MMO April 2026 Pollack catch-limit review and angling guidance
MMO April 2026 catch-limit review for Pollack — what it means for anglers
Context
The Marine Management Organisation opened a closed consultation on 17 March 2026 to review Pollack – Area 7 catch limits for England's non-sector 10m and under and non-sector over-10m vessels. No immediate changes were announced, but an April review may increase monthly limits. Recent allocations for 10m and under were anticipated around 37.9t with a non-sector pool near 7.0t; 2026 allocations are lower than 2025 uptake and may enable local quota trades. The review explicitly supports the handline fishery as a low-impact method in line with the Fisheries Act sustainability duty (Section 25).
Implications for coastal anglers
The review could widen legal shore and small-boat opportunity if monthly limits rise, but any increase will be managed to protect stocks. Anglers should observe the pollack minimum landing size (35 cm), record catches responsibly and release undersize fish. Queries or concerns about the review can be directed to MMO contacts, including Katie James on 07747638655.
Practical spots and techniques for April
Pollack favour rocky headlands, kelp beds, reefs and wrecks. Reliable April marks include Portland Bill and Chesil Bank (Dorset), Lulworth and the Dorset coast, Plymouth Sound and nearby Looe and Newlyn (Cornwall), plus the Isle of Wight's western shores. Fish depths between 10–40 m close to structure; surface temps in April typically range 8–11°C. Effective approaches: boat vertical jigging with 40–120 g jigs, light shore casting into kelp gaps with soft plastic lures, ledger rigs with mackerel or lugworm baits, and traditional handline use over reefs. Use 15–30 lb braid with a 20–40 lb nylon leader, hooks 1/0–4/0 and 60–150 g leads depending on tide and swell. Target slack water moving to early flood or early ebb when pollack feed aggressively.
Good practice
Measure before keeping and photograph larger specimens for records. Prioritise low-impact methods and local byelaw compliance; monitor MMO updates through April for any limit changes affecting inshore trips.
Recommended: traditional handline kit