Toggle Nav
Sea Fishing in Denmark – With Ade Kiddell
In this article, Ade Kiddell shares his recent fishing trips in Denmark during his three-week vacation.
Why Should I Go Fishing in Denmark?
Denmark first came to my attention as an angling destination when back in the 1970s. I watched anglers on TV compete in high-level competitions on the River Guden and the lakes at Silkeborg, Skanderborg and Viborg.
Watching these programmes and seeing the amazing catches of roach and bream set seed in my mind that has laid dormant for years but when my wife suggested a campervan tour of Denmark the seed finally started to grow.
We set off from our home in the Netherlands with the camper loaded for a three-week trip, plenty of fishing gear to cover every eventuality that might arise and a rough idea of places to visit.
Denmark is not as far away as it sounds! We stopped in north Germany, for the night after covering around 500 km and after a couple of hours of driving the next morning, we crossed the Danish border.
Do I Need A Licence to Fish in Denmark?
A basic fishing licence is required for coarse, game and sea fishing in Denmark. Many areas also require a separate permit to fish particular waters the required permits which are often available online or from local businesses.
I bought my fishing licence from a post office and it was a very easy procedure as many Danes speak good English. The only exception to the licence rule is the abundance of put-and-take trout lakes, where in many cases no licence is required other than payment to fish the venue.
What Seas Surround Denmark?
Denmark Map taken from NationsOnline.Org
Denmark has over 100 islands with the main 2 being Jutland and Zealand. With many islands, sea fishing is very popular on the west side of Denmark as its also bordered by the North Sea and the east side of the Baltic Sea. I was glad I packed the sea fishing gear! Whilst the wide open beaches of the North West looked amazing for some surf fishing for bass it was in the harbour at Hirtshals that I finally got down to some autumn fishing.
Best Tackle For Sea Fishing in Denmark
With a couple of kilos of very big Dendrobena worms, I sorted through and selected a good handful of the biggest worms. The locals who were fishing around the harbour suggested a sea-angling spot. Out went a simple 2 hook rig, loaded with a juicy worm on each hook.
Fishing Rod: 12ft 2.5lb barbel rods
Fishing Reel: 8000-size reels
Fishing Line: 15lb line
Well it didn’t take long and a decent bite resulted in a small codling, just below keeper size and the next few casts all produced fish, the worms were catching but only small fish, whilst the locals were catching better fish on strips of herring and mackerel.
The next bite was a bit different, a proper tug and it didn’t stop, the strike met resistance and after a proper scrap, one of the locals helped me land a good size eel which I later exchanged for his 2 ‘pan-ready’ flatfish, as well as a bag of herring and mackerel strips for bait!
Sea Fishing in the North Sea
The next morning we visited the fishing spot where the North Sea officially meets the Baltic. The rip tide created as the 2 seas meet, looked perfect for many species. It would be hard to find a good fishing spot but after a long walk, it was worth the effort!
We ended up in the harbour at Skagen, so, armed with my fish strips and worms I again managed a few small fish. I switched to a lighter rod and attached a set of mackerel feathers and soon found the fish. Along with the mackerel were some small pollack and codling.
Harbour Fishing in Denmark
High on my list whilst in Denmark was to fish in the many harbours around the capital of Copenhagen. After a fantastic day out in Copenhagen, it was only a matter of minutes before the lure rod was out and I was on the hunt for a cod for tea. Using a lead jig head and soft rubber lure I was assured it was just a matter of bouncing the lure along the bottom.
Finding the size and colour of lure the fish wanted and away you go. Unfortunately, I didn’t find the fish, however, a couple of very friendly students also fishing suggested a smaller lure. I very gently teased the lure along the bottom to feel for even the slightest tug.
Within minutes I hooked my first codling only a small one but gave my confidence a big boost. I was assured the fish fed best at first light. The alarm clock was set and I was up at first light to a huge surprise.
A nice fight as I slowly edged the fish up and could see its colour as it came up through the deep crystal clear water. Not a huge fish but perfect for the pan and fulfilled another target, I will most definitely be going back, armed with some experience and a few more suitable lures.
Beach Fishing in Denmark
A few days later, whilst we were in a small harbour on the north coast of the Zealand island of Denmark, I got talking to the fishmonger in the harbour. I asked him how close the fishing beach was. He assured me the fishing for flounder and plaice was excellent with a chance of turbot to add interest.
Armed with a bag of fresh herring for bait I got the rods out and had an evening on the beach. This resulted in as promised a nice few fish including a strange-looking flattie with big white patches of flesh and a bonus in the shape of my first ever turbot, all be it small but another first.
Access to many harbours and free parking close to beaches makes Denmark a sea anglers' paradise. In some cases, it's even possible to drive onto the beach. It's legal and safe with hundreds of vehicles parked along many miles of wide open beaches. I saw a few anglers on the beaches but very few even in the harbours there was always plenty of space to fish.
