An introduction to coast and deep-sea fishing in Norway

Norway's wild, rugged and utterly unspoilt coastline looks like the sort of place that should produce fantastic fishing. And the experience doesn't disappoint, with sea fishing that can be enjoyed year round. During balmy summers above the Arctic Circle the sun never dips below the horizon and you can enjoy fishing in the early hours under the famous midnight sun. Plankton rising to the surface attracts huge shoals of baitfish, followed quickly by hungry predators: a recipe for frantic sport. Winter also offers great fishing opportunities, particularly for cod of record breaking proportions. The World Championship in Cod Fishing takes place in the Lofoten Islands every year in March, for a reason.

Unlike most of the world's fishing grounds Norwegian waters receive relatively little commercial pressure and with favourable conditions provided by the Gulf Stream and rigorously enforced fishing regulations, stocks of many species are actually on the increase.

Fish species

Cod is by far the most desirable species for most visiting sea anglers and whilst Norway (especially Northern Norway) is the undisputed "cod fishing capital of the world", Norwegian seas are also rich in many others species. Black and silver flanked coalfish weighing over 9 kg (20 lbs) can be regarded as common. There are also haddock and the ugly though sweet tasting wolfish, another firm favourite with visiting anglers.

Norway is also the place to lock horns with that king amongst flatfish, the mighty halibut, and in recent years visiting anglers have taken many individual specimens weighing hundreds of pounds, the biggest so far, which weighed over  180 kg (400 lbs), seems small compared to some that have been caught in commercial nets.

Fishing areas

Check out the area around Kristiansand for fun summer fishing for a huge range of species, along the dramatic, yet sheltered southern coastline.  The biggest cod swim off the winter coast of Finnmark and Troms.

Fishing equipment

To take advantage you need to be well equipped and willing to cope with cold weather (temperatures in winter are typically 0°C to - 8°C degrees). There are plenty of charter skippers who run modern boats and will take you to the most productive marks – most provide protective clothing and even the right tackle if you prefer not to bring your own.

For experienced boat handlers self-use boats are also available for hire. Wherever you go in Norway you will find these to be of high quality and equipped with a full range of modern safety features -  a reflection of high living standards that also apply in fishing camps, hotels and lodges throughout the country.

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