Thursday, June 18, 2015

Welcome to Håholmen Havstuer!



Håholmen, a fishing community worthy of presevation in the Hustadvika bay, has served as a meeting place, harbour, home and workplace for fishermen, sailors, shopkeepers and travellers for hundreds of years. Håholmen has been a stockfish fishing community since the beginning of the 1700s. In 1898, Ragnar Thorseth's grandfather, Bård Bergseth, purchased the place and settled down there. Fishing operations continued up until 1960 and the Bergseth family lived there permanently until 1978.

Since 1989, Kari and Ragnar Thorseth have brought new life to the 300-year-old fishing village, Håholmen, and this beautiful, weather-beaten island has once again become an attractive meeting place for people. However, now key personnel from companies and other organisations seeking a different, better environment and surroundings gather here when they have important matters to discuss and decide.

Håholmen stands out in particular as being a peacful and inspirational meeting place when people who work together wish to become better acquainted with one another and the tasks they have been set. Håholmen is also a good place to be when you wish to become better acquainted with your foreign business contacts and customers, and at the same time show them a different, genuine and original piece of Norway interspersed with exciting and exotic activities. It is also a place where you can relax, gather inspiration and acquire renewed strength. Nature and the hand of man have combined at Håholmen to provide guests with a unique experience. The outer perimenter of the 50,000 m2 island forms a final defence against the ocean and the nearby shipping lanes. The island has an unusually beautiful, natural harbour, well protected from all types of weather. Around 30 buildings - several of then dating back to the 1700 and 1800s - serve to give Håholmen the impression of being an intimate village with a true coastal history, and everything there is available for you and your guests to enjoy.


- 49 hotel rooms - 100 beds
- Course/conference facilities
- Function rooms, inn and pub
- A la carte fish restaurant
- Boat rental
- Sea-going fishing boats
- Viking ships
- The Saga Siglar hall
- Inn and pub

Sunday, May 31, 2015

"Loppa Whoppa" Norway Cod Fishing


Jason and his mates have been to Norway a few times to witness the massive Cod around the Loppa region. Enjoy these clips which are highlights of three trips in recent years :)

Friday, May 29, 2015

Soroya Sea Fishing Norway

Overview
It is no wonder that the tourist board on Soroya have dubbed their island: “The Land of the big fish”. It’s no wonder when the fishing is as varied with fish approaching the maximum size possible for their species in these nutrient rich waters surrounding Sørøya.



Our fishing camp on Sørøya is situated at the northwest end of the island in the small village of Sørvaer, right on the edge of the Arctic Ocean. Due to the exposed location one runs a slight risk of not being able to go out to the hot spots when the winds are coming in out of the west but the benefits far outweigh this small possibility. Utilizing our high speed boats there is an abundance of fantastic fishing available within very reasonable distances. Situated in Sørvaer is a mini market, a petrol station and the fishing camp also sports a restaurant/pub that is open most nights.

The signature fish of this area is without a doubt the Cod, which at the right time of year reach a massive weight of up to 90 pounds.  The cod fishing is truly exceptional and in 2008 more than 10 fish weighing over 60lbs were caught - the biggest cod of the season weighing in at an astounding 75lbs! What was once a chance catch dreamt about by anglers is now routinely targeted and caught by our guests. Every year halibut approaching 220 pounds (100kg) are landed at Sørøya and for every big one, scores of smaller fish are caught. As the fishing methods have evolved this species has grown steadily in popularity among anglers. In recent years the coalfish have become more abundant around Sørvaer and specimens ranging from 17 to 33lbs are no longer rare. This said; if you are in the market for world record breaking coalfish chances are you are better off looking elsewhere, but then again one never knows... The wolf fish game is another area that has improved immensely. In some places the hard bottoms are positively teaming with wolves. For world-class quality flatfish one need only drop anchor in the bay some 300 yards off Sørvaer harbour and start fishing for 4-6lbs plaice as well as many other types of flatties.

