Overview
Active predator of Atlantic waters, hunts in schools near submerged structures.
Identification
Well-visible lateral lineArched backThree-lobed dorsal finLonger anal fin than dorsalElongated headLarge mouth with sharp teethNo chin barbelPowerful predator with strong muscles
- Body
- Elongated body with a pointed head and large mouth.
- Colouration
- Gray-green coloration on the back with golden reflections and a lighter belly.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Absent/not noticeable
- Growth
- average during the first years of life
Taxonomy
- Family
- Gadidae
- Order
- Gadiformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
Related species
Pollachius virensGadus morhuaMelanogrammus aeglefinusMerlangius merlangusTheragra chalcogramma
Habitat & distribution
- Environment
- coast, open_sea, reefs
- Preferred bottom
- rock, reef
- Geographic distribution
- Found along the northeastern Atlantic coasts from the Bay of Biscay to Norway, including the British Isles.
- Micro-habitat
- Hides among submerged structures and hunts near reefs or rocky outcrops.
Avoids sandy bottom areas, preferring rocky bottoms for abundant shelter and nourishment.
Presence by sea area
Eu Atlantico NePeak
Eu Mare NordPeak
Na Atlantico NwPeak
Na Costa Est NordPeak
Na Costa Est CentroPeak
Diet
- Primary prey
- herrings, cods, cephalopods
- Secondary prey
- shrimp, crabs, haddocks
- Occasional prey
- squid, small bottom fish, starfish
- Feeding behaviour
- Hunts in schools, actively chasing prey near the surface or close to submerged structures.
- Natural predators
- seals, dolphins, orcas, large predatory fish
Opportunistic predator, quickly adapts to the seasonal availability of prey.
Behaviour
- Activity
- diurnal
- Social behaviour
- small_groups
- Aggressiveness
- medium
- Migration
- Seasonal movements based on temperatures and prey availability.
- Seasonal behaviour
- Moves away from the coasts in search of cooler waters in warmer months. Approaches in autumn for spawning.
- Juveniles
- Often forms small schools near the shore.
- Adults
- Mostly moves in small groups, occupying larger territories.
Reproduction
- Spawning season
- February, March
- Spawning depth
- between 40 and 60 meters
- Eggs
- Small pelagic eggs carried by currents.
- Larval stage
- Pelagic larvae develop rapidly in warmer waters between April and May.
- Sexual maturity
- 3-4 years
When to catch Pollack
Activity calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PeakGoodLowInactive
Activity by season
Best times
Dayalba, tramonto, mattina
Nightnotte
This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.
Fishing activity decreases in winter, when conditions are less favourable.
Ideal conditions
Atmospheric pressure
Low
Very aggressive, attacks on surface.
Medium
Medium activity, hunts at mid-water.
High
Stationary, less reactive.
Barometric trend
Water temperature
10°COptimal zone: 14-24°C27°C
Preferred tide: moving
Where to catch it
Best spots
submerged reefsreef edgesrocky outcropssubmerged artificial structures
Bottom preference
Spot type
Fishing techniques
Recommended
trollingbottom fishingvertical jiggingshore spinning
Other applicable
BolentinoVertical JiggingSlow JiggingBeach FishingLive BaitingRock FishingSpinningSpinning MedioSpinning PesanteSurfcasting
Recommended baits
sardine baitssquidartificial wormsmetal jigs
Baits by pressure
Low
Jig head + softbaitMetal jig medio (40-100g)Paddle tail softbaitShad softbaitSpeed jigSlow pitch jigSoft plastic grande (20-30cm)
Medium
Aringa interaAringa vivaTrancio di sardinaTrancio/Filetto di aringaEsca viva (generica)Pezzo di pesceSardina viva
High
ArenicolaEsca naturale (generica)
Catch & handling tips
- Fight
- Fights strongly, using the current to its advantage.
- Handling
- Handle carefully to prevent muscle damage.
- Release
- Quickly release in deep water to ensure recovery.
Curiosities & culture
- Record catches
- The largest recorded catch of the pollack is 13.425 kg, caught in Norway in 2006. In Italy, specimens over 5 kg are considered notable trophies in sport fishing. This species is renowned in the northeastern Atlantic, where it can exceed 10 kg in weight.
- In the kitchen
- Used in fish and chips dishes, often prized for its white and delicate meat in fries and grills.
- Cultural notes
- Known in Scottish fishermen's legends as a reliable source of seasonal fishing.
- Historical notes
- Fishing for Pollack was an important part of England's and Norway's maritime traditions in the 19th century.
