Pollock and Wrasse fishing, West coast

[Dustyirl]

Hi,
I'm thinking of going fishing for polloack and wrasse soon. As a bit of a newbie im looking for tips/links etc for rigs and methods.Iv caught pollock on the feathers but wont be using them this time.
Basically any advice would be welcome:)
Thanks

[lad123]

use jelly worms and jigheads for pollock. Best time to catch pollock is 1 hour before dark
float fishing using ragworm works well for the wrasse
good videos on you tube

[ste c]

use rag worm and a couple of lead shots cast it out let it sink and retrieve it very slowly very good method of catching wrasse and pollock have had a good few fish in 2 sessions this week it never fails

[corbyeire]

you can ledger for wrasse and pollack as well if you dont have a float
rag worm work well
the wrasse will go for lug, limpet any mollusc really

if you want big ones pick some shore crab

[Dustyirl]

Thanks guys. ,
Not sure where id get ragworm as im not sure of the area or where to dig. Would tackle shops have them?

[kieran]

Most tackle shops will have or to be able to order rag for you but order in advance to be safe.

Small shore crabs the size of a 2 Euro coin are THE wrasse bait and can be collected locally with a drop net - a bit of manky mack in the bottom (tie it in there) and a long rope to keep you safe and off you go. Careful you don't haul up a conger! Limpets and mussels also work well.

When fishing for wrasse, because its so snaggy with rocks and weed, use just one hook. You don't need to be delicate with the line here - both species hit the baits hard.

Use a rotten bottom link to the lead on your wrasse rig, either a clip or far lighter line. You wont be casting far so you don't need a shockleader. I favour keeping the hook about 15-30 cms from the lead link, i.e. down near the bottom of the rig.

If its very snaggy, use a float rig but remember to adjust the fishing depth for the state of tide.

If you do use the crab baits, bring a big elastic band with you. Cut it into tiny sections and use this to "stopper" the bait i.e. insert the hook through the bait and then push a bit of elastic band on past the barb. This stops the bait sliding off or being sucked off by bigger fish (they're good at that!).

I've had wrasse on small mackerel lures and on baited feathers off boats. They are very territorial. If you find a mark with lots of small wrasse, move on if you want to get bigger ones. The big ones tend to boss their area and hunt it on their own. With both species try to fish during the tide rather than at high or low water. They like plenty of movement in the water, in fact pollack like it rough.

Sandeel works well for both if you are spinning it. Pollack will often follow a lure or bait and pluck at it. If you get these plucking hits, speed up the retrieve suddenly. It often prompts a proper bite and bear in mind pollack can often follow you right into the shore... right up to your feet.

HTH

[Dustyirl]

If you are new to wrasse then you can do worse than fish down the side of the rocks, literally under your feet. You need to find a sheer drop to at about about twelve or more feet of water. Its best if there's good movement in the water. I fish a three foot hooklength behind a three way swivel with a small bomb lead attached. Ragworm gets plenty of action and lobbing up along the rockface using sink and draw is the way to go as suggested above but I think the rockface is the easiest place to start as casting often leads to snagging. If ur not getting hits move on and heavy hooks and strong line is good. Wrasse aren't prissy feeders!!