The Sportquest Holidays annual Halibut competition takes place at the beautiful destination of Å on the Lofoten Islands in Norway, an area famed for being one of the best Halibut fishing regions in the country.
Based on one of the peak weeks of the entire year, it gives sea anglers a chance to do battle with some genuinely monster Halibut, as well as stand the chance of winning a share of over £5,000 in prizes.
Run in conjunction with our partners at Nordic Sea Angling, the competition is open to nine teams of four anglers and is fished over two days of the eight-day trip, allowing two free days to practice beforehand and two free days after, to enjoy some of the fantastic fishing on offer. The boat that lands the longest accumulative length of Halibut is crowned the winner, and in addition, the angler who lands the largest Halibut of the two-day event will claim the singles prize.
The competition is based in a village called Å, located at the end of the Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway. The area just offshore from the camp is well-known for its Moskenesströmmen, one of the world’s strongest maelstroms and where some of the largest Halibut in the country can be found. Created by several factors, including the meeting of two tides and unique underwater topography, the area is a haven for big fish attracted by the number of smaller bait fish and microorganisms that get sucked into the incredible tidal pull. The difference between high and low tides can vary by almost four metres, and the water can move at nearly six knots.
Fishing in the mainstream can be very productive for Halibut, especially for those anglers who can control their boat for a perfect drift. However, on days when the tide is racing, the areas around the edges of the stream and a vast array of marks further afield are equally as good. The four free ‘practice days’ allow anglers to explore all the waters around the camp, and in the 2023 competition, some excellent fish were landed from various marks, so it’s always worth exploring further.
As well as being an exceptional Halibut destination and responsible for more 2m fish than any other, Å is also one of the best in Norway for Coalfish fishing, especially during July, when the competition takes place. These sleek, streamlined predators gather in huge numbers, coping easily with the turbulent waters of the maelstroms as they chase Mackerel, Herring and other smaller bait fish. These fish are charged up and aggressive and can provide exceptional sport on a range of lures, although one of the most exciting and explosive ways to catch them is on surface poppers.
You can watch the full video from our 2023 event on our YouTube channel: Sportquest Holidays 2023 Halibut Competition Video.
You can also read the full blog on the catch reports section of our website: Sportquest Holidays 2023 Blog Report.
The Sportquest Halibut competition is based on nine boats of four anglers, with each team fishing from one of our fully equipped Swedish Arronets. These boats have been specially designed to deal with the demands of the Norwegian waters and are fast and stable in even the roughest conditions, and are famed for their reliability.
All vessels are fitted with Suzuki 150hp 4-stroke engines and the most up-to-date Garmin fish finders, chart plotters, and VHF radios. Each also comes complete with an AIS system fitted for safety, allowing the camp’s guides to monitor each boat’s location, should any need any help or assistance. Another essential thing that each boat comes supplied with is everything each team needs to land a Halibut safely and successfully, including a Halibut hook and tail rope.
The competition will generally occur on the middle two days of the fishing week, but this could be subject to change, depending on the wind and weather. Each of the four anglers in the boat is allowed to fish with one rod and use whatever method they wish, whether with dead baits or lures.
Note: One thing we suggest is using a combination of tactics throughout the day, with anglers switching and rotating between fishing with lures and dead baits.
The 2023 competition was the second running of our event and saw the teams of anglers battling it out against each other to claim the first prize and coveted trophy. The teams fishing the event were:
During the two days of the competition, there was a whole host of Halibut landed, including a number of fish over 100cm, which shows how brilliant the destination of Å is. Finishing in third place was Iver Bigun, with 330cm, in second place was Georges Seaman, with 409cm and in first was Is Harry On My Boat, with 804cm. Finally, the biggest fish of the competition, measured in at 161cm and was landed by Graham Lewis of Iver Bigun.
Team ‘Is Harry On My Boat’ should be back to defend their title in 2024, so if you think you have what it takes to steal their crown, book your place today; we still have a few spaces remaining.
