Norway has a long coastline pierced by fjords and high mountains. Almost 95,000 sq km, 30 per cent of the land mass lies north of the Arctic Circle, but in spite of that, the country's 21,000 kilometres coastline (including fjords and bays) normally remains ice free year-round thanks to the waters of the Gulf Current.
Norway’s coastal waters are among the world’s best fishing grounds, and are home to more than 200 fish and shellfish species. Best known today is the spawning cod (37.5 kilos), called skrei. It is caught in the icy waters off the northern Norwegian coast, and has become popular with chefs around the world.
Other popular sea-game-fish is halibut (161,2 kilos); monkfish (35.15 kilos); mackerel (2.98 kilos); saithe (18.1 kilos); haddock (6.9 kilos); pollack (11.2 kilos); ling (36.18 kilos) and catfish (14.02 just to mention a few.
A new sea fishing attraction is to catch the Kamchatka crabs, now invading Norwegian fjords in the far north from Russia. In addition to great fun catching them, the meat is absolutely a delicatessen. Number in brackets (37.5 kilos) indicate the largest recorded seawater fish caught on angling terms in Norway.
Deep-sea fishing is available all way along the Norwegian coastline and the traditional fishing areas are particularly from the West Coast area of Stavanger and all the way to the North Cape and beyond, although anglers along the Southern coastline would disagree with this. The different regions of Norway argue where the best deep-sea fishing is to be found and the truth is; anywhere you might fancy!
There are a large number of well equipped fishing chalets, lodges, guest houses and hotels that offer deep-sea fishing in co-operation with local boat owners. Normally you will be able to rent equipment onboard, or as a part of a package. The fishing in the sea itself is free of charge, but you pay for your stay, the boat and guiding.
