The pollock, also known as coley, is a highly sought-after marine fish by sport fishermen for its delicious flesh and availability in the cold waters of the North Atlantic. In Quebec, although it is not the main target for sport fishermen, it is often caught accidentally during sea outings. The pollock is appreciated for its moderate fight, offering an interesting challenge without being too difficult to catch. It is mainly found in the salty and brackish waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and along the coasts of Gaspésie. Its wide distribution and relative abundance make it an accessible and interesting species for sea fishing enthusiasts.

The pollock is distinguished by its fusiform and elongated body, which gives it great agility in the water. Its color varies from dark green on the back to silvery white on the belly, with sides often marked by golden reflections. There are three dorsal fins, typical of the Gadidae family, and its caudal fin is slightly forked. Its mouth is wide, slightly inferior, and it has a small barbel under the chin, although less pronounced than in other family members like cod. The pollock's scales are small and tightly packed, providing effective protection against predators. Young pollocks are generally lighter, with more pronounced patterns, while adults display a more uniform color. During the spawning period, males and females do not show significant visual differences.

In Quebec, the pollock is mainly found in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and along the coasts of Gaspésie. It is also found in the waters around the Îles-de-la-Madeleine. It prefers areas where the water is colder, often near nutrient-rich marine currents. Although it is less abundant in inland waters, it can sometimes be observed in estuaries and bays where saltwater mixes with freshwater, creating a brackish environment. This species is generally not present in lakes and rivers in Quebec.

The pollock primarily inhabits coastal waters and continental shelf areas, where it finds an abundance of food. It prefers cold and brackish waters, usually at depths ranging from 30 to 200 meters. It is often found near rocky bottoms or underwater structures, where it can hide and hunt effectively. The ideal temperature for the pollock is between 5 and 15 °C, which explains its preference for deeper waters and northern regions. When foraging, it may move up to shallower waters, especially in spring and autumn.

The pollock typically spawns in early spring when water temperatures begin to rise. Females release thousands of floating eggs that drift with the ocean currents. After hatching, the larvae go through several developmental stages before reaching their juvenile form. Growth is relatively rapid during the first years, and young pollocks reach sexual maturity between 3 and 5 years. The longevity of the pollock can reach 15 to 20 years, although few individuals live that long due to predation and fishing. Seasonal timeline: Spring (spawning) → Summer (rapid growth) → Autumn (maturation) → Winter (reduced activity).

The pollock is a social fish, often living in dense schools, which helps protect it from predators and improves its chances of success while hunting. It is not particularly territorial, preferring to move where food is abundant. The pollock is sensitive to changes in light and may move to deeper or darker waters in bright light. It is also responsive to variations in temperature and pressure, which influence its seasonal movements.

The diet of the pollock evolves with age. Larvae and young fish primarily feed on zooplankton, while adults consume a variety of prey, including small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. In summer, the pollock takes advantage of the abundance of food in coastal waters to feed actively, while in winter, it reduces its feeding activity and focuses on easier-to-catch prey, such as small bottom fish.

In spring, the pollock is more active and moves to shallower waters to spawn and feed. In summer, it is often found near the shores, taking advantage of warmer temperatures and food abundance. Autumn is a transitional period when the pollock begins to move to deeper waters in anticipation of winter. During winter, it is less active and generally remains in deeper waters, where the temperature is more stable. The best times to fish for pollock are early morning and late afternoon when the light is less intense. It is also easier to catch in overcast or slightly rainy weather, as it is less wary.

In clear water and under bright sunlight, prefer lures in natural colors like blue and silver, which mimic small fish. In murky water or overcast conditions, choose brightly colored lures like yellow or orange to attract attention. For deep fishing, phosphorescent lures or those with metallic reflections can be very effective, as they capture the slightest light and are visible from afar.

For pollock fishing, a rod measuring 2.1 to 2.4 meters in length, with medium power and fast action, is ideal. A reel sized 3000 to 4000, capable of holding a line of 10 to 20 lb, is recommended to handle the fights. Use hooks sized 1/0 to 3/0, depending on the bait or lure used. A fluorocarbon leader of 20 to 30 lb may be necessary to avoid abrasion against underwater structures.

Handle the pollock carefully to avoid damaging its delicate skin. Use a damp cloth for a better grip. If you wish to release it back into the water, do so quickly to minimize stress and maximize its chances of survival. For a photo, support the fish under the belly and hold it horizontally.

The main predators of the pollock in Quebec include seals, sharks, and certain large fish species like halibut. Seabirds, such as gulls and cormorants, may also prey on young pollocks, especially when they are near the surface.

The pollock is not currently considered a threatened species in Quebec, but it is subject to regulations to prevent overfishing. Fishermen must comply with minimum sizes and catch limits set by local authorities. Catch and release is encouraged, especially for large individuals that contribute to the species' reproduction.