The boats we use are among the very best available anywhere In Norway. Safety is our top priority as we want our guests to be able to feel safe at all times. When the conditions get really adverse in the extreme north of Norway it is a comfort to know that you have all the equipment necessary. The boats are fully stocked with top of the line electronics from Garmin & Lowrance. All the boats carry a colour chart plotter, sonar, radar and VHF. There is also complete safety equipment sets and for your angling needs you will find gaffs, halibut spears, rod holders etc. Positions for known productive spots are stored in the GPS units and together with expert knowledge contributed by our guides you will have all the information you need for an exceptional angling experience. The boats are fully loaded with fuel on arrival and it is expected that the guests reciprocate by topping up the tanks before leaving. There is a petrol station close to the camp accepting most major credit cards. 4-5 people can fish from the 23.5ft Arronets, which come equipped with top quality, environmentally friendly four stroke engines - 135hp for the Arronets.

Throughout the summer we have at least 2 guides present on site to help you get the most out of your stay as well as to help you catch the big ones. These guides can also be hired to take you fishing on the bigger Arronet boat 8.3 m by 2.7 m with 225 hp four stroke engines which carries 5 guests + the guide. Many productive reefs and flats are reached by a mere 5-20 minute boat ride from Sørvaer but when the conditions are right you can venture even further out with one of our guides to the really hot spots. These longer trips, with transit times of up to 75 minutes, are coordinated between the guides and the guests and always with a sharp eye on the weather report. We never go out unless the weather is perfect and never with fewer than 2 boats.

All of this makes Sørøya a perfect destination for either just a couple of anglers or if you have a club group we can tailor the best sea fishing trip just for you.


FISHING METHODS

Saltwater perking, jigging, trolling, down rigging

SPECIES TO CATCH
Cod

Season: March to Sept
Peak: March to April
Weight: 5 lb to 75 lb
Average Weight: 10lb
Coalfish

Season: March to Sept
Peak: March to May
Weight: 5 lb to 33 lb
Average Weight: 6lb
Halibut

Season: March to Sept
Peak: April to August
Weight: 6 lb to 220 lb
Average Weight: 20lb 

Activities and attractions in Senja, Northern Norway


Postcard Senja

Visitors and tourists refer to Senja as a place immediately in love with, both because of the people who live here and not least the extraordinary beautiful, rugged and beautiful scenery that surrounds every meter of the 1586 km ², which consists of Senja.

Every visit to the island is in itself an experience with their elongated deep fjords surrounded by similar enchanting mountains, interrupted only by small idyllic bays and coves covered with chalk-white beaches and genuine coral sand. A true paradise.

Like this you can continue to run around, either by car along the shoreline or by boat in Senjas archipelago, and think that this place was the most beautiful you have ever seen and experienced, then come to a new place soon after with even a greater spectacular postcard scene .

Every little place and villages have their own characteristics and story to tell, so you will also find many small museums, protected buildings, monuments and archaeological national history around. Botnhamn for example, only a few kilometers from the All in One Vacation in Laukvik, has a number of archaeological finds from the stone, iron and middle ages from about the year 1000.
Museums and Attractions

The most famous museums in Senja is Hofsøya Museum, Kveitemuseet in Skrolsvik -which also houses an old general store with original shop interior from the 1920s, the Sami Museum in Kaperdalen, Senjehesten Coastal Defence, Skaland Mining Museum, Holtermann Palace Museum and the vicarage museum affiliated Tranøy Church.

But there are also many other attractions that make both large and small thrive on the island of Senja. For example, Senja fjord horse farm, Senja Family Park, the Senja Troll and Hulderheimen in Finnsæter, Senja Nikkelverk at Hamn, Kråkeslottet on Bøvær, Ånderdalen National Park, the many sandy beaches and nature in general as particularly Laukvik, the holiday paradise of Northern Senja, is well blessed with.

The scenery around Senja otherwise offer with everything from forest berries and mountain walks in the beautiful marked trails to mountain climbing, beach trips or fishing in rivers, lakes, seas and oceans, scuba diving, hunting for grouse and other and endless number of photo subjects if you like photography.
Characteristics and fishing villages

Also, simply visit the many fishing villages is an experience for many. We can mention Husøy, a small fishing community on a small island where the most exposed buildings and objects are attached by wire to the ground, Senjahopen and Mefjordvær with all the proud fishing history they have, Torsken and Gryllefjord, where the latter place still practice the ancient custom of “Yttersia” with a siesta at midday and Sifjord with the praise of Sifjordura.

