moley

To be honest, I wouldn't use either shads or tempest sidewinders for fishing for pollack close in, although you would be able to cast with either as they have a built in lead head and it may work where you are. I would look at the smaller sizes (4") as they are likely to be small pollack! One of the joys of angling is testing things out and pitting your wits against the conditions and target species - just get out there and experiment. Just my opinion, but if I was specifically targetting pollack I might try a jellyworm or preferably ragworm hooked on a light leadhead, deep-spun sandeel, or float fish and retrieve a live ragworm. Metal lures can work well - generally I think you need to get down deep with pollack during the day, although they will rise as the daylight fades. Trolling plugs, I would look for underwater features that are likely to hold fish, and I wouldn't fish in any great depth of water. Shallow reefs and boulder strewn ground should be great. There are other links on this forum to looking for fishy areas using charts etc. How about asking the local tackle dealer for advice? Good luck!

For what its worth, I think it really depends on where you're fishing and how. What about depth of water, where are the fish feeding, what they are likely to be feeding on, are you castling or trolling, strength of tide? These issues will affect your lure choice, and there really is no 'all-rounder'. I tend to troll from the 'yak in shallow depths close to the coastline, and rate rapala j11 in black/silver as an old favourite, maria angel kiss 110mm in thundercloud, yo-zuri crystal minnow. My current 'banker' though is a berkley 9Omm shallow diving plug, only cost a couple of quid and can't remember it's name, but is first on most times! However, everyone will have their favourite lure that works where and how they fish. If I was fishing deeper over reefs in a stronger run of tide (as I do from charter boats) I would use redgills (still work great) or calcutta shads in 'natural colours' fished on a portland rig. Like the look of the tempest sidewinders, but haven't had a chance to use them yet. Cheers and happy lure-hunting.

Not a very helpful reply, I'm sure, but it depends on what type of lure you're trolling in my view. I am led to believe that every lure has a retrieve / troll rate which gives it optimum action. I rely on trial and error, but troll between 2 and 4 knots generally. 'Gills slower, plugs quicker as a rule. I also use rod mounted up front, and find it doesn't interfere with paddling strokes. I find that you really need to keep an eye on the tod tip to ensure lure is working correctly / not fouled and to respond quickly to takes. Happy trolling.