đ Equipment checklist: what to take with you for sea and freshwater fishing in Norway
We've put together a list to help you remember everything you need, so you can spend more time fishing and less time stressing!
It's a full list to help you remember everything you need and save you time and stress while fishing.
đ§„ Layered clothing:
The base layer is made up of:
- Thermal underwear (top and bottom, ideally merino wool)
- I'd say you'll need 2-3 pairs of thermal socks.
Middle layer:
- Please bring one or two fleece jackets or jumpers.
- Fleece trousers are perfect for when it's a bit chilly outside.
Outer layer:
- A waterproof jacket with a hood is a must-have. Make sure it's made with a Gore-Tex membrane or something similar.
- Please make sure you've got waterproof bib pants or fishing overalls.
This lightweight windbreaker jacket is perfect for freshwater fishing in summer.
đ„Ÿ Footwear and accessories:
- These are high-waterproof fishing boots with insulation.
- I'll need some hiking boots for freshwater fishing.
- I've got a pair of lightweight trainers for the base camp here.
- Please wear a warm hat (wool is best).
- You can wear a sun cap or a Panama hat.
- Polarised sunglasses
- Buff or scarf transformer
đ§€ Gloves:
- These waterproof fishing gloves have finger slits.
- These lightweight gloves are perfect for handling fish and tackle.
- Please make sure you have spare thin gloves in case the main ones get wet.
đŁ Fishing tackle and equipment:
Rods and reels:
- Sea spinning rod (2.1â2.4 m, 100â300 g)
- I've got a freshwater fishing rod (1.8â2.4 m, test 5â25 g).
- â Reels of the right size (sea â size 4000â6000, freshwater â 2000â3000)
- Please find spare spools with line and cord included.
Lures and tackle:
- Jigs and jig lures for sea fishing (weighing between 100 and 500 g).
- These are for fishing in freshwater, and they include spinners, wobblers and jig heads.
- Leaders, swivels and fasteners
- We've got hooks of all sizes.
- Please can you let me know if you've got a pair of pliers or a multi-tool?
- I've got a fish cleaning knife here.
- I'm not sure if it's a lip grip or a gaff.
- We'll need a measuring tape to check the size of the catch.
đ§ Storage and transport of catch:
- These waterproof bags are perfect for storing fish on the boat.
- â Cooler (cooling bag with ice packs)
- You'll find vacuum bags for packing fish before freezing at the base, if you need one.
Here are some handy life hacks:
- Make sure you clean and cut up the fish as soon as you can after you've caught it so it stays fresh.
- Just freeze the fish at the base in vacuum packaging and you're all set to go.
- Just a heads-up: there are restrictions on fish exports (no more than 18 kg per person).
đ First aid kit and personal items:
- Medications and prescriptions that are for personal use
- Bandages and dressing materials
- This is an antiseptic that you can use to treat wounds.
- Seasickness tablets (if you get sick at sea)
- Painkillers and fever reducers
- Please remember to apply sunscreen with a factor of 30 or higher.
- You'll need insect repellent if you're going freshwater fishing.
đ Documents:
- Please tick here if you have your passport with you.
- Please print out your accommodation and boat rental reservations.
- You'll need to buy your fishing licence online in advance if you're going freshwater fishing.
- This insurance policy covers you for all the usual activities like hiking and fishing.
- Please remember to bring your international driving licence if you're renting a car.
đ± Electronics and navigation:
- You'll need a mobile phone with a local SIM card or roaming.
- This phone case is waterproof.
- This is a high-capacity power bank.
- You'll need a GPS navigator if you're planning to go out to sea on your own.
- Please can you let me know if you have a camera that is waterproof or if you have a GoPro action camera?
đ Here are some tips for transporting fishing rods and tackle on a plane:
- Use special hard tube cases for fishing rods.
- Don't forget to check your tackle, hooks and knives.
- Mark the case with bright stickers so you can spot it easily at baggage claim.
đ Handy tips for a fishing trip:
- Just make sure you take a spare set of dry clothes with you, in case it rains.
- Make sure you keep your important documents in zip-lock bags to keep them safe.
- Make sure you download a tide table to your phone to make the most of your fishing trip.
- Just bring a small amount of cash in euros, as some bases only accept cash for additional services.
This detailed checklist will make sure you're prepared for whatever weather, catch and situation you might come across while fishing in Norway. If you follow this guide, you'll save time on preparation, make sure you're comfy when you're fishing and you'll be able to focus on having fun and catching some big fish!