CoalFish

What is a Coalfish ?

A Coalfish is related to the cod very similar to a Pollock,a

very powerful fish ,has a blackish dark back appearance compared to a pollock which is golden yellow colours

Pollock and Coalfish Identification Guide

Coalfish Fishing Guide – UK, Norway & Iceland

What is a Coalfish?

The Coalfish is a predator fish with a relatively small mouth but aggressive feeding habits. They are highly sought after for sport fishing due to their fighting ability and abundance in northern waters.

Where to Catch Coalfish

Coalfish inhabit:

Deeper rocky grounds and rough areas
Sometimes cleaner ground while hunting for food
Top of Scotland sees a good run of smaller Coalfish
Coastal areas of Ireland (called Black Pollock locally)
Norway and Iceland — some of the best Coalfish fishing in the world

Pro Tip: Coalfish often feed near underwater structures, reefs, and drop-offs.

Best Baits for Coalfish

Coalfish are opportunistic predators. Use these baits for best results:

Mackerel (Smoothhound Fishing Guide)
Blueys / Sandeels (Best Bait for Solent Sea Fishing)
Squid
Herring
Ragworm & Lugworm (Smoothhound Fishing Guide)
Peeler Crabs (Peeler Crab Fishing Guide)

Pro Tip: “Match the hatch” — adjust bait size to the size of fish in the area.

Best Rigs for Coalfish

From the Boat: Use a single long flowing rig, suitable for vertical or drift fishing.
From the Shore: A pulley rig works well with hooks 4/0 and up, depending on the bait size.
Hook Size: Even though Coalfish have a small mouth, they can take large baits — in Norway, anglers have caught 10lb Coalfish on 8/0 hooks!