Atlantic Pollock (Saithe)
Pollachius virens
FR Lieu noir · ES Abadejo del Atlántico · PT Escamudo · IT Merluzzo carbonaro · DE Köhler (Seelachs)
Also known as: SaithesaitheAbadejo del AtlánticoLieu noirKöhler (Seelachs)Merluzzo carbonaroEscamudo
BenthicShoreBoat
GamefishReef
Score
—
Prime time
Flooding tide, especially in low light
Depth
0–100m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jul–SepGood Jan–Mar
Depth range
0–100mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Bottom fishing / ledgering60%
Preferred seabed
Gravel
Findr bio
Kelp-lane hunter — along rip lines and hunts tight schools with intent; Bucktails Tipped With Bait.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Open seaPier harborRocky shoreShallow waterWreck reef
Recommended baits
SpinnersFeather rigsFish baits
Diet
HerringSand eelSmall fishKrillSquid
Effective techniques
SpinningDrifting
Gear
Best times
DawnDayMid floodEarly ebb
Unsung hero of fish cakes; rarely admitted by name on menus.
Field notes
Where to find them
Rocky headlands, piers, harbour walls with tide flow
Where they hang out
Surface to mid-water close to structure
Prime time
Flooding tide, especially in low light
Tide game
High; fish feed hardest on a strong flood
What they're into
Metal lures, jigs worked high in water; eats small fish, sandeel
Temperature vibe
Prefers 6–12°C, moves inshore in cooler months
Fave weather
Tolerates rough water better than most inshore species
Fun fact about me
Unsung hero of fish cakes; rarely admitted by name on menus.
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Generally unrestricted; check local bag limitsLocal/regional fisheries authority
Looking after them
Least Concern
Other regions where you can target Atlantic Pollock (Saithe)