The Cod is, without doubt, one of the sea fishing favourites. A popular eating fish and sportfish in equal measure. Cod populations are present throughout Europe, but being a cold-water species, they are more common around the northern European waters of the UK, Scandinavia and Nordic regions. The population of Atlantic Cod does extend across the Atlantic to North America, Greenland and Canada.
A shoaling species, moving in large, size-structured aggregations, their diet consists of small fish, molluscs, crustaceans and sea worms. They’re not fussy, and with their colossal bucket mouth, they will consume most things they come across if in a feeding mood. When on a Cod fishing trip from the shore, a big smelly bait of worms, squid, fish, or crab is most effective, but boat fishing for them a large shad or pirk, imitating a baitfish will see the best results.
Even though the Cod aren’t known for their explosive fighting qualities, you’ll certainly know when you’ve hooked one, and the famous ‘Cod Nod’ from a hooked fish is something that all sea anglers can recognise.
The current record for the rod and line caught Cod is a fish of 103lb, landed in Northern Norway. However, there is evidence that commercial trawlers have landed fish much bigger than 100lbs. However, wherever you’re fishing in the world, a boat caught Cod of 30lb is a good one, and so is a 10lb fish from the shore.
Below are the top destinations in the world for Cod fishing trips.
We were exceptionally proud to be involved with the Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing Christmas Special to Norway in 2022. Being the first time the programme had ventured outside the UK, it took a tremendous amount of work to produce the itinerary and cater for the thirteen-strong production team, but it was a fantastic couple of weeks away. If you enjoyed the programme, here is more information on Paul and Bob's trip and the itinerary it followed.
Everybody in the sea fishing world has heard of Sørøya in northern Norway and how it is home to the world record rod and reel caught Cod at 104LB, well we are extremely pleased to be able to offer, you the angler, the chance of fishing for these might Skrei Cod fishing in Sørøya northern Norway.
Boat fishing is not for everyone and with that in mind, we have worked hard to bring you something different. This exclusive shore fishing destination will give you the opportunity to catch one of the many sizeable Halibut which frequent these waters well within casting distance, as well as a wide range of other species that Norway is famous for.
Welcome to Vesterålen located in the north of Norway surrounded by some of the most stunning landscapes the country has to offer. Known locally as the 'Kingdom of the Whales' it is home to a huge population of different species of Whales, as well as abundant numbers of Cod, Coalfish, Halibut and numerous other saltwater species.
They say the most remote fishing is the best! Well, they are not wrong. Havoysund is the most northerly part of Norway you can reach and is the go-to place for and sea anglers. The sea around Havoysund is teeming with Norway’s prime species, put this with an outstanding camp and guides and you have the best fishing in Norway.
If you are looking for a family fishing holiday then Mefjord is the destination for you. Not only is this an anglers paradise with super-sized specimen Cod, Halibut and Coalfish coming out of the waters at various times of the year but there are also a huge variety of activities on offer to keep the whole family entertained.
If you have been looking for a fish packed holiday set amongst some stunning surroundings then look no further than the Lofoten Islands, dubbed as one of Norway's fishing jewels. The area around the camp is famous for large Halibut and Cod and one only needs to travel a short distance to find some of the best, most productive fishing grounds.
This spectacular sea fishing destination is exclusive to Sportquest Holidays and includes everything you need for an action-packed weeks fishing. Å on the Lofoten Islands is famed for its giant Cod and Halibut fishing, as well as a range of other backup species like Coalfish, Plaice and Wolffish.
Saltstraumen Brygge in Bodø offers some of the best sea fishing in Norway. From the world-famous Strait with its huge tide and shallow water which attracts many Halibut to feed to its deeper water marks famous for holding huge shoals of Cod and Coalfish. Plaice fishing is also very good due to the sheer amount of shallow bays.
Enjoy fishing Sørøya on one of our luxury fully guided trips each year with no single angler supplements to pay. Big Fish Adventures on Sørøya is exclusive to Sportquest Holidays and each year we book prime weeks targeting the Skrei Cod. Benefit from our host's knowledge whilst catching some of Norway’s largest Skrei Cod.
