- Specimens recorded
- 249 (2000–2025)
- Years on record
- 1999–2024
- Top venue by specimens
- Courtmacsherry
- Current specimen threshold
- 5.00kg (11lb 0oz)
- Irish record
- 8.62kg (19lb 0oz)
Pollock in Ireland
Pollock (Pollachius pollachius, recorded by ISFC as "Pollack") is a hard-fighting member of the cod family found around rocky coasts, wrecks, and reefs the length of Ireland. Distinguished from its close relative coalfish by a more pronounced lower jaw and lateral line curve, pollock is a favourite target for both shore and boat anglers for its powerful, dogged fight.
Wreck and reef fishing for pollock is a mainstay of Irish boat angling, particularly off the south and west coasts, while shore anglers take good fish from rock marks and deep-water piers using lures worked close to structure.
Pollock has recently become subject to new recreational conservation measures reflecting broader concern about the species' stock status in Irish and EU waters.
When Pollock Fish in Ireland
ISFC specimens peak in August, September, and October — pollock fishing builds through summer and holds well into autumn as fish feed hard on rocky ground and wrecks before moving to deeper winter water.
Based on ISFC specimen records — reflects where anglers fish and submit claims, not necessarily where the species is most abundant.
Where Pollock Fish Best
Venue rankings below come from ratified specimen submissions, not scientific stock surveys — popular, well-fished venues will always show more specimens than remote or lightly-fished ones holding the same fish.
Courtmacsherry, Castletownbere, Red Bay, Cork Harbour, and Kinsale are the leading specimen venues — a spread across the south and southwest coast reflecting Ireland's best rocky reef and wreck ground for the species.
See every fishing.ie venue for pollock — ISFC-ranked or not — in the full directory below.
Size and Specimens
A specimen pollock is a genuinely powerful fish to handle on light lure tackle — the current threshold sits well above the size most anglers encounter fishing open ground rather than deep wrecks.
Based on ISFC specimen and threshold records — reflects where anglers fish and submit claims, not necessarily where the species is most abundant.
How to Catch Pollock
Lure fishing with jellyworms, shads, and jigs worked vertically over wrecks and reef ground is the dominant boat method, with bigger fish often holding deepest and tightest to structure.
Shore anglers take pollock on similar soft-plastic lures worked from deep-water rock marks and pier heads, particularly at dawn, dusk, and in coloured water.
Float-fished live or dead bait fished close to kelp and rock structure also accounts for good pollock, especially where lure access is difficult.
Pollock fight hard and dive for structure the moment they're hooked — heavier tackle and steady, unyielding pressure early in the fight matters more than finesse.
Rules and Conservation
A recreational bag limit for pollock was introduced from June 2026: anglers may retain up to three pollock per day, after which fishing must continue on a catch-and-release basis. This is a new conservation measure reflecting stock concerns, so check IFI's current guidance for the latest figure.
No state licence is required for sea angling from shore or boat in the Republic of Ireland. The 3-fish daily bag limit (from June 2026) applies.
No licence is required for sea angling in Northern Ireland — DAERA rod licences apply to freshwater and game/coarse fishing, not sea fishing.
Pollock Venues in Ireland
30 more waters with ISFC specimens (not yet on fishing.ie)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a bag limit for pollock?
Yes — a new recreational bag limit of 3 pollock per day was introduced from June 2026, after which fishing continues on a catch-and-release basis.
Best time of year for pollock?
Late summer into autumn — August through October — based on the ISFC specimen record.
What's the difference between pollock and coalfish?
Pollock has a more pronounced lower jaw and a more curved lateral line than coalfish (also called coley); ISFC tracks them as separate species.
Do I need a licence for pollock fishing?
No — sea angling from shore or boat doesn't require a licence in Ireland.