Pollack Fishing Conservation Rules (2026)
From 1 June 2026, a recreational angler may retain no more than three pollack per day in Irish waters. Further pollack must be released.
Applies to: Pollack
Daily retention limit
Pollack Fishing Conservation Bye-law No. 1028 of 2026 introduced a daily bag limit of three pollack per recreational angler, effective from 1 June 2026.
Once an angler has retained three pollack in a day, fishing may continue only on a catch-and-release basis. Any additional pollack must be returned to the water.
The measure applies to recreational pollack fishing in the waters around Ireland covered by ICES areas 6 and 7. It gives national effect to the 2026 EU fishing-opportunities rules and was introduced in response to scientific advice that Celtic Seas pollack stocks are under pressure.
No State rod licence is normally required for recreational sea angling, but the absence of a licence requirement does not remove species-specific conservation rules such as this bag limit.
Check the official government notice before fishing in case the rules are amended or replaced.