The Lofoten islands and sea fishing Norway is set amongst some of the finest scenery you will find in northern Norway. Surrounded by steep-sided mountains tipped with snow makes for the perfect Norwegian sea fishing holiday. Experience the Norwegian sea’s delights that surround the Lofoten Islands that is rich with wildlife from Killer Whales to Sea Eagles; you will truly experience what Norway has to offer.
At Å on the Lofoten Islands, we have ten cabins available while on your sea fishing Norway trip, ranging from 4 person cabins to the larger ones that will house eight guests. Each place comes complete with twin rooms consisting of single beds with sheets, pillows and a duvet. The Kitchens are well-appointed with an electric stove with electric rings, a small fridge for essentials, pots, and pans, cutlery for the number of guests staying, glasses, small coffee cups for hot drinks and plates.
Each cabin will come with a private bathroom with a free-standing shower cubicle, a toilet, and a washbasin. There is storage in the bathroom for your wash bags, and we will supply you with towels and a hand flannel. If you need more linen during your stay, please ask at the reception in the hotel. In each cabin, an open plan living area joined on to the kitchen, ample social space for talking fishy stories.
A table will seat the number of guests staying in the cabin and a sofa area with a coffee table, which is the perfect place to organise all your fishing tackle. The houses at Å have listed buildings, so they have remained unchanged for many years. They used to belong to the fishing community many years ago and have been deliberately kept like this as it adds charm and a real feel of the Norwegian experience.
There are no TVs in any of the cabins as this would spoil the history of them and are basic Norwegian cabins, so if you are looking for five* accommodation, this is not for you. These are the perfect base for anglers looking to be in the best location to take advantage of the excellent fishing surrounding this part of Norway.
These cabins are solely self-catering, meaning that you will be either cooking your food our using the onsite restaurant whilst enjoying your stay. You have a local supermarket within a short walk from the cabins, suggesting you buy fresh goods such as bread, milk, and eggs. A short 5 minute drive to the next village and you will find a large supermarket for all your main provisions
For those who prefer not to cook, there is an onsite restaurant and both locations that seat around 70 people and is open seven days a week during the summer months. During spring and autumn, the hours are decreased and ask a member of the Sportquest Holidays team for the updated times.
The restaurant offers a full board option when you are staying in the cabins, consisting of; Breakfast – continental style breakfast buffet. Lunch – is a variety of local dishes made and sourced from local products. Dinner – there is an extensive menu to choose from and rangers from locally sourced dishes to more worldwide dishes.
The bar onsite is the perfect place to catch up on your sports as they have a big widescreen TV showing many different sports. At the bar, you will find snacks, beer, wine, and many tops shelve spirits. You can also buy fresh cakes, ice creams and small drinks which you can take away.
You will find an ancient bakery producing bread and fresh cakes around the resort for well over 100 years. This lovely little building is like stepping back in time; however, the bread and cakes for sale are unique, and we highly recommend a visit there at least once during your stay.
Although the fishing days are fixed, the below itinerary is still flexible should you require additional free days to explore at the beginning or end of your holiday; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Please Note: Flights are not included in the Halibut competition. We will contact all the groups once the flights are released to see if they wish to book their own or for us to book them
Please note that depending on what international airport you depart from, travel to this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel.
Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Bodo
Once you have picked up your luggage and cleared customs, you will make your way outside of the terminal and either take a public bus or book a Taxi to Bodo ferry terminal (Bus or Taxi not included) This takes 5 minutes.
Once you have arrived at the ferry ramp there will be an official person walking around taking payment for the ferry ticket. You can either pay by cash or credit/debit card Please note, the ticket is not included. The ferry crossing is around 3 hours long.
Overnight accommodation: Norwegian Cabins (Twin rooms) S/C.
Over these two days, you can fish for whatever you so wish or you can choose to practise for the competition.
