, worms, or jigs, trolling or casting with spoons, tube lures, spinners, plugs, or flies. It makes strong, powerful runs and occasionally leaps and shakes. The flesh is of good quality and is an extremely important commercial fish. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: