Pollock is a popular fish species that lives near the seabed among rocks and marine vegetation, often hiding and waiting for prey. Catching this predator requires knowledge of lure movement techniques and a special approach. In this article, we’ll explain how to properly move your lure, reduce snagging risks, and choose optimal fishing conditions to increase your chances of a successful catch.
Lure Movement Technique
The basic retrieval (lure movement technique) consists of sequential actions that can be repeated to mimic natural lure movement in the water and attract the predator.
- Casting: Cast to the target area.
- Line Slack Adjustment: After casting, reel in any slack so the line is taut. This is important for controlling the lure.
- First Pause: Wait 3-4 seconds to allow the lure to sink near the bottom.
- Two Reel Turns: Make two reel turns, slightly raising the lure from the bottom.
- Short Pause: Pause for 2-3 seconds to allow the lure to sink again, creating a realistic movement.
- Rod Pull: Pull the rod toward the shore, making the lure move horizontally to mimic small fish movements.
- Repeat Two Reel Turns: Reel in two turns again, raising the lure.
- Second Short Pause: Pause again for 2-3 seconds, letting the lure sink a bit more.
- Repeat Rod Pull: Pull the rod toward the shore again for horizontal movement.
- Final Pause: Wait another 2-3 seconds to complete the movement cycle.
You can repeat this sequence as needed to give the lure an appealing, fish-attracting action.
Important: Most bites happen during the pause. The pause is a key element of the movement technique, as it makes the lure appear most natural and vulnerable to the predator. You can adjust the duration of the pauses based on depth and conditions in the area.
Why Keep Movement Close to the Bottom?
Pollock prefers to stay near the bottom among rocks and vegetation, where it can observe prey unnoticed and attack from ambush. For this reason, the lure movement should stay as close to the bottom as possible, while avoiding frequent snags and lure losses. Fast or surface movement may only attract very active predators, which is rare. Occasionally, Pollock actively attacks schools of small fish, which can sometimes be identified by flocks of seabirds nearby, though this is uncommon.
The proper movement technique for Pollock fishing is a balance between the risk of snags and achieving a good catch. This approach minimizes lure losses while increasing your chances of success.
Line Selection Tips and Reducing Lure Losses
To reduce the risk of losing your lure, it is recommended to use a durable braid or line with a breaking strength of at least 35 lb. This ensures sufficient strength and good casting distance, both of which are essential for ocean fishing.
If you’re using braid, it’s a good idea to add a fluorocarbon leader with a minimum diameter of 0.60 mm. This leader serves two important functions:
- Protects the braid from abrasion on sharp rocks near the bottom.
- Prevents line tangles around the lure’s treble hooks during pauses, as thick fluorocarbon resists such tangles.
The optimal leader length is 30-50 cm. If the lure does snag on the bottom, don’t worry — in 9 out of 10 cases, it can be freed. For more on retrieving snagged lures, see here.
Optimal Conditions for Pollock Fishing
Successful Pollock fishing depends on selecting the right timing and conditions. Here are some tips for the best results:
- Time before Peak Tide (2-3 hours): Fish activity increases before peak tide as the water rises and prey becomes more accessible to the predator.
- Peak Tide and 2 hours after Peak: These periods can also be productive as Pollock comes out to hunt.
- Weather: Ideal conditions are overcast or light rain, with the sun hidden behind clouds, and moderate wind up to 20 m/s.
- Wave Height: The maximum safe wave height is up to 2 meters, which creates natural water movements that attract predators.
Safety Precautions on Rocks
When fishing near rocks, especially during high tides, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Stick to areas you know well and trust for safety. Typically, it’s best to leave the rocks about an hour before peak tide, as rising water can make the area unsafe.
Safety is paramount. Even if you anticipate a great catch, always consider the potential risks and remain cautious.
Conclusion
Pollock fishing is an art that requires skill and caution. Proper lure movement technique, choosing the right tackle, and selecting the optimal time and place will help you achieve better results and enjoy the fishing experience. Remember that every movement and pause is important for a successful catch.
Happy fishing!