Overnight accommodation: Norwegian Cabins (Twin rooms) S/C
Competition starts at 7 am and all competitors will be required to have their boats loaded and pulled out of the harbour by no later than 06:45 am. The main starting place will be just outside the harbour wall where a member of the Sportquest Holidays staff and a Nordic Sea Angling Guide will sound the horn at 7 am. Each day teams must return back to the harbour no later than 5 pm to hand in your score sheets and pictures of the Halibut by no later than 6 pm (no exceptions). On the 2nd day of the competition, there will be a prize-giving ceremony. This will start at around 8 pm in the onsite bar/restaurant. A FULL list of the rules can be found here
Overnight accommodation: Norwegian Cabins (Twin rooms) S/C
The area around Lofoten is famous for its flatfish species, so with this in mind why not have a break from the hard fighting species of Norway and try targeting the Plaice that surround this part of Norway. Simply find a nice quiet bay with a sandy bottom and fish away.
Overnight accommodation: Norwegian Cabins (Twin rooms) S/C
In the morning you will check out of your cabin and then be transferred back to Moskenes ferry terminal for your crossing back to Bodo. Once you arrive at Bodo you will then have to either take a public bus or book a taxi to take you back to Bodo Airport (bus or Taxi not included)
Depart Bodo
Arrive Home
Please note that depending on what international airport you wish to return to, travel from this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel. Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
The season runs from July.
Season: May to September
Peak: July & August
Weight: 20lb to 450lb
Average Weight: 80lb
Season: May to September
Peak: July to September
Weight: 5lb to 48lb
Average Weight: 20lb
Season: April to September
Peak: April & May
Weight: 10lb to 60lb
Average Weight: 25lb
Season: May to September
Peak: July to September
Weight: 1lb to 8lb
Average Weight: 3lb
To enter the competition you must have a team of 4 people to compete.
Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.
| From | To | Duration | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24/07/2025 | 31/07/2025 | 8 | £1,697 | Enquire Now |
Price is based on four adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation for the competition (Flights are not included) (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharge.
Note: If you are born after 1980, a motorboat certificate is required by Norwegian Law to operate the boat. Please contact a member of the Sportquest holidays team for further information
This was my first fishing holiday in Norway and I absolutely loved every minute of it.
From the friendly people to the excellent hosts on the boat, the scenery is outstanding and we caught lots of good size fish including my first ever Halibut which I was made up with.
We also watched as Sea Eagles swooped down to take fish off the surface.
I would definitely cannot wait to go again and cannot wait for next time
Hi Keith
Thank you for the great feedback.
I am glad you had an amazing time and cannot wait to send you back over to Norway.
Tight lines
Matt
I enjoyed the whole holiday, the fishing was excellent and the hosts were very helpful.
Just keep doing what you're doing.
Thank you.
Hi Ian
Thank you for your excellent feedback.
Tight Lines
Matt
3rd trip to Å in Norway. Guides very helpful weather was good. Boats and fishing gear are of excellent quality. Prices seem to go up on everything but thats just life. A discount for regular customers would be nice
Hello Michael, really glad to hear you loved your trip again. Unfortunately things do go up in price and its something that we can not control. Maybe next time you book something we can do you a deal.......
All the best
Paul
One of the best fishing trips so far - and we have some crackers in Florida. The Coalfish fishing was outstanding in A. We were catching them up to 35LB on quite light spinning gear. And the Halibut??? Top fish over 200LBs!! And our final day we had a quadrupal hook up..... Outstanding Many thanks
Hi Rob, thank you so much for your feedback. I told you guys you would love it.... The fishing there is some of the best in the whole of Norway and so glad you guys got to experience it.
GT's next!! I have the perfect destination for you guys, Madagascar....
Tight lines and speak soon
Paul
Info supplied was great. Great fishing equipment / Boat and fishing
Suggestions:
Daily Briefings from Guides to discuss weather / tides and potential fishing areas.
Taxi at airport / ferry more visible
Accommodation - Would be nice to have a tv (when get in at night or when cant get out)
and a toaster / microwave
Hi Neil,
Thanks for your feedback and some good points raised. I completely agree the equipment / boats and fishing is world class in Norway.
I have mentioned a few times to the owner of the cabins about the TV and microwave being added but they have always said that they want to keep the cabins rustic and away from the modern world. I can kind of understand where they are coming from but as you mentioned it would be nice to have this to use if you so wish. Hopefully one day they may change their minds.
