Pollack Fishing Brighton

The Pollack is a member of the cod family. 

They are common all around the British Isles and Ireland. They are particularly fond of wrecks, rocks and kelp forests, keeping quite close to these features. Younger fish will be found closer to the shore, again particularly around rocks – using them as camouflage. They will grow to over 1m long and weigh up to 30lb, but the average fish caught will be around half that length and weight.

Identifying pollack

Like all members of the cod family, pollack have three dorsal fins. They have very streamlined bodies which are silver to white along the flanks and belly, merging to dark green or a brown/green across their backs. There is quite a lot of confusion between pollack and coalfish, but a glance at the lateral line will help distinguish the two species – the pollack has a curved lateral line, while the coalfish’s lateral line is straight. If the lateral line isn’t clear, take a look at the jaws. The pollack’s lower jaw protrudes the upper, whereas the coalfish’s jaws are of an equal length.

Identifying pollack

Like all members of the cod family, pollack have three dorsal fins. They have very streamlined bodies which are silver to white along the flanks and belly, merging to dark green or a brown/green across their backs. There is quite a lot of confusion between pollack and coalfish, but a glance at the lateral line will help distinguish the two species – the pollack has a curved lateral line, while the coalfish’s lateral line is straight. If the lateral line isn’t clear, take a look at the jaws. The pollack’s lower jaw protrudes the upper, whereas the coalfish’s jaws are of an equal length.

Pollack feeding

Adults feed on fish, mainly. They prefer sand eels, capelin, herring – most small open-water fish. They will stand by wrecks, hanging in the water with their heads up, ready to pounce upon any passing prey that wanders too close. They can be caught from the shore using squid or crab baits, or caught from a boat using pirks.

Pollack spawning

Spawning takes place in late winter to spring (January to April), in deep water of between 100 and 200m. The eggs float towards the surface and drift with the plankton towards shallower inshore waters. Here the young fish will feed upon crustaceans.

  • Individuals – Weekdays from £65pp

    Long distance and premium trips will be charged extra

  • Individuals – Weekends from £75pp

    Long distance and premium trips will be charged extra

  • Bass, Conger or Extended Trips from £85 per person

    Selected days only

  • Boat Charter – Weekdays from £650

    Price based on 8 or less persons. Additional £65pp for 9th/10th Angler. Long distance and premium trips will be charged extra

  • Boat Charter – Weekends from £750

    Price based on 8 or less persons. Additional £65pp for 9th/10th Angler. Long distance and premium trips will be charged extra

  • 4 Hour Stag Trip Weekends £475

    Price based on 12 persons. Includes 7 free rods and tackle

The small print

• A deposit of £100 is required for boat bookings. The balance is payable in cash on the day.
• For individuals £50 deposit is payable at the time of booking.
• In the event of bad weather we offer another date or refund.
• Please ring between 5pm and 6pm the evening before to check the weather is ok to go.
• Bait or Lures will need to be purchased separately and we can organise this on your behalf.
• The tackle shop adjacent to the boat opens at 0700 for you bait and tackle requirements.
• Boarding is 0715 for departure at 0730 (unless otherwise agreed or stated) for standard 8 hour fishing trips.
• FUEL SURCHARGE – due to rising diesel costs a fuel surcharge may apply to trips more than 20 miles offshore.