The entire north and west of Senja is called “Yttersia” (the Outer Side) popularly.

All these places are few hours away Laukvik, where you get to visit on day trips a lot depending on how much you want to experience.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Fishing trips and excursions on sea, land and mountains

Adventure island of Senja


Senja, Norway’s second-largest island, is probably the place in Norway that has the greatest variety of scenery and landscaping limited to a single area. Here the natural beauty of the queue behind every hill, turn or winding, and particularly in Northern Senja in the vicinity of Laukvik are the contrasts in the landscape an experience of a lifetime to see.

In Northern Senja, a few norwegian miles from Laukvik, is indeed Senjas highest mountain, Breidtinden (1017 m) also located, where you can see from the top over large parts of Senja and until Finnsnes and gisundbrua. Astritinden (742 m), in just walking distance from Laukvik is immediately somewhat easier to climb and can be done in a couple-three hours also have the same great view of the Malangen, Kvaløya and Sommarøya, with majestic Håja as a beautiful focal point and gaze at the horizon.

In most mountain lakes in Senja you can also fish, and often State fishing license is the only card you need from fishing license since the island is mostly comprised of state land, while in salmon-bearing rivers in addition must have basic card.
Sheltered bays and sandy beaches

If you have wandered in the mountains on Senja and become speechless with admiration of the beautiful nature, expecting even more natural impression when you travel by boat around the islands.

By boat you can experience the beautiful and varied coastline around Senja by steep shaped mountains that fall directly into the sea and form an idyllic sheltered bays and coves with fine white beaches as tourist destinations much further south in the world have reason to envy us.

Visual impressions are diverse and enhanced by the teeming bird and animal life that you can get close to with a little cunning and patience. In particular, sea eagle is a magnificent sight, and the population is stable so great chances to approach this royal bird is definitely possible.
Hekkingen

Outside Laukvik, northeast of Senja and outer Malangen, lies the small island Hekkingen. Hekkingen has always been a popular target for egg harvesting and picking feathers down because of the large population of seabirds on the island. Waters and the conditions outside can sometimes be very rough, and from the middle of the 1800s, there has therefore been a sailing lighthouse on the island for fishermen and other boat traffic, known as Hekkingen lighthouse (picture to the left). A little more than ten years after the creation of Hekkingen lighthouse a lighthouse keeper was killed in part on the sea outside, who actually was from Laukvik.
Pomor Trading in Hekkingsundet outside Senja

In the old days there was great pomor trading in Hekkingsundet, the sea bed which is outside Hekkingen, where it was delivered fish and traded with other goods from the Russian naval and traders.

Hekkingen lighthouse and associated buildings were protected in 2000, and in 2004, large parts of the island also regulated as a conservation area. Hekkingen lighthouse was one of the latest in Norway automated in 2005 and is operated today by the Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket). Read more about Hekkingen and watch a video!
Deep sea fishing with a guaranteed catch of fish

In the old days it was not unusual to get halibut on several hundred kilograms both outside Laukvik and elsewhere in Senja, when fishing was at the largest. We guarantee though not fish of this size, but giant halibuts (Storkveita) is still there with both large cod, saithe, catfish and salmon, and with the proper knowledge about the sea and the fishing banks and fishing spots you will be soon a member of the mega-kg-class fishermen.

Wherever you find yourself comfortable on the sea, you are guaranteed to catch with some fish size. Fishing combined with excursion to one of the many coves in the archipelago is also something we can recommend, and our guests get a good guiding of the area and custom-drawn maps of the good fishing spots.

Senja is known as the adventure island throughout Norway as well as beyond our borders. With a visit to Laukvik on Senja at All in One Vacation we will show you why.