They are going to put in place some better signage on the transfer / taxi as this has been mentioned a couple of times and a very easy thing to fix
Let me know when you have decided about some dates and we can get something fixed in place.
Tight lines
Paul
Lofoton and Å were excellent. André, our guide was very helpful, attentive and took us to some great spots for fishing. Taking food in the cool boxes worked well. The stop over Oslo hotel put our frozen fish in their big freezer. We would definitely return; but think we'll try the trip to Iceland in a couple of years. My husband already mentioned the problem with Bodo transfers. (It would have been more efficient if you had noted that I mentionedI didn't have a reception for mobile phone at home ie leave messages on landline & only use mobile for holiday, then I wouldn't have missed your calls.)
Hi Claire, thank you for taking the time to fill out the feedback forms. So please you both had a fantastic holiday (shame about the transfer) I have put a big note at the top of your profile saying about the landline
All the best and speak soon
Paul
An amazing adventure. Beautiful place. I cannot fault anything about the trip.
Marcus the guide looked after us as well. Fishing was great; many, many Cod up to 39 pounds, large Coalfish, Ling and on my last day managed a 49 pound Halibut! Acomodation was lovely, and a lovely atmosphereat the camp. (Maybe a little more instruction and advice about using equipment i.e sounder and GPS. I felt the guide is used to more experienced clients.)
Hello Colin
From what you have said it sounds like you had a great time with some cracking fish.
Where to next is the big question??
Tight Lines
Just back from our third visit to 'A'. Fantastic place, fishing superb. day 1 we managed to get out and managed 3 Halibut, haddock, Cod, Dabs and a nice Coley. Unfortunately the weather wasn't good on the rest of the week so made fishing very hard. We managed to get out on the last day and landed 6 Halibut. We had arranged a competition with the guide boat and his French guests and we beat them 2nd year in a row. England 2 Swedes 0 Haha. Alexander the guide here is superb as is Martin in Nappstrumen. We can't thank them enough for all the advice and tackle required to catch Halibut. Really nice guys and made our holiday all that more special. Will definitely go back to 'A'. Flights and luggage:- I think a mention to all guests flying to Oslo, check that your luggage is being transferred as we were lucky to get ours again after losing it last year. Cabins could definitely do with a Microwave, Toaster and Possibly a T.V. for days when no fishing. Apart from that they are superb. Boats and tackle are first class.
Hi Wayne
Thanks for the feedback on your holiday. Å really is a fantastic place and it is great to hear you caught some fish. Well done on beating the guide boat, those guides are at the top of their game and are all really great guys who will do anything to help the customers catch more fish. With regards to the luggage going through Oslo we do strongly talk about this in everybody's final departure paperwork. Its nice to hear you will be going back to Å in the near future.
All the best
Camp Å, Lofoten - great venue!
The best fishing for me is the Coalfish we caught them on rapala's towed at 3 knots. Also on poppers on the surface best to 18 kg. What a way to fish!
Hello Conan, Sounds like you guys had a great week and glad to hear that the coalies played ball. They are awesome fish and fight so hard. I personally think that Å is one of the best places for huge Coalfish.
Hopefully we get to see your pictures soon
Tight lines and thanks for your feedback
Paul
The fishing was excellent, great location.
Would advise any new angler to the area to book a guide on their first trip out. Local knowledge is a great help.
Highlight, catching colefish, two/three 20lb+ fish every drift. largest colefish 36lb
Would visit again
Hi Graham, thanks for your feedback. It is very important for us and the camp owners to know that we are getting things right.
This destination is awesome and the fishing is some of the best in Norway. Well done on that huge Coalfish
Tight lines
Paul
Fantastic holiday from start to finish. 3 flights out and back with no problems at all. Lofoten such a magical place the fishing is just a bonus. First days fishing we saw killer Whales which came within 20 feet of our boat a real pleasure and fantastic pictures
Hi Wayne thanks for your feedback form it is very useful for future anglers wanting first hand experience of the destinations we offer. I have been to Å a few times now and love the place, its stunning surroundings are awesome plus like you say the fishing is a bonus.
We would be more than happy to get some dates fixed up for you guys next year. Just let me know
All the best
Paul
