Pollock: season, lures and limits

Showing the fish for New Hampshire seacoast, NH.

Fishing region

Season in New Hampshire

Peak months: Jun, Jul.

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NOAA: juveniles inshore. Suds 'n Soda (June 2017): pollock swarm near rock piles, kelp and ledges past the mouth of the Piscataqua, with 16 to 20 in fish increasingly caught inshore. OTW 2015 (search summary): jetties hold pollock, mackerel and stripers. OTW Sept 2024: pollock make up much of the catch as October approaches (offshore party boats). (Our inference)

Season by region

Maine	JFMAMJJASOND
New Hampshire	JFMAMJJASOND
North Shore MA	JFMAMJJASOND

Where to find them

Harbor pollock: rock piles, kelp and ledges past the mouth of the Piscataqua, the mouth of Wells Harbor, Kennebunkport and the Marginal Way area, and jetties such as Camp Ellis. Big pollock: offshore ledges in fall (boat).

Around rock piles, kelp and ledges; hooked fish bury into the nearest structure (OTW 2015, search summary). Bigger fish on offshore ledges.

What to look for

Olive green to brownish-black back, paler sides, silver belly, a fairly straight light lateral line, forked tail, slightly projecting lower jaw and a tiny or missing chin barbel (Maine DMR).

What to throw

Metal casting jig (diamond, Hopkins or Stingsilver style)1 to 2 oz, 3 to 4 in. Fast steady retrieve for mackerel; let it sink and rip it up for blues; jig near bottom for weakfish.

Bucktail or jighead with a 4 to 5 in paddle tail1/2 to 1 oz, 4 to 5 in tail. Slow hops along the bottom: lift, drop, let it touch, repeat.

Bait

Shrimp, Herring, Squid, Clams, Marine worms. Sabiki rig worked deep around rock piles and kelp for harbor pollock; jig or bait on the ledges for big ones.

Leader

Light tackle is fine for harbor pollock; Maine DMR notes strong, powerful runs that make them fun on light tackle.

Common mistakes

Letting a hooked pollock reach the rocks or kelp
Fishing the surface when the fish are holding deep around structure

Landing

Keep it out of the structure, then swing small ones up or net larger ones.

Handling

No hazards noted in the sources read; handle with wet hands if releasing.

Keep or release

Good quality meat, though Maine DMR rates it below cod and haddock; small harbor pollock are also used as live bait for striped bass (OTW). NOAA: the federal rule is a minimum size; check the regulations file for state rules.

Recipes for pollock

Typical: Harbor pollock 16 to 20 in near river and harbor mouths (2017 shop reports). Large: Adults average 4 to 15 lb and large ones reach 35 lb (Maine DMR); NOAA: over 3.5 ft.

Limits

FishOS has not checked the NH limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department before you keep a fish.

Sources

NOAA Fisheries: Atlantic Pollock (Official source)
On The Water: New Hampshire and Maine Fishing Report, June 29 2017 (Suds 'n Soda, Dover Marine, Saco Bay Tackle, Webhannet) (Angler knowledge)
On The Water: Coastal New Hampshire and Maine Coast Fishing Report, Sept 26 2024 (Angler knowledge)
On The Water: Coastal New Hampshire and Maine Coast Fishing Report, Oct 10 2024 (Angler knowledge)
Maine DMR species sheet: American Pollock (Official source)

All the fish of New Hampshire

Pollock