When you get the right weather conditions, North Norway offers the best chance for big cod. You may need to fish 20 to 50 metre marks, at other times when there is a change in pressure/temperature you may be fishing 90 metres deep. Generally you will be fishing underwater features where the bait fish (Lodder, Herring and small coalies gather). It is critical that you choose the right weight pirk to suit the depth and speed of drift (you are always fishing on the drift). You must keep your line as straight as possible. We generally only use pirks without attractors. Shads sometimes work well when conditions are cold and big cod respond to a slow presentation. Fishing shads allows you to work the depths better too.

Always use strong gear, swivels and split rings in particular. Braided lines are essential in deep water. Always use a mono leader. Depending on depth and drift you will be using 250 to 400 gram pirks. The Stingsilver range are great as too the standard Norway Pirk. chrome and green chrome are most effective for cod.

You should choose a relatively soft action boat rod as these cod have soft mouths. 20lb  to 30lb class rods are ideal. For travel purposes use 4 piece travel rods that fit into your suitcase where possible.

We use 10/0 and 12/0 strong treble hooks for the big cod. As we have said you need stable weather, but when its right you can expect great fishing with 20 – 40lb cod quite common. 50 to 70 pounders are caught each season around Arnoy/Lyngen/Skervoy/Korkelvsjohus.

See ,, links for huge pirk selection with Peter Trott at the Cornish Lure Company. Excellent website to view.

common carp lakeside

Mike Williams is the owner angler at Lakeside Cottages – THE place to stay for catching lots of big, wild, hard fighting carp. Mike uses..

In line feeders or leads with hair rigged boiled maize. Pre baiting is essential and the method mix works well in addition to loose feeding heavy and often with cheap boiled maize and wheat. You really must feed large quantities, it can be bought from Mike and its cheap.

Rods: 2 to 3lb test carp rods with a nice through action.

Reels; Bait runners are critical with good line holding capacity.

Line: 20lb mono or 30lb to 50lb braid as main line (powerbraid can be bought locally).

Hooks: you will need a range of strong barbed hooks (we bump the barb down slightly) in sizes 6 to 2.

Best time is May to early October. It gets really hot and humid in July/August but you can still get good sport fishing early and late in the day.

A strong catapult is essential for heavy feeding.

Tackle can be hired in resort at Lakeside Cottage, Lakefield.

Standard hooks are fine for the smaller halibut up to around 80 pounds but for the bigger fish 100 to 400 pounds, circle hooks are more reliable. Always hold your rod, never leave it in a rod holder as a big halibut is sure to rip it out in a second and all will be lost, it happens.!

100lb braid with a 130lb mono (short) hook length is ideal. 7/0 or 9/0 hooks are ideal.

Depending on current we usually fish a 4 to 12 ounce lead on a short running link.

Best baits are (coalfish fillets in Norway) and salmon heads in Q.C. Tipping the bait with a herring is a good idea.

Large rubber shads, jigs can also be effective.

WIGGLER PIRK

Big cod are lazy feeders even during periods of warmer temperatures.

Shorter lifts are more effective than high up and down ripping movements. Using the shorter action style generally alleviates foul hooking the smaller cod and gives the bigger cod time to take in your pirk, they invariably hit on the downward drop.

250 to 400 gram pirks, chrome or green/chrome blue/chrome and black chrome are best. 10/0 trebles are the best size and it is essential to use only the strongest split rings and swivels.  Cornish Lures supply with 17mm extra strong split rings and VMC or Mustad 8/10 or 10/0 trebles. You may add a bright red or orange attractor to the hook shank. Sovik 3/0 snap swivels available. Special 10 pirk packs available and next delivery guaranteed. Order from The Cornish Lure Company Tel 01872 223346 or visit www.pirkyourselfup.co.uk

When playing big cod on braid (we recommend 40lb to 50lb braid) you must use a soft rod, 20lb to 30lb rod. Big cod have soft mouths.

During cold weather shads in the 5 to 10 inch range ate most effective too.

( Best places Arnoy/Skervoy/Bodo areas. Ideal season is May to September although big cod can be caught February onwards but early spring can be weather dependant).