Short Intro for Saithe (Coalfish)
The Saithe, also known internationally as Coalfish (Pollachius virens), is one of Norway’s most abundant and exciting saltwater game fish. Fast, powerful, and highly aggressive, saithe are famous for their blistering runs and hard-hitting strikes, making them one of the most popular targets for recreational anglers along the Norwegian coast.
Saithe inhabit Norway’s coastline from the Skagerrak in the south to the Arctic waters of Finnmark. They are commonly found around kelp forests, rocky reefs, underwater cliffs, fjords, and offshore banks, where they hunt schools of herring, sandeel, capelin, and other baitfish.
While smaller saithe are often caught close to shore, larger specimens usually inhabit deeper coastal waters and offshore structures. Fish weighing 5–10 kilograms are common in many regions, while trophy fish exceeding 15 kilograms are landed every year, particularly in Northern Norway.
Quick Facts for Saithe (Coalfish)
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| English Name | Saithe (Coalfish) |
| Norwegian Name | Sei |
| Scientific Name | Pollachius virens |
| Family | Gadidae |
| Maximum Length | Up to 130 cm |
| Typical Length | 40–90 cm |
| Maximum Weight | Over 22 kg |
| Typical Weight | 1–8 kg |
| Habitat | Coastal waters, fjords, reefs and offshore banks |
| Preferred Water Temperature | 4–12°C |
| Diet | Herring, capelin, sandeel, mackerel, shrimp, squid and crustaceans |
| Best Fishing Season | Spring through autumn |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
Saltwater
Saithe are schooling pelagic predators that spend much of their time actively hunting in open water. Unlike Atlantic cod, which usually remain close to the seabed, saithe frequently feed throughout the entire water column and often chase baitfish near the surface.
Large shoals move continuously through fjords and coastal waters, making electronics such as fish finders extremely useful when fishing from boats.
Saithe are particularly active around areas with strong tidal movement, underwater reefs, and steep drop-offs where baitfish gather.
Sea, Shore and Boat Fishing for Saithe (Coalfish)
Saithe are among the easiest saltwater species to catch in Norway and can be targeted successfully from rocky shorelines, piers, breakwaters, kayaks, and boats.
The best locations include:
- Rocky headlands
- Kelp forests
- Fjord entrances
- Deep harbour walls
- Underwater reefs
- Island channels
- Tide rips
- Breakwaters
- Steep cliffs
- Deep-water shorelines
Boat anglers can follow moving schools using sonar, while shore anglers often enjoy excellent fishing where deep water lies close to land.
Fast retrieves often trigger aggressive strikes, especially when fish are actively chasing bait.
The Fishing Seasons by Month in Sea, Shore and Boat Fishing for Saithe (Coalfish)
| Month | Fishing Quality | Typical Behaviour |
|---|---|---|
| January | Good | Schools remain offshore and in deep fjords |
| February | Good | Consistent winter fishing |
| March | Very Good | Increased feeding activity |
| April | Excellent | Large schools approach the coast |
| May | Outstanding | Peak spring fishing |
| June | Outstanding | Excellent surface feeding |
| July | Excellent | Highly active throughout the water column |
| August | Excellent | Strong feeding continues |
| September | Outstanding | Large autumn schools |
| October | Excellent | Excellent coastal fishing |
| November | Very Good | Fish move into deeper water |
| December | Good | Winter feeding continues |
Recommended Equipment for Saithe (Coalfish) in the Sea
Saithe are incredibly strong fighters, making balanced tackle essential.
Rod
- 8–10 ft spinning rod (shore fishing)
- 6–7 ft boat rod
- Medium-heavy jigging rod
Reel
- 4000–6000 size spinning reel
- Conventional multiplier reel for heavier fishing
Line
- 20–30 lb braided line
- 0.50–0.80 mm fluorocarbon or monofilament leader
Popular Lures
- Metal jigs
- Norwegian pilkers
- Soft plastic shads
- Paddle-tail swimbaits
- Casting jigs
- Sandeel imitations
- Inline spinners
- Surface lures during feeding frenzies
Natural Baits
- Mackerel strips
- Herring
- Squid
- Shrimp
- Ragworms
Essential Equipment
- Landing net
- Long pliers
- Fish finder (boat)
- Polarized sunglasses
- Waterproof clothing
- Tackle backpack
Ocean Fishing (Deep Sea Fishing) for Saithe (Coalfish)
Offshore fishing provides access to Norway’s largest saithe. Deep reefs, underwater plateaus, and strong tidal channels attract enormous schools feeding on pelagic baitfish.
