We at Outside Travels recently visited our destination Frovåg Havsfiske in Northern Norway and experienced some truly exciting fishing – spin fishing for halibut!
During three intense days of fishing, we managed to land six halibut. Several bites occurred in very shallow water, sometimes as shallow as 10 meters. The fishing was intense, unpredictable, and very similar to pike fishing – but with even heavier resistance!
Halibut caught in shallow water during spin fishing at Frovåg Havsfiske.
How to catch halibut with spin fishing
The key to success is to use the nautical chart smartly. We recommend using the Garmin Navionics Boating app with the Relief Shading feature.
It clearly shows where sandy bottoms meet harder structures, where reefs and drop-offs are located, and what the depth contours look like.
Target reefs adjacent to deeper water, preferably between 10 and 20 meters. Passages where currents are forced through "channels" between reefs are particularly hot spots, as both baitfish and halibut tend to gather there.
With Garmin Navionics Boating and Relief Shading, you can find the halibut's hunting grounds.
Tip: Tides – the key to right timing
Halibut are strongly affected by currents. When the current is slack, fishing tends to be slower. The best time is often just before current changes. Spin fishing allows you to cover large areas, perfect when fishing is challenging!
Keep an eye on the currents!
Equipment and lures we used
We fished with lures weighing 50–150 grams and lengths between 10 and 24 cm. This type of fishing is still quite new, so there's a lot to experiment with here! I used a spoon underneath that flashed. Really effective!
Lures that delivered:
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Savage Gear Sandeel V2
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Westin Sandy Andy Jig
The fishing is similar to pike fishing – vary your retrieve speed, use retrieve stops, and ideally fish high in the water even in deeper spots.
The best proof of an effective lure – chewed up and tested on halibut.
Recommended equipment:
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Hearty Rise SKWalker Norway Spinning Travel 50-150g (4-piece travel rod)
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Daiwa Super Kenzaki Spin Travel 120-250g (3-piece travel rod)
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Reel: DAIWA 20 BG MQ 6000D-H
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Leader: 150 lbs nylon monofilament
Book your fishing trip to Norway
Do you also want to try this awesome fishing? We offer fishing trips to Norway where you stay right in the middle of the fishing action at our camp Frovåg Havsfiske – perfect for sea fishing in Norway and halibut.
Savage Gear Sandeel V2 with spinner blade from Betesbyggarkiosken
Frequently asked questions about fishing trips in Norway and spin fishing for halibut:
Frequently asked questions about spin fishing for halibut in Norway
How deep do you fish for halibut with spin fishing?
Usually between 10 and 20 meters. The focus is on shallows, edges, and channels where the current flows through, preferably at transitions between sand and harder bottom.
Which lures work best for spin fishing for halibut?
We recommend jigs of 50–150 grams in size 10–25 cm, such as:
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Savage Gear Sandeel V2
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Westin Sandy Andy Jig 150 g
What equipment is needed for spin fishing for halibut?
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Travel rods with a casting weight of 50–150 g or up to 250 g
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Heavy spinning reel, e.g., Daiwa BG MQ 8000-H
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150 lbs monofilament leader and strong braided line
The equipment should be able to handle heavy strikes but be light enough for active spin fishing.
What is the best time of day to fish?
Fishing is strongly influenced by the current. The best time is usually just before the tide turns (ebb or flow). Spin fishing also works well during slower times because you can actively cover larger areas. And this applies around the clock. So during the summer, you can also fish at night.
How does spin fishing for halibut differ from regular sea fishing?
Unlike traditional sea fishing (jigging or drift fishing), you actively cast and retrieve the lure, often with pauses and changes in tempo. The fishing is very similar to pike fishing, but is both heavier and more powerful.
READ MORE ABOUT ALL OUR SEA FISHING TRIPS