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How to Rig for Pollack

Pollachius pollachius

Pollack are hard-diving predators of rocky coasts, kelp, and wrecks around the UK and Ireland, famous for crash-diving back into the weed when hooked. A slowly retrieved soft plastic eel over reef is the standard lure method, and a float-fished sandeel works well from rock marks. Low light at dawn and dusk brings them up in the water. Not to be confused with the Pacific or Atlantic pollock sold in North America.

Answer at a glance
Best rig
Leadhead Jig Rig
Best bait
Soft plastic eel or sandeel imitation retrieved slowly over reefs and kelp
Where
boat, jetty, pier
Typical size
12–28 in
Season
Peak season: summer, fall
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
  • Hooks1 - 4oz jig head with a 4 - 7in soft plastic eel
  • WeightJig head itself, no separate sinker
  • Line to sinkerNot applicable, weight is molded into the jig head
  • BaitSoft plastic eel or sandeel imitation retrieved slowly over reefs and kelp
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Realistic Float Rig fishing rig setup
Float Rig
A float suspends bait at a fixed depth instead of dragging it on the bottom, letting current or light wave action carry it naturally past holding fish.
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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 ↗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 Pollack?

The Leadhead Jig Rig is the top recommendation for Pollack. 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 Pollack?

Check the recommended rig cards above for bait notes specific to Pollack.

When is the best time to catch Pollack?

Peak season: summer, fall. Typical size runs 12–28 in. Always check current regulations before keeping fish.

Where do you catch Pollack?

Pollack is caught while boat, jetty, pier fishing. Pollack are hard-diving predators of rocky coasts, kelp, and wrecks around the UK and Ireland, famous for crash-diving back into the weed when hooked. A slowly retrieved soft plastic eel over reef is the standard lure method, and a float-fished sandeel works well from rock marks. Low light at dawn and dusk brings them up in the water. Not to be confused with the Pacific or Atlantic pollock sold in North America.