WINTER COD FISHING
Cod Fishing. Norway's Cultural & Culinary Delight.
HISTORY OF COD IN NORWAY
The history of cod in Norway reflects its enduring importance to the country's economy, culture, and culinary heritage. Cod has been a vital part of Norwegian fisheries for centuries. It's a story of sustainable management and adaptation to changing circumstances over the centuries. Today, cod remains one of Norway's most important fish species. It plays a crucial role in the country's fishing industry and exports. Norway has implemented strict regulations and sustainable fishing practices to ensure the long-term health of cod populations.
SKREI
The Skrei is particularly celebrated and is a symbol of the sustainable fishing practices in the region. Skrei is a type of codfish that is known for its unique migratory behavior. Skrei is a Norwegian term that refers to the adult cod that migrates from the Barents Sea to the coast of Norway to spawn. This migration typically occurs during the winter months, from January to April. Skrei cod is highly prized for its firm white flesh and excellent flavor. It is considered a delicacy in Norway and is popular in culinary preparations around the world. Skrei cod is known for its lean meat, which is low in fat and has a mild, clean taste. This makes it a versatile ingredient in various dishes, from simple pan-fried fillets to more complex seafood recipes. The term "Skrei" is used to distinguish these migratory cod from other cod caught in different parts of the year or in other regions.
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FISHING IN NORTHERN NORWAY
The cold waters of northern Norway are teeming with a wide variety of fish species, including cod, halibut, pollock, haddock, herring, mackerel and more. The region is particularly known for its excellent cod fishing, including the famous Skrei cod during its seasonal migration. The exact dates for the Skrei fishing season may vary slightly from year to year and can depend on factors such as weather conditions and the location along the Norwegian coast. It's a significant event in Norway's fishing industry, and local communities often celebrate the arrival of Skrei with various festivals and events.
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Fishing in northern Norway often involves a sense of adventure. You may need to venture into remote and untouched areas to find the best fishing spots. Exploring the region's wilderness and observing wildlife along the way can be a memorable part of your trip. Additionally, you can enjoy the freshest seafood imaginable that you catch yourself.
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Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, a multi-day skrei fishing trip in northern Norway can provide you with unforgettable experiences, a deep connection to nature, and a chance to immerse yourself in the unique culture of the region. The serene landscapes and the rhythm of fishing can be a perfect way to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Some trips stand out as superb and this definitely exceeded my expectations. Seeing other small boats out at sea with the same amount of people or more trying to fish made me so glad I was on a spacious and luxurious boat. First class service, the cleanest boat I've been on, comfy and warm lower deck. Top fishing gear, help and a lesson on how to easily clean a big fish. Can’t go wrong with this choice of boat or crew!
3 DAYS | 2 NIGHTS
NOK 19,500 per person
1-3 March 2024
8-10 March 2024
29-31 March 2024
2025
Tour Map
All multi-day tours have our 2 resident crew + up to 2 additional crew members.
Meet Your Crew
Kenneth Tårnes
Sea Captain
Kenneth is a world class Sea Captain with the highest international designation by SOLAS, the United Nations International Maritime Organization. As a Sea Captain, he is a licensed medic and marriage officiant. He served as a sea Captain in the Royal Norwegian Navy and since his retirement, he has continued to captain a variety of charter vessels and sailing yachts. He has sailed around the world on a 98 m sailing ship, Statsraad Lehmkuhl and in 2007, set a world record for the fastest sailing time (without engine) from Tromsø to Kristiansand in Norway. This route normally takes an average of 6-7 days and he still holds this record! Kenneth’s passion is to connect people to the ocean and the natural world. Sharing his knowledge and experiences so they can see what our beautiful planet has to offer and how important it is to take care of it. He has been the official Captain of Stella Oceana for 4 years.
Sachi Maekawa
Solo Stew/Deck Crew
Sachi speaks English, Japanese, Norwegian and some Spanish. On board, she cooks, serves, cleans, helps on deck, organizes activities, guides the guests on excursions and manages the catering, provisions, and interior. She ensures that guests have the very best experience from start to finish. She is passionate about the care of the natural world and has a love of the ocean. From being on the US National Team for synchronized swimming to working at scuba diving centers, Sachi is an advocate for wild animals, marine conservation, free-diving and sustainable living. She has been the official host aboard Stella Oceana in arctic Norway for 4 years.
Frequently asked questions about this tour
Is all fishing gear provided or can I bring my own?
Fishing poles, hooks, buckets, spares and thermal suits are available onboard. Boots, gloves, hats and personal items can be purchased and prepared for you in advance if requested. If you have your own favorite deep sea fishing equipment that you want to bring with you, you are welcome to do so and you are responsible for your own equipment. ​
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What are the chances of seeing the Northern Lights?
Staying in the region for several nights increases your chances of seeing the awe-inspiring spectacle of the auroras dancing across the Arctic skies. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and there are no guarantees of seeing them on any specific night. Even in favorable conditions, they can be unpredictable. However, the chances of witnessing the Northern Lights in March are relatively high for several reasons: dark nights, increased solar activity, relatively clear skies and stable weather conditions and low light pollution.
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What wildlife/animals will I see?
You never know what you might encounter in the sea, but some common wild animals that we see are harbor porpoises, otters, orca, seals, white-tailed eagles, migrating birds from all over the world and a variety of arctic birds. ​
Will I get seasick and what if I need medical attention?
We can't guarantee that you won't get seasick, but most people don't experience this discomfort because the boat is so stable. However, in the small chance that you do get seasick, the crew has a lot of experience and can help you so you can enjoy your trip. Northern Norway tends to seem remote and isolated, however, we will always be sailing along the coast where help is never far away. There are local rescue ships and the Norwegian Coast Guard is always operating throughout the entire coast.
