Alaska Pollock

About this species

A slender cod-family fish of the North Pacific, historically the backbone of Korean fisheries and known by many names by preparation. It schools in cold midwater, feeding on plankton, krill and small fish. Local stocks have collapsed, so most is now imported and it is rarely a rod target.

Season

Depth

100 – 500 m

Habitat Spots

Fishing Methods

Bait & Rig

On the rare occasions it is rod-caught, baited bottom rigs with squid or small fish in deep cold water; mostly taken commercially by trawl.

Edibility & Taste

Good; the mild white flesh is the base for Korea's iconic dried preparations — hwangtae (freeze-dried), bugeo (air-dried) and dongtae (frozen) — and essential in countless broths.

Similar Species

Pacific cod has a much larger head, a pronounced chin barbel and a heavier body; Alaska pollock has three close-set dorsal fins and lacks the thick barbel.

Record Weight

3.5 kg