Cod and Norway

• Cod is abundant in the North Atlantic, and, considering Norway's location, it is a staple of the Norwegian diet as well as a large export commodity for Norway. The spawning grounds for Cod spread the length of the Norwegian West coast with the most active area being spawning grounds in the Lofoton islands region, one of the most scenic coastal areas in all of Norway.
  
  

Cod Migration

• In the spring young cod migrate toward Finnmark, the northernmost county in Norway and this is the peak of the fishing season in Lofoton as a result. Many methods are used commercially including bottom trawling and Danish seines--a small trawling net with heavy ropes.
  
  When the cod are harvested they are often dried on wooden racks on the shore to be used throughout the year. The cold weather protects them from insects and is ideal for drying the cod.
  
  

Private Fishing

• Using a lure and a fishing pole to catch cod in Norway's coastal waters is free. No license is required. This makes cod fishing one of the most affordable things you can do in Norway. The most common method is to take a small boat out into the deep waters of a fjord and fish using appropriate lures that are commonly available at Norwegian convenience stores and gas stations. There are abundant cabins that can be rented in and near Norway's many coastal villages. It is also possible to fish from shorelines in areas that appear to have deep water along the fjords and cliffs along the coast line.
  
  

Equipment

• Cod swim in deep cold waters. They live in the intertidal zone down to depths of approximately 1,800 feet. As a result cod lures can be quite heavy weighing as much as 10 ounces. Considering the size of the cod it is important to have a pole and line that can withstand weights as much as 60 pounds.
  
  

Cod Uses and Nutrition

• Cod is sold in Norway in slices, fillets and the whole fish. It is the primary ingredient in Norway's infamous traditional dish Lutefisk known for its strong fish flavor and gelatinous texture. It is a source of great nutritional value as well and cod liver oil is sold in liquid and gelcap form throughout Norway due to its rich vitamin D content as a remedy for the long, dark winter of Norway.