We usually use the Norwegian name uer for golden redfish. Sørøya is an outstanding destination for large specimens. A peak outside our fjord held the world record for many years, and the original guide attributes more than half of the fish over 9 kg to this area. For anglers targeting a fish over 5 kg, it is an exceptional location.
Redfish grow slowly and are sensitive to heavy fishing pressure. Modern sonar makes us very effective at locating them. Because fish brought up from these depths cannot normally be released successfully, the camp limits catches to three redfish per person per week: twelve per boat with four anglers.
We target redfish at depths of 180–300 metres using a sinker and a two-hook paternoster rig. Luminous tubing, luminous squid skirts and ideally a luminous sinker help. Size 10/0 circle hooks are baited with whole baitfish of around 15 cm or long, narrow fillet strips. Work the rig up and down through the water column: the most active angler often catches the most. Fish frequently hold 30–80 metres above the seabed, and average size is often better higher in the water. Fishing too close to the bottom risks spending much of the session winding up tusk instead.
The original guide gives the permitted season as 1 June–31 August and describes excellent fishing throughout that period. Check the applicable regulations before the trip.
The camp record listed is 8.7 kg and 87 cm, caught by guide Alex Strid.
