Atlantic halibut are the reason we moved to northern Norway. Once you have felt the power of a fish of around 120 cm or more, you are hooked for life. These immensely strong fish bring laughter, tears, aching muscles and burning arms. They are abundant in our waters, and effective fishing can produce several fish a day. Boats landing 8–15 halibut in a day are not unusual. This subject could fill a book, but here are the essentials.
Halibut generally eat relatively small prey for their size. In the shallow water where we target them, sandeels are a major food source, although they also take haddock, small flatfish, crabs and other available prey. They are highly capable hunters and can afford to be selective. Matching their main food source, or finding another way to trigger a take, can be decisive. On some days, presenting the right bait in the right way can mean the difference between no halibut and more than twenty.
We mainly fish with soft-plastic shads and deadbaits. The most effective method varies from day to day and from mark to mark. Where possible, complement one another in the boat by fishing at least one shad and one deadbait.
Shads are excellent for attracting attention and provoking reluctant fish. Working a shad fairly quickly between the seabed and higher in the water can be effective, with the range depending on how active the fish are. Spinner tails and broad paddle tails generate strong vibrations. In our experience, curiosity can be an important trigger for halibut taking artificial lures. This may make larger, older fish harder to tempt with a shad than with a natural bait, while smaller, more inquisitive fish often respond readily. There are plenty of exceptions: many large halibut have fallen to shads, and some days they comfortably outperform natural bait.
We distinguish between actively feeding halibut and less active fish. Active fish often hold around structure, tidal flow and baitfish. They may be well up in the water and take aggressively. A deadbait or an actively worked shad covering the water column can be effective. Less active fish are often over flatter sand or gravel, usually close to a change in bottom type. They tend to stay near the seabed and need a trigger. Shads can work very well, particularly on a faster drift or when trolling. We often present the lure 5–10 metres above the bottom: high enough to make the fish rise to investigate. Once a fish leaves the bottom, it may nibble at the lure before committing. These gentle takes can last 10–30 seconds. Keep your nerve and wait for a more substantial weight before setting the hook.
There is much more to halibut fishing. On arrival, we hold an introduction lasting one to two hours and cover the information we think you need. We remain available for questions and advice throughout the week.
Our original guide describes opportunities throughout the camp season; the applicable closed season always takes precedence. Later in the year, good-sized fish can be found in shallower water. There are often more large fish close to camp in October than in May, although autumn weather is less settled. September and October suit anglers willing to accept that weather risk. May to August combine good fishing with generally more stable conditions. During the skrei season, halibut fishing can be excellent or very difficult and is hard to predict. Plan that trip around cod, and regard outstanding halibut action, when legally in season, as a bonus.
The camp record listed in our species guide is a 253 cm halibut caught by our guide Daniel Eriksson. The fish exceeded the range of the length-to-weight table. Its weight was not measured: the original account estimates more than 250 kg and potentially considerably more, based on its condition and comparison with other fish. The exact weight remains unknown. The guide reports fish over 150 cm in most weeks with a full camp of twelve anglers. Storskalltaren and Kamøysundet have produced our strongest numbers and average sizes.
Watch the films below for more about our halibut fishing.
YouTube · Read moreYouTube · Read more
