Pollock

• Lateral line dark and distinctly curved over the pectoral
• Lower jaw longer than the upper (adults)
• No chin barbel
• Olive to bronze back, often with a pale lateral blotch

Harbour and rock fish 30–60 cm are common. A shore fish over 70 cm is a good one.

Colour

Olive-bronze, sometimes golden; pale belly; dark curved lateral line.

Fins

Three dorsals; tail slightly forked.

Mouth

Protruding lower jaw, no barbel.

Ranked for this species, not as a universal law. Local crab runs and what is actually fresh matter more.

• Artificial luresMatch the baitfish. Work the lure; do not leave it on the sand like a lead.Strong target
• SandeelHead-hooked so it swims, or a Pennel through the head and the middle. Bind if you are casting far.Strong target
• RagwormHook once through the head so it wriggles. A whole king rag for bass; a small harbour rag for dabs.Good target
• MackerelA thin strip on a small hook; a side on a Pennel; a whole fish on a running tope rig.Good target
• PrawnHook through the tail so it swims, or a bunch of frozen prawns bound on.Possible target

• Lure setupA lure on a braid line, a fluoro leader, and a retrieve. No lead on the sand unless the jig head is the lead.Intermediate
• Float rigA bait suspended under a float for wrasse, mullet, garfish and the odd bass. You watch the float, not a rod tip.Intermediate
• Basic wrasse rigA short, tough hook length and a small lead, fished into a hole in the kelp. Winch, do not give line.Beginner
• Running ledgerThe lead slides on the line so a shy fish does not feel the weight. Simple and sensitive close in.Beginner
• LRF / light lureA very light lure rod, a tiny jig head or creature, and a close hunt for wrasse, pollock, school bass and whatever lives in the first drop.Intermediate

Hooks: 1–4/0 depending on bait; lure hooks as they come.