You are welcome to a great vacation stay

Sea fishing with a rod or cheat on Senja, Norway



Rich fishing areas and many deep-sea species

Senja has several hundred years of fishing traditions to refer to and have as long been associated with Norway’s richest fishing grounds right outside the door to the many fishing villages. Although the number of active fishing community today is somewhat reduced the fishing and fish populations remain the same and are enormously rich in fish resources and different fish species.

Much of the rich fish resources in Senja comes mainly from the large populations of plankton and the number of spawning grounds for fish in the immediate vicinity around the island and fjord regions, created by a variety of mountain and sea-bed formations with many deep and sandy grounds, which in turn creates a perfect foundation for sustainable fishing stocks of sustainable fishing tribes, such as cod, halibut, pollock, haddock, catfish, redfish, tusk and salmon.

In addition, rich trout populations in rivers and waterways and the ocean trout populations.
How to find the best fishing spots on Senja?

Many tourists come to Senja just because of fishing opportunities on the island, and All in One Vacation offers guests direct access to the best fishing spots in the seas off Laukvik of Northern Senja, but also for trout and salmon rivers on the mountain and inland areas that have abundant fish stocks, which are often unknown to the public.

The knowledge of such “secret fishing spots” are often passed down through generations and / or acquired after years of experience and local knowledge, and based on this special fishing maps have been prepared to guests with access to the best fishing spots when booking a holiday with us. Included in the booking, you also get good sea and seaworthy boats (21 foot / 115 hp), all with chartplotter, depth sounder and GPS.

Boats that are associated with booking, you can dispose freely throughout the stay, see “Pricing”.
Fish Guarantee

Equipped with your own boat during your stay, fishing maps and sonar, we can guarantee you catch either the rod or cheat in the waters of the North Senja. Often the big fish are taken, but it also requires their man or woman to get these up, so our ambitions should be proportionate to desire. Halibut for over a hundred pounds and 20-30 pounds cod are not uncommon.

After treatment of the fish catch can be done in the processing house (See Houses and cottages) which have large benches with good effects and sinks and a separate filleting room made just for cooking fish.

After filleting and treatment you can save the fish in a separate refrigeration and freezer in the processing house. Here you can also dress up before and after the fishing trip.

Monday, May 18, 2015

Sport fishing rules and regulations: Sea fishing

Sport and recreational fishing in the sea around Norway can be enjoyed free of charge provided that you follow some simple rules.


Fishing permits or other licences are not required either for deep sea fishing or fishing from the shore provided that you follow a set of simple rules:
Respect the minimum fish sizes specified. (See table below.)
Foreign tourists are only permitted to use hand-held tackle for angling.
Tourists are permitted to take up to 15 kg of fish or fish fillets and one (whole) trophy fish out of the country. This export-restriction does not apply for tourists who buy directly from commercial fishermen.
You must keep a distance of more than 100 metres from the closest fish farm when fishing.
Foreign tourists are not permitted to sell their catch.
Eel and spiny dogfish are preserved species in Norway.
Minimum fish sizes

In order to preserve Norwegian fish stocks we encourage everyone to avoid catching fish that are under the minimum size specified.

If you do catch a fish that is smaller than the minimum size, free it carefully from the hook and release it into the sea. If the fish is dead or is clearly not capable of surviving, you can keep it to eat. Species Area Minimum size
Halibut All Norwegian waters 80 cm
Cod North of 62º N 44 cm
  South of 62º N 40 cm
Haddock North of 62° N 40 cm
  South of 62° N 31 cm
Plaice In Skagerrak 27 cm
  Off the coast of Skagerrak 29 cm
Whiting All Norwegian waters 32 cm
Redfish All Norwegian waters 32 cm



The length of the fish is measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the outermost points of the tail fin.

A complete table of minimum fish sizes and up-to-date regulations for fishing in the Norwegian sea are available on the Directorate of Fisheries website

Sunday, May 17, 2015

An introduction to freshwater fishing in Norway

Fishing in Norway’s lakes, rivers and streams for wild trout, grayling, pike, powan and Arctic char is inexpensive and largely under-exploited.




