Torsk fishing guide

Photo of Torsk (Gadus morhua)

Torsken är en av våra viktigaste matfiskar. Fångas både från båt och från land längs västkusten.

Scientific name
Gadus morhua

Source: SLU Artdatabanken

Fishing tips & gear

Rod
Boat/pilker rod 2.1–2.4 m, casting weight 100–300 g, fast action
Abu Garcia Devil Trolling
Shimano Beastmaster Boat
Daiwa Saltiga Hyper Inshore
Reel
Multiplier reel 6000–8000 or a large spinning reel (Shimano Saragosa 8000, Penn Battle III 6000)
Shimano Saragosa SW
Daiwa Saltist
Penn Squall
Mainline
Braid 0.30–0.50 mm (50–80 lb)
Leader
Fluorocarbon 0.80–1.0 mm, 2 m
Hook
Treble #2 to 6/0, single 3/0–8/0
Weight
Pilker 100–500 g depending on depth and current
Lures / bait
  • Pilkers 150–500 g (Hali Twister, Storm Gomoku, Kinetic Salty, Falkfish Storm Master)
  • Bottom rig with fly hooks + pilker
  • Large jigs 20–30 cm with a heavy head (200–400 g)
Season
Year-round in the Atlantic. Best in Norway Feb–May and Oct–Dec. Cod fishing in the Baltic is heavily restricted.
Time of day
All day
Tip

Boat fishing over 30–200 m of water. Use a fish-finder to locate reefs and edges. Long vertical strokes. Norway is best for big fish — Lofoten, Senja, Vesterålen. Note: Baltic Sea cod fishing is essentially closed — check current regulations.

Full guide
Logged
0
Biggest catch
Season
October-March

Most common methods

Illustration: Pilkfiske
Pilkfiske
Illustration: Trolling
Trolling

Frequently asked questions

When is the season for torsk?

The peak season for torsk in Sweden is October-March.

How big does torsk get?

Torsk can grow up to 15.0 kg.

What's the best method to catch torsk?

Common methods for torsk are Pilkfiske, Trolling.

Which techniques work for torsk?

Jigging (pirk) and Vertical jig — see the full guide for the right gear, baits and season.

Which bait works best for torsk?

Proven baits: Pilkers 150–500 g (Hali Twister, Storm Gomoku, Kinetic Salty, Falkfish Storm Master), Bottom rig with fly hooks + pilker, Large jigs 20–30 cm with a heavy head (200–400 g).

Have you caught Torsk?

Log the catch, compare with other anglers and climb the leaderboard.

Log catch
Tip: how to shoot a better catch photo