Practical sea fishing information

Dynamic Variation:

Codes of conduct and safety

The Norwegian Association of Hunters and Anglers have compiled a set of guidelines for anyone who wishes to try their luck in the Norwegian seas. These are:

Always think safety first. Wear a life jacket and keep a lifeline in your backpack.
Treat the fish and other wildlife with respect.
Show moderation.
Leave as little a footprint as possible and do not litter.
Show consideration to other nature users.
Know first aid.
Dress according to the weather forecasts. The weather can change quickly. Get home safely.
Be proud to be an angler.

Size matters

In order to preserve Norwegian fish stocks we encourage everyone to avoid catching fish that are under the minimum size specified.

If you do catch a fish that is smaller than the minimum size, free it carefully from the hook and release it into the sea. If the fish is dead or is clearly not capable of surviving, you can keep it to eat.

You can read more about the regulations for sea angling in Norway at the Directorate of Fisheries’ official website.

Trends in angling

Specimen fishing
Hunting for the biggest specimen of different species.

Fishing from your own pier
Rent a rorbu (a traditional fisherman’s cabin) in for example the Lofoten Islands or Fjord Norway and practice angling right outside your bedroom.

Species fishing
An increasing number of visitors are discovering the joy of fishing different species. Norway is especially suitable for species fishing thanks to the unusually large variety in the sea.

Surfcasting
Fishing by casting a line into the sea from the shore. Rent special equipment to make longer castings and catch fish further out.

Catch and release
Live and let live: There is an increasing awareness about the importance of the life in the sea. When the catch is alive and kicking and you don’t need it for your dinner, the best option is to release it. This method enables enthusiasts to perform their favourite sport to a bigger extent.

Useful fishing app

An app called Fritidsfiske (language versions include English and Russian) has everything you need to know about fishing in Norway, with tips on rules and regulations, equipment, and minimum sizes.

Download in iTunes
Download in Google Play

Species

Cod (torsk)
The most common of the Norwegian fish species. You can find the biggest cod off the coast of Finnmark and Troms during winter. Nordland also has important spawn areas and there are well-known hot spots in the Northwest.

Flounder (skrubbe) and other flatfish
Mostly found in Southern Norway, but also all along the rest of the coast.

Haddock (hyse/kolje)
Found in Fjord Norway (Sogn & Fjordane, Møre & Romsdal) and Trøndelag.

Mackerel (makrell)
A popular catch in the Oslofjord and other areas of Southern Norway where cod is less present than it used to be. Can be found all over the coast, but is not plentiful in the north.

Halibut (kveite)
The season is at the end of May and in June. Mostly present in Troms.

Wolffish (steinbit)
Found in Fjord Norway and northward.

Sea trout (sjøørret)
A popular catch in the Oslofjord and other areas.

Coalfish, saithe (sei)
The season is in May and June. Exists all along the coast. The best fishing spots are in Fjord Norway and northward.

Tusk (brosme)
Especially present in Trøndelag and Fjord Norway. Found in deep water.

Hake (lysing)
This species lives deep down in the fjords and is therefore especially rewarding to catch.

Dynamic Variation:

Safety on the water

Safety tips to leave you high and dry

Keep these rules of thumb in mind whenever you are on or by the water:

Think safety at all times. Planning reduces risk.
Bring necessary equipment, make sure it is in good condition and easily accessible.
Respect the sea and the weather. Only go out in a boat when it is safe.
Know the rules of the sea, and make sure to follow them.
Wear life jackets or other flotation devices.
Be rested and sober. Do not operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Be considerate, and remember that safety, the environment, and the well-being of everybody is a common responsibility.

Find more safety tips on Norwegian Maritime Authority’s website.