Compared to deep sea and salmon fishing, much of Norway's freshwater fishing remains a well-kept secret. All over Norway there are places where, for just a few pounds (euros) you can explore endless lakes and streams and probably have them all to yourself.
Fishing season

The best times to fish vary from region to region and depend on both latitude and altitude, but as a rough guide fishing for most species starts in May. September, and even October, before the mountain lakes freeze over, can be spectacularly good.
Fish species

Brown trout are distributed widely. Other species include grayling, powan and Arctic char. The ecology of Norway's cold water lakes is also well suited to pike, which provide exciting sport for anglers equipped with lures or specialised fly-fishing gear.

Most of the big salmon rivers produce trout (and sea trout) too, and typically thetrout fishing on these waters is neglected. That's not to say that it's easy fishing. There are places where, at times, big trout swimming in crystal water flowing through lush pastureland can be taken on big streamers, but at other times they will ignore everything except the tiniest of dry flies perfectly presented on the thinnest of tippets.

At the other extreme, there are many high mountain lakes and tumbling freestonestreams where every pool seems to hold a few fish that are willing to hit almost any reasonably well fished fly.
Fishing areas

Some of the better known areas include the Hemsedal Valley, where the Hemsila River and its tributaries are considered some of the best waterways for trout. Also highly regarded are the upper reaches of the Glomma, where Hans van Klinken created the Klinkhammer, a pattern familiar to all keen fly fishermen.

Just 90 kilometres north of Oslo you'll find the inland fishing area of the Gjøvik region. Lakes large and small and all sizes of rivers and streams offer opportunities aplenty for catching a multitude of fish species. Lake Mjøsa is Norway's largest and has 20 species of freshwater fish. Here and in the other lakes and rivers in Gjøvik region you can find large trout and pike, as well as perch, carp, burbot, grayling, bream and whitefish, to mention but a few.

Trøndelag, in Central Norway, is a region with thousands of lakes, rivers and streams, and with no fewer than seven national parks it offers endless possibilities to fish for Arctic char amongst rugged mountain terrain, or grayling, trout, pike in forested valleys. As one travels further north, Norway is better known for cod and salmon fishing, but the rivers and lakes of Troms and Finnmark (about as far north as you can get in Europe) are full of exciting surprises.

Whilst these destinations are good places to start, there are thousands of other spots across Norway, particularly in more remote areas, which remain pretty much undiscovered by visiting anglers and possibly even by local fishermen.

Go Deep-sea fishing along Norway's Pristine Coastline

Sea fishing in Norway offers visiting anglers year-round sport with a whole range of species, including some that regularly reach record proportions.





Norway's wild, rugged and utterly unspoilt coastline looks like the sort of place that should produce fantastic fishing. And the experience doesn't disappoint, with sea fishing that can be enjoyed year round. During balmy summers above the Arctic Circle the sun never dips below the horizon and you can enjoy fishing in the early hours under the famous midnight sun. Plankton rising to the surface attracts huge shoals of baitfish, followed quickly by hungry predators: a recipe for frantic sport. Winter also offers great fishing opportunities, particularly for cod of record breaking proportions. The World Championship in Cod Fishing takes place in the Lofoten Islands every year in March, for a reason.

Unlike most of the world's fishing grounds Norwegian waters receive relatively little commercial pressure and with favourable conditions provided by the Gulf Stream and rigorously enforced fishing regulations, populations of many species are actually on the increase.
Fish species

Cod is by far the most desirable species for most visiting sea anglers and whilst Norway (especially Northern Norway) is the undisputed "cod fishing capital of the world", Norwegian seas are also rich in many others species. Black and silver flanked saithe weighing over 9 kg (20 lbs) can be regarded as common. There are also haddock and the ugly though sweet tasting wolffish, another firm favourite with visiting anglers.

Norway is also the place to lock horns with that king amongst flatfish, the mighty halibut, and in recent years visiting anglers have taken many individual specimens weighing hundreds of pounds, the biggest so far, which weighed over 180 kg (400 lbs), seems small compared to some that have been caught in commercial nets.
Fishing areas

Check out the area around Kristiansand for fun summer fishing for a huge range of species, along the dramatic, yet sheltered southern coastline. The biggest cod swim off the winter coast of Finnmark and Troms.

