DOING IT YOUR WAY
I really enjoy my shore fishing in Norway but not to the extent that I want to carry all of my kit out there. That scenario simply fills me with dread.
Some anglers, though, feel the need to take and use their own kit to Norway – and I get that. However, the logistics of carrying it all poses so many problems for me. Luggage goes missing, or worse, suffers damage. Just imagine the worse case scenario (and I’ve seen it happen) you arrive at your destination without your rods.
For the last five years, I’ve hooked up with the lads at Guided Fishing Norway, at the shore camp in Saltstraumen, near Bodo. The fishing, at times, can be incredibly good and the guiding service they provide can only be described as perfect. So, as far as I’m concerned why would I choose a guiding service over travelling under my own steam?
Firstly, if you’ve decided to do a trip without a guide, it’s a good bet you’ve separately booked accommodation together with a hire car – how much did that cost? Then, you’ve filled a large cool box with bait. This is more than likely heavy and has to be checked on to the aircraft – how much did that cost?
One thing you certainly don’t want to be doing in Norway is buying food – it’s incredibly expensive. Some anglers pack their food in the cool box that contains the bait – more weight and more expense.
Rods (and a tripod) need to be packed into a long tube. This can be utilised to also carry your lead weights, rigs, spools of lines and other essential tackle items. This has to be checked on to an aircraft separately too – how much did all that cost?
Do you intend to take your tackle box? A rucksack is certainly better, especially if you want to use this as hand luggage. Don’t forget, all airlines use a strict size for hand luggage taken into the cabin.
It’s also vitally important to realise that from October to April, the weather in Northern Norway can be extreme. Heavy rain, snow and, at times, the cold temperatures mean it will definitely be perishing.
Taking the correct clothing and footwear is essential. Base layers like thermal underwear, mid-layers and certainly outer layers such as thermal one or two-piece suits, plus thermal gloves, hats and socks are a must. Footwear such as boots that are hardwearing, waterproof and warm are equally as important as clothing
These items, along with your everyday downtime clothing also need to be packed. Bulky items like these take up a lot of space in a suitcase very quickly. Another important point to remember is the fact that you’re not allowed to take reels filled with mono or braid into the cabin of an aircraft. These must also be packed into your luggage that requires checking in.
I’m sure you’re beginning to see a pattern evolving here and suddenly realise that booking a shore fishing trip to Norway can (and will) involve incredible expense and pose to be a logistical nightmare, and that’s before you’ve even cast a bait into the water.
For more information, such as bookings, prices or tackle hire, visit the website, www.guidedfishingnorway.co.uk. Email: info@guidedfishingnorway.co.uk. Tel: 07967 550715. Facebook: Guided Fishing Norway. *Due to the Covid-19 crisis, airlines may require certain criteria before booking and travelling, including quarantine.