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Two species, one approach
Pollack are at their best on Wicklow rock marks and piers from late May through summer, with coalfish often mixed in on the same ledges. Both define rock and pier fishing on the Irish east coast: they target the same ground, fight hard, but are distinct species with different habits and appearances. Understanding both is key at Wicklow Head, Greystones Harbour and the rocky ground along the coastline.
Telling them apart
The two species are frequently confused. Both are torpedo-shaped predators with forked tails and similar coloration. The reliable identification markers:
Lateral line
The lateral line on a pollack curves dramatically upward over the pectoral fin. On a coalfish it runs straight from head to tail, this is the most reliable identification mark.
Lower jaw
Pollack have a noticeably protruding lower jaw. Coalfish have a more even jaw with a small barbule (chin whisker), a cod family trait.
Colour
Coalfish tend to be darker, almost black on the back, and develop a distinctive deep olive sheen in older fish. Pollack are typically brighter green-brown.
Size
Pollack grow larger from Irish shore marks, specimen fish reach 60cm plus. Coalfish from shore rarely exceed 50cm, though they grow considerably larger offshore.
Best Wicklow marks
Wicklow Head
Year roundThe most productive rock mark on the coast for both species. Pollack hold in large numbers around the kelp beds below the lighthouse. Deep water channels off the headland hold coalfish year-round. Advanced access, experienced anglers only in settled conditions.
Greystones Harbour, South Pier
April to NovemberThe outer pier wall and harbour entrance produce pollack on lures at dawn and dusk from spring through autumn. Mackerel feathers also take coalfish in the autumn months as shoals move through.
Jack's Hole
Spring to AutumnRocky ground at the northern end of Greystones South Beach. Pollack from spring through autumn on float-fished ragworm and soft plastic lures. Access at low tide only, wear studded footwear.
Wicklow Head Long Rock
Summer to AutumnRocky shoreline at Wicklow Head provides excellent pollack ground in summer. Fishable in calm conditions with careful footing. Lure fishing with shads and wedges produces fish consistently from June onwards.
Seasonal patterns
Pollack
April to October peakMove inshore to shallow water (2 to 6 metres) in spring and summer when sand eels and juvenile fish are plentiful. The biggest pollack of the year are often caught in May and June at dusk.
Coalfish
September to December peakMore associated with colder months on Irish shore marks. In summer they tend to be found in deeper water. Autumn evenings on Wicklow Head produce excellent coalfish sport as they hunt sprats along reef edges.
Tactics
Soft plastics, the number one method
A 4 to 6 inch shad or paddle tail in white, silver or sand eel colours on a 10 to 20g jig head works consistently. Cast out and retrieve with a steady wind, varying the speed. Slow retrieves close to the kelp produce the biggest fish, keep the lure just above the weed canopy where large pollack sit waiting.
Metal lures from piers
Dexter wedges and chrome spinners have accounted for huge numbers of pollack and coalfish from Irish pier marks for decades. Cast uptide and retrieve across the current, the fish intercept the lure as it sweeps past feeding stations on the pier wall.
Surface lures at dusk
On calm summer evenings when fry are pushed to the surface off Wicklow Head or the piers, a surface walker or pencil popper will draw violent strikes from pollack. One of the most spectacular forms of Irish shore fishing when conditions align.
Float fishing
Float fishing is one of the most underused and effective methods for pier pollack. Set a sliding float with a 2 to 3 metre depth on a 15lb fluorocarbon trace. Bait with fresh sandeel or ragworm. Cast parallel to the pier wall and let the float drift, takes are dramatic.
Key points
- 1Straight lateral line = coalfish. Curved lateral line = pollack, always check before photographing
- 2Pollack peak April to October on shallow kelp ground; coalfish peak September to December on reef edges
- 3Wicklow Head is the premier mark for both species on the Wicklow coast
- 44 to 6 inch white shad on 10 to 20g jig head is the go-to lure for both species
- 5Fish slow and close to the kelp for the biggest pollack, they sit just above the canopy
- 6Return large fish, they are the breeding stock and slow to recover from overfishing
Recommended gear
Pollack and coalfish essentials
Lures and leader material for targeting pollack and coalfish from Wicklow piers and rock marks.
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Sidewinder Skerries Pro Sandeels 6" Dusk
Three proven sandeel colours for pollack and coalfish, worked along pier walls and through tidal races at Wicklow Head. Deadly on a steady retrieve through the kelp canopy.
View on AmazonAlwonder Dexter Wedge Metal Lures
Chrome wedge lures in 14 to 28g for coalfish and pollack from pier edges and rock marks. Cast uptide and retrieve fast through mid-water.
View on AmazonSF Pure Fluorocarbon Leader 20lb
Clear fluorocarbon leader between braid and lure, low visibility in the clear water around rock marks and pier walls where pollack can be line shy.
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