Welcome to Torsvåg, this stunning location in Norway, offers sea anglers the best of both worlds. First, its location is minutes away from the fish-filled open ocean, where you will find some excellent banks that rise from the sea bed offering the perfect grounds to target Halibut. Second, this part of Norway is known worldwide for being the 'Halibut Capital'
Suðureyri is on the west coast of Iceland and perfectly situated for sea fishing, just inside on of the western fjords, this town has everything the travelling angler can look for. Whether you choose to target the huge Cod or the massive Halibut, we are sure that you will find Iceland to be a real treasure.
We are extremely pleased to be able to offer you yet another fantastic opportunity to fish this part of the world as a single angler or small group and would like to welcome you to Vesterålen. Located in the north of Norway surrounded by some of the most stunning landscape Norway has to offer. This destination is an excellent area for a mixed species trip.
We are extremely delighted to be able to offer you a guided fishing trip to Å in Norway which is on the stunning Islands of Lofoten. This trip is guided by a Nordic Sea Angling Guide, that will be with you every step of the way helping you to get the most out of your sea fishing holiday.
Aa-gård fishing camp is situated in Lavangen, in Troms og Finnmark county, in northern Norway. Thanks to the protection from the surrounding mountains and topography, the destination is almost one hundred percent' weatherproof' - whatever the weather, it's possible to fish nearly every day of the year.
Rognsund, located in Rognsundet in the southwestern part of Seiland, is Norway's eighth most significant island and the second-largest in Finnmark, behind only Sørøya. A beautiful island destination, the sheltered waters are home to abundant numbers of Cod, Halibut, Wolffish, Ling, Redfish, and some of the very best fishing spots get found within a stone's throw of the camp.
Mikkelvik Brygge is protected by the large islands of Rebbenesøya and its smaller neighbour Hersoya. As a result, the coastal waters close to the camp are generally calm, whatever the weather and very few fishing days get lost throughout the season. It's famed for its Skrei Cod fishing, as well as its fantastic Halibut and Plaice fishing.
When staying and fishing at Båtsfjord Brygge, you will soon get immersed in the full beauty and experience of Norway’s Finnmark coast. Situated at the end of the sheltered Båtsfjord inlet, the accommodation is just a stone’s throw away from some of the best fishing spots, which have a deep history of producing some giant Cod, Halibut and Coalfish.
Everybody in the sea angling circle has heard of how good the Halibut fishing is at Å on the Lofoten islands and with this, in mind, we have decided to run an annual Halibut fishing competition at this amazing destination located in the North of Norway. This Halibut competition is Exclusive to Sportquest Holidays and in conjunction with Nordic Sea Angling.
A great fully guided trip to Havoysund Norway. Truly an outstanding place in Norway with it being the most northerly part of Norway you can get to, you will agree with us that the fishing is World class. It is mainly known for the outstanding Halibut fishing on offer and is ideal for single anglers wanting to experience Norway.
Ever fancied going to Norway to do battle with some of the hard fighting fish that this part of the world is known for and struggled to get your friends to join, well now is your chance to come on your own and fish with like minded anglers. The waters around Lofoten Islands are a magnet to the mighty Halibut plus all the usual species.
Exclusive to Sportquest Holidays, this lovely little nest of cabins in Sandbakken, northern Norway are set on the edge of a stunning fjord that offers anglers the chance to do battle with some of Norway’s largest species. Sandbakken is renowned as a fantastic mixed fishery and produces good numbers of Cod, Coalfish and Halibut.
Ever fancied targeting huge Halibut and Cod in Iceland? Well we are pleased to offer you this fantastic opportunity to do battle with such fish in the comfort of your very own boat. Either choose to be fully guided or DIY, the option is yours. We provide the very best boats that come fully equipped with all the electronics to make your stay perfect.
Average Customer Satisfaction Score 84%