What changed
The Pollack Fishing Conservation Bye-Law (No. 1028 of 2026), the 2026 pollack bye-law, gives effect in Irish law to EU Regulation 2026/249. It was signed by Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, and came into force on 1 June 2026.
Why
Scientific advice from ICES shows pollack stocks under pressure. The bye-law is a stock-recovery measure that keeps recreational angling open while reducing pressure on the fishery.
What it means on the Wicklow coast
Pollack are a core rock-mark species on this stretch of coast. They hold in the kelp and tide races from Greystones south through Wicklow Head and the deeper ledges at Long Rock and Brides Head. Autumn is often the stronger window, when baitfish shoals push in and pollack feed hard through the flood on metals and soft shads.
For most Wicklow shore sessions, three quality pollack in a day is a good result. The practical change for most anglers is simply knowing the limit exists and releasing extras carefully when you are already at three.
Catch-and-release for pollack done right
- Barbless hooks or crushed barbs make unhooking faster and reduce mouth damage.
- Keep air time minimal: wet your hands, support the fish, and unhook over the water where you can.
- Pollack from deeper rock marks can show barotrauma. Hold the fish upright in calmer water and give it time to recover before you release it.
Plan your next session