Prime offshore habitats include:
- Offshore reefs
- Continental shelf edges
- Fjord mouths
- Underwater mountains
- Rocky pinnacles
- Deep plateaus
- Strong current lines
- Wrecks
Unlike cod, saithe often suspend well above the seabed, so anglers should search the entire water column rather than fishing exclusively on the bottom.
Fast vertical jigging is one of the most productive methods for locating feeding schools.
The Fishing Seasons by Month in Ocean Fishing for Saithe (Coalfish)
| Month | Fishing Quality | Typical Behaviour |
|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | Deep offshore schools |
| February | Very Good | Consistent catches |
| March | Excellent | Large feeding shoals |
| April | Outstanding | Peak offshore fishing |
| May | Outstanding | Exceptional action |
| June | Outstanding | Surface and mid-water feeding |
| July | Excellent | Trophy fish available |
| August | Excellent | Large schools remain offshore |
| September | Outstanding | Heavy autumn feeding |
| October | Excellent | Productive offshore fishing |
| November | Very Good | Fish move slightly deeper |
| December | Good | Winter offshore fishing |
Recommended Equipment for Saithe (Coalfish) in the Ocean
Ocean fishing often involves deeper water, stronger currents, and larger fish.
Rod
- Heavy jigging rod
- 20–30 lb boat rod
- Slow-pitch jigging rod
Reel
- Large multiplier reel
- Heavy-duty spinning reel (5000–8000 size)
Line
- 30–50 lb braided line
- Heavy fluorocarbon leader
Effective Lures
- Metal speed jigs (60–300 g)
- Norwegian pilkers
- Soft plastic shads
- Butterfly jigs
- Paddle-tail swimbaits
- Heavy casting jigs
Effective Natural Baits
- Whole herring
- Mackerel fillets
- Squid
- Sandeel
- Fresh fish strips
Essential Equipment
- Fish finder
- GPS chart plotter
- Fighting belt
- Large landing net
- Waterproof flotation suit
- Heavy pliers
- Jig storage case
- Safety equipment
Best Fishing Regions in Norway for Saithe (Coalfish)
Saithe are found along the entire Norwegian coastline, but certain regions consistently produce exceptional fishing.
Northern Norway
Northern Norway offers some of Europe’s finest saithe fishing, with abundant baitfish and cold, nutrient-rich waters.
Top destinations include:
- Lofoten Islands
- Vesterålen
- Senja
- Tromsø
- Alta
- Finnmark Coast
- Nordkapp
Central Norway
Central Norway combines productive coastal waters with excellent offshore reefs.
Popular areas include:
- Hitra
- Frøya
- Fosen Peninsula
- Helgeland Coast
- Trøndelag Coast
Western Norway
Western Norway’s deep fjords and island systems provide outstanding saithe fishing throughout much of the year.
Recommended destinations include:
- Ålesund
- Romsdalsfjord
- Nordfjord
- Sognefjord
- Hardangerfjord
- Stad Peninsula
Southern Norway
Although fish are generally smaller than in the north, southern Norway still offers productive coastal saithe fishing.
Top locations include:
- Kristiansand
- Mandal
- Farsund
- Lindesnes
- Skagerrak Coast
Saithe are among the most exciting and accessible saltwater sport fish in Norway. Their aggressive feeding behaviour, incredible speed, and willingness to attack a wide variety of lures make them an excellent target for anglers of all experience levels. Whether casting from a rocky shoreline, jigging over deep reefs, or chasing feeding schools offshore, saithe provide fast-paced action and memorable fishing adventures along Norway’s spectacular coastline.
