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How to Rig for Coalfish (Saithe)

Pollachius virens

Coalfish, called saithe in Scotland and pollock in North America, are fast, schooling relatives of the cod that roam over wrecks, reefs, and deep rocky shores in cold North Atlantic water. They hit metal jigs and shads hard and fight well, and small ones are a common catch from northern harbours. Bigger fish come from offshore wrecks and deep water, especially in winter.

Answer at a glance
Best rig
Leadhead Jig Rig
Best bait
Metal jig or large shad worked through the water column over wrecks
Where
boat, jetty, pier
Typical size
12–30 in
Season
Peak season: fall, winter
Realistic Leadhead Jig Rig fishing rig setup
#1 Best Match

Leadhead Jig Rig

intermediateboat · jetty

A single heavy leadhead rigged with a large soft plastic swimbait, dropped straight to bottom and worked with a swim-pause-drop retrieve right in rocky structure. Heavier than a dropshot and fished actively rather than held still, built for punching through current to reach lingcod and cabezon holding tight to reef.

  • Main line50-65 lb braid
  • Leader40-60 lb fluorocarbon
  • Leader length3-5ft from braid to jig via a leader knot or swivel
  • Hooks4 - 12oz metal jig or jig head with a shad
  • WeightJig head itself, no separate sinker
  • Line to sinkerNot applicable, weight is molded into the jig head
  • BaitMetal jig or large shad worked through the water column over wrecks
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Realistic High-Low Rig fishing rig setup
High-Low Rig
Two hooks sit above a bottom weight so bait hovers just off the sand.
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BraidTrace 50-80 lbMuppet teasersPirk 8-16ozTreble
Pirk and Muppet Rig
A heavy metal pirk is jigged just off the bottom while one to three rubber muppets or feathered teasers wave on droppers above it.
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Main lineBoomLead 4-12ozLong trace 10-20ftSoft eel lureWreck or reef
Flying Collar Rig
A stiff boom holds a long, light trace away from the main line, so a soft eel lure or live sandeel flows out behind the lead and swims naturally as it is wound slowly up from the bottom.
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Source & regulation note

Technique guidance is educational. Seasons, size limits, bag limits, closures, and protected areas can change. Always verify the current rules before fishing or keeping fish.

FishBase species profile ↗NOAA Fisheries / state agencies ↗Fisheries and Oceans Canada ↗GOV.UK / local fisheries authorities ↗Inland Fisheries Ireland ↗Editorial methodology

Fishing regulations vary by location and season. Check current local regulations before fishing.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-26

Common Questions

What is the best rig for Coalfish (Saithe)?

The Leadhead Jig Rig is the top recommendation for Coalfish (Saithe). A single heavy leadhead rigged with a large soft plastic swimbait, dropped straight to bottom and worked with a swim-pause-drop retrieve right in rocky structure. Heavier than a dropshot and fished actively rather than held still, built for punching through current to reach lingcod and cabezon holding tight to reef.

What bait works for Coalfish (Saithe)?

Check the recommended rig cards above for bait notes specific to Coalfish (Saithe).

When is the best time to catch Coalfish (Saithe)?

Peak season: fall, winter. Typical size runs 12–30 in. Always check current regulations before keeping fish.

Where do you catch Coalfish (Saithe)?

Coalfish (Saithe) is caught while boat, jetty, pier fishing. Coalfish, called saithe in Scotland and pollock in North America, are fast, schooling relatives of the cod that roam over wrecks, reefs, and deep rocky shores in cold North Atlantic water. They hit metal jigs and shads hard and fight well, and small ones are a common catch from northern harbours. Bigger fish come from offshore wrecks and deep water, especially in winter.