Pollack Area 7: April 2026 review and tactics
April 2026 catch-limit review — Pollack (Area 7)
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 over-10m pools. No immediate change was published, but an increase is possible in April after quota allocations. Current monthly entitlement for Pollack Area 7 is 0.75t. The review supports low-impact handline fisheries under the Fisheries Act sustainability objective; anglers and managers should watch inshore quota trading as allocations are finalised.
Where and when
Prime marks in April include Portland Bill, Isle of Wight coastal reefs, Lizard Point, Start Bay and rocky ledges off Plymouth and west Cornwall. Pollack often sit 5–40m down around kelp beds, wrecks and tide-swept gullies. Water temperatures in the English Channel typically range 9–12°C in April; best feeding occurs around tide changes and at dawn or dusk.
Shore tactics
Shore anglers should fish headlands and kelp edges with ledgered mackerel strips or feathered single hooks, rods rated 10–20lb and 30–50lb fluorocarbon leaders. Slow retrieves near structure, light bibbed plugs and 80–120mm soft plastics cast into gullies work well. Record landings to remain within monthly limits and favour catch-and-release for small fish.
Boat tactics
From a boat, drift or anchor over reefs and wrecks using vertical jigs (40–80g), baited handlines or single-hook traces. Use an echo sounder to locate contours and hold in 10–40m of water. Braid mains 10–30lb with heavier shock leaders and barbless hooks where retention is planned. Respect the 0.75t monthly pool and log landings accurately.
Compliance and contacts
Quota allocations are expected late March/early April and inshore quota managers may trade quota. For queries contact Katie James (07747638655), Jacob Bestwick (07469443840) or inshorequotamanager@marinemanagement.org.uk.
Recommended: Portable fish finder