Surrounded by the open sea, fjords and the many islands of the region, conditions in FjordKysten are often suitable for fishing, all year round. Fishing has always been important to this region, and not without good reason. Here you will findtraditional fishing villages and islands where fishing still is the main income for local people. Join local fishermen on guided tours, and they will show you the best fishing spots.

Further north along the coast you will find the Molde and Romsdal Region, known for its large variety of fish species and many good shore spots for angling. Here, you will also find the Atlantic Road, a good angling point in itself, and allowing easy access to many small and large islands. Providing protection for the fjords and inlets in the region, these make it possible to go fishing with relatively small boats year round.

From the islands of Hitra and Frøya in the south, via the Fosen peninsula, up to the Namdal coastline and Leka in the north, the thousands of islands and varied coastal scenery of Trøndelag make for a landscape that is both wild and charming.Trøndelag offers ideal conditions for all anglers, regardless of their skill and experience and the kind of challenges they seek. In addition, the thousands of rivers and lakes here make this one of the best places in the world for salmon fishing.
Fishing equipment

To take advantage you need to be well equipped and willing to cope with cold weather (temperatures in winter are typically 32°F to 17.6°F). There are plenty of charter skippers who run modern boats and will take you to the most productive marks – most provide protective clothing and even the right tackle if you prefer not to bring your own.

For experienced boat handlers self-use boats are also available for hire. Wherever you go in Norway you will find these to be of high quality and equipped with a full range of modern safety features - a reflection of high living standards that also apply in fishing camps, hotels and lodges throughout the country.

Salmon Fishing in Norway


With over 400 salmon rivers producing fish of a remarkably high average size, Norway offers a great chance to catch a really big salmon.

Norway has been synonymous with fabulous salmon fishing for a long time. The salmon fishing season is a short but exciting one, lasting from the beginning of June, when the last snow has melted above the treeline, through to September. In these few short weeks a staggering number of fish are caught and a very high percentage of them are big ones.
Big catches

Catch statistics show that every year, thousands of anglers catch a Norwegian salmon weighing over 9 kg (20 lbs), hundreds exceed the 13.6 kg (30 lbs) mark and many rivers produce good numbers of 18 kg (40 lbs)+ salmon every year as well.
Sport and tradition

It is estimated that 600,000 Atlantic salmon enter Norwegian fjords and rivers every year and with such a bounteous run, the majority of fish caught have, historically, been taken for the table.

However, in recent years there has been a dramatic change in attitudes amongst Norwegian fishermen and policymakers. A slew of new regulations adopted from 2008 onwards reduced the share taken by nets men by a quarter. Strict daily and seasonal bag limits have been introduced and more and more anglers are fishing "catch and release". The result has been a dramatic increase in the numbers of salmon caught by rod and line fishermen.

The fish and the chances of catching the fish of a lifetime are of course central to any angling holiday, but a sense of history and comfortable surroundings play a big part too. When fishing in Norway, with its yellow and red wooden farmhouses, its grass roofed fishing huts, its swiftly flowing rivers and steeply carved pine-covered valleys, you step into a centuries-old tradition and join the pantheon of anglers from all over the world who have made the pilgrimage to Norway in search of salmon fishing nirvana.
Salmon fishing areas

Where to go and when, will depend to a great extent on your individual preferences. Local knowledge is crucial when it comes to salmon fishing and we advise the use of a good guide, but there are opportunities to suit all styles, from the purist who wants to cast small flies on a floating line to harling with a Rapala minnow. Norway has so many productive salmon rivers that there are too many to list, but most of the better known ones are situated in Central Norway and Northern Norway.

You may have to wait a lifetime for a chance to fish the famed Alta River, where salmon exceeding 22.7 kg (50 lbs) are caught each season, but there are plenty of others capable of producing fish in this size class. Check out for example Namsen, Gaula, Surna, Stryn, Flåm, Suldal, Lakselv, Beiar, Stjørdal and Verdal.

Hanen can offer a selection of places to go hunting and fishing