How to catch a large halibut in Norway?

Halibut is one of the most sought-after fish in sea fishing in Norway. For many anglers, the dream is to one day hook a really large halibut. It is a fish that tests both equipment and technique and often puts up a fight you won't soon forget.

But how do you actually catch a large halibut in Norway?

Where to find large halibut

An important part of halibut fishing is finding the right areas. Large fish often stand near drop-offs where shallower water meets deeper sections. Places where the bottom goes from around 10 to 20 meters down to 40 to 80 meters are often very interesting.

Prey such as pollock, cod, and other baitfish often move around here, which means the halibut likes to patrol the area. Shallow plateaus, straits, and edges where the current pushes baitfish over structures are classic places where large halibut hunt.

Halibut fishing with dead baitfish

Fishing with dead baitfish is a very effective method when the goal is large halibut. In Norway, live bait is not allowed, which means that the baitfish must always be dead.

Larger halibut can be cautious and often react well to a natural presentation. Common baitfish are whole pollock, mackerel, or herring.

The baitfish is usually fished with a simple rig where a weight of about 400 to 500 grams is used. In front of the weight is a nylon leader of about 1.5 to 2 meters with a diameter of around 1.2 mm. The leader ends with a circle hook adapted to the size of the baitfish, often in size 12/0.

The rig can be fished both statically and more actively in the water column. A common way is to follow the bottom structure on the sonar and keep the bait a few meters above the bottom. The height at which you place the baitfish rig affects how visible it becomes to the halibut from below.

By varying between working the rig up and down in the water or letting it move naturally with the drift, the presentation can often trigger the halibut to attack.

Jig fishing for large halibut

Jig fishing for halibut can also be very effective, especially when actively fishing over larger areas.

Soft baits like large jigs with paddles or curly tails work very well as they imitate natural prey in the water. Many actively fish with jigs between 200 and 500 grams, where the weight is adjusted according to depth and current conditions.

Natural colors, white, and luminous variations are often effective choices when fishing for halibut.

A simple technique when fishing for halibut

A simple but effective method is to fish the bait in a three-step movement up and down from the bottom.

Drop the bait to the bottom and then reel up two to three meters. Make a short stop and work the bait with a few smaller jigging movements. Repeat this two to three times before dropping the bait to the bottom again and starting over.

Strikes can come at any time, but often in connection with a movement or precisely when the bait stops.

Drift fishing for halibut

The basic principle of halibut fishing is so-called drift fishing, which means that the boat drifts with the help of current or wind.

When the boat drifts over shallow plateaus, edges, or straits, you get the opportunity to cover a lot of water and present the bait at several different depths.

Keeping track of the direction of the current is therefore very important. The current determines how the boat drifts and makes it easier to plan how you will fish over the area. Halibut often lie in ambush along structures, waiting for baitfish to drift by.

By understanding how the water moves, you can position the drift correctly and present the bait where the fish actually are.

Equipment for fishing large halibut

Equipment is also important when fishing for large halibut. Rods with strong backbone and deep action provide the strength needed during the fight.

The reel should have a strong drag and hold about 300 meters of braided line. A braided line around 0.40 to 0.42 mm in diameter is common when targeting large fish.

With correctly dimensioned equipment, you can put proper pressure on the fish without risking anything in the equipment giving way.

Summary

Catching a large halibut is fundamentally about fishing in the right places and presenting the bait naturally. Drop-offs, shallow plateaus, and areas with current are often places where halibut hunt.

Effective methods include fishing with dead baitfish or jig fishing where the bait is actively fished in the water column during a drift. With the right equipment, understanding of how the current affects the drift, and a well-thought-out presentation, the chances of success increase.

For many anglers, it is precisely this challenge that makes halibut fishing in Norway so special.

If you want to experience exciting sea fishing in Norway, there are fishing trips where you can target species such as halibut, cod, and pollock. With our selected range, Outside Travels ensures that every fishing trip offers unforgettable memories.