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POLLACK
Pollack is the common name used for either of the two species of marine fish in the Pollachius ("P.") genus. Both P. Pollachius and P. Virens are commonly referred to as Pollack.
This species can grow to 3 ft 6 in (1.07 m) and can weigh up to 46 lb (21 kg). The fish has a strongly-defined, silvery lateral line running down the sides. Above the lateral line, the color is a greenish black. The belly is white. It can be found in water up to 100 fathoms(180 m) deep over rocks, and anywhere in the water column.
This species can be separated from P. Pollachius by looking at the relative lengths of the upper and lower jaws. P. Pollachius has a longer underslung lower jaw while Pollachius Virens has approximately equal upper and lower jaw lengths. This gives a very different profile to the head. In general P. Pollachius is a brown or golden colour with a dark back while P. Virens is bright silver with a very dark green back. P. Virens generally appears to have relatively larger eyes. The lateral line of P. Pollachius has a noticeable kink over the pectoral fins while that of P. Virens is straighter. The flesh of Coalfish (P. Virens) is darkly coloured (hence the common name) while that of P. Pollachius is similar to other members of the Cod family. This dark colour in the fresh uncooked flesh may have led to the undeserved reputation of this fish as poor for eating.
It's often hunting in large shoals in the pelagic zone. The best time for catching the big Pollack is May-September. Soft bait shads works perfect for the Pollack. But you can also catch it with some gummimakks and a pirk. The most important is that the lure is in movement all the time. It's also important to find the right depth. When you find the Pollack, just drop the lure to the same deep again. Sometimes a line counter reel can be a benefit.
Internationally
Pollack occur on both sides of the North Atlantic. In the western Atlantic, their distribution is centered between Cape Cod and the Strait of Canso, while in the eastern Atlantic they are mainly found around Iceland, in the North Sea, and off the northern coast of Norway. Specimens have been found as far south as North Carolina, although their abundance is very low at the southern edge of their range. They are native to much of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.