Pollack
Pollack turn up along the Dutch North Sea coast as part of the broader northeastern Atlantic population.
They're not a primary target for most Dutch anglers, but reef and wreck fishers working offshore encounter them regularly, and they show up as a welcome bycatch on boat trips out of North Sea ports.
Their willingness to hit lures and baitfish presentations makes them a fun addition to any saltwater session.
Scientific Name: Pollachius pollachius
Also known as Pollak, Lythe
- Greenish-brown back fading to yellow-silver sides; large, conspicuously yellow eyes that help distinguish it from cod and coalfish at a glance.
- The lateral line is dark and curves sharply upward over the pectoral fin — one of the clearest field marks separating pollack from similar gadids.
- Three dorsal fins, the first distinctly triangular; lower jaw protrudes noticeably beyond the upper jaw.
- Common catches run 40–70 cm; fish over 80 cm are genuinely large, with the species reaching up to 130 cm and around 12 kg at maximum.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to the northeastern Atlantic; the North Sea represents the eastern edge of its core range, making the Dutch coast a legitimate part of its natural distribution.
- Adults live close to the seabed around hard structure — wrecks, rocky reefs, and kelp — typically between 40 and 100 m depth offshore.
- Juveniles move into shallower coastal zones and can appear in estuaries, feeding among rocks and algae before moving deeper as they grow.
- Relatively sedentary compared to more migratory gadids; fish tend to hold near the same structure rather than roaming widely.
Key Locations
- The North Sea offshore from the Dutch coast — wreck sites and hard-bottom reefs accessible by charter boat from ports like IJmuiden and Den Helder hold the most consistent populations.
- Nearshore rocky and mixed-ground areas along the Zeeland coast can produce juvenile and sub-adult fish, particularly later in the year.
Specific Spots
- Wrecks and artificial reefs on the North Sea floor concentrate pollack — they hold tight to vertical structure, so fishing right on the wreck matters more than fishing nearby.
- Rocky or hard-bottom areas where the seabed changes character attract both juveniles and adults; featureless sandy bottom holds far fewer fish.
- The water column just above structure is productive — pollack often suspend a few meters up from the bottom rather than lying directly on it, especially when feeding.
Pollack FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Pollack?
Soft-plastic shads and paddle tails on weighted jig heads are the go-to, rigged to fish just above the wreck or reef, retrieved with a slow lift-and-drop to mimic a wounded baitfish.
When is the best time to fish for Pollack?
Late spring through autumn sees the best boat fishing as charter activity peaks and fish are actively feeding over offshore structure. Juveniles appear in shallower nearshore areas through summer and into autumn as the year-class moves inshore after hatching offshore in late winter and spring.
How do you catch Pollack?
Most Dutch anglers encounter pollack on boat trips targeting wrecks and reefs in the North Sea, either on dedicated saltwater charters or mixed-species trips.
What do Pollack eat?
Juveniles feed heavily on small crustaceans in shallow rocky areas; as they grow, they shift to smaller fish, sandeels, sprats, and young herring, which is why shad-style soft plastics and slim jigs draw strikes.
Where do Pollack live?
Native to the northeastern Atlantic; the North Sea represents the eastern edge of its core range, making the Dutch coast a legitimate part of its natural distribution. Adults live close to the seabed around hard structure, wrecks, rocky reefs, and kelp, typically between 40 and 100 m depth offshore.
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