Pollock fishing in the sea Scottish Highlands

Guided Pollock Fishing in Northwest Scotland

Experience some of the most exciting saltwater sport fishing in Europe with guided shore sessions targeting large Atlantic pollock in one of Scotland’s wildest and least-fished regions. This trip takes you deep into the mountainous Northwest Highlands—home to rugged cliffs, pristine water, and secret marks that have taken decades to discover.

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Why Fish for Pollock (Pollack) in Scotland?

Scotland’s Atlantic coast offers exceptional fishing for pollock (pollack), especially for visitors seeking a wilderness adventure. Also, these marks are remote, productive, and almost untouched by angling pressure. In fact, for U.S. anglers accustomed to New England or Pacific Northwest saltwater fishing, this trip offers a rare blend of European seascape, physical challenge, and uniquely powerful inshore fish.

Best of all: the Highlands coastline around Caithness, Assynt, and Sutherland remains one of the few places in Britain where you can still catch double-figure pollock from the shore.

About the Atlantic Pollock (Pollachius pollachius)

Biology, Behavior, and Why They Hit Like a Freight Train

Pollock are members of the cod family, yet they behave more like warm-water predators. They live tight to kelp forests, boulder fields, caves, and underwater rock structure—waiting to ambush prey.

Key Characteristics

Average Size: 3–8 lbs
Large Specimens: 10–14 lbs (common in the far Northwest)
Prime Season: April–October (peak June–September)
Environment: Deep kelp beds, Typically 25-40ft depth, high-flow tide channels, steep cliffs
Fight Profile: Immediate powerful dive toward structure—requires heavy tackle, fast reactions, and strong knots

Pollock often hunt sandeels, juvenile haddock, herring, and crustaceans. This predatory nature makes them ideal targets for both lures and large saltwater flies.

Fishing Methods: Lure & Fly

Lure Fishing for Pollock

The most consistent method, recommended for anglers new to Scottish saltwater.

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Effective approaches include:

Weedless soft plastics (4–6 inch) to fish tight to kelp
Slow-rolling retrieves along the seabed
Sink-and-draw techniques to trigger aggressive strikes
30–40 lb braid & strong fluorocarbon leader to survive the first run

Pollock hit fast and hard—often within seconds of the lure passing their holding structure.

Fly Fishing for Pollock

A Unique Highland Saltwater Challenge

Although less common, fly fishing for pollock is incredibly rewarding.

Recommended setup:

9–10 wt rods
Fast sink or sink-tip lines
Large baitfish patterns (sandeel, clouser, deceiver)

Cast, count down, strip fast—and hold on. Pollock on the fly are explosive and demanding, offering one of the UK’s most underrated saltwater fly experiences.

Your Guided Pollock Adventure

What to Expect

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This experience is designed for adventurous anglers who want pristine, seldom-fished waters—not commercialized coastal hotspots.

Remote marks reached by up to one hour of walking through heather moorland
Absolutely secret locations (phones and cameras stay in the vehicle to protect the marks)
Astounding scenery including turquoise water, basalt cliffs, seabirds, and occasional seals
Strong fish in wild conditions, offering nonstop adrenaline
Safety-first guidance across slippery rock ledges and swell zones

This trip is available exclusively to overseas visitors to protect the limited nature of these fishing grounds.

What’s Included

Trouser waders with tungsten-studded soles (safe grip on rocks)
Personal flotation device, We use Crewsvaer 165 Sport Auto inflation life vests
All heavy-duty sea fishing gear (rods, reels, leaders, lures)
Transport from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Inverness (other pickup points on request)
Professional, experienced local guide
High-quality photographs of your session
Alba Game Fishing “Fishing in Scotland” baseball cap