…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
Swedish father and son, Soren and Anders Nilsson, caught an enormous 5ft-long cod during a fishing trip off Lofoten, an archipelago in Norway.
The skrei cod, which weighs approximately 20kg, was caught using rubber shad lures and pirks for bait.
Although private fishermen are not permitted to sell their catches in Norway, commercial fishermen could have sold the cod for upwards of £500, as 35 portions of cod could be obtained from the fish.
The skrei cod is a migrating cod that typically lives far north in the Barents Sea, but moves down along the coast of Norway to spawn during early spring.
The Nilssons caught the cod on the south side of Lofoten.
The fish were kept as food and are of top quality for the dining table.
From a fish of this size, 7kg of fillet can be obtained, which can make 35 good portions.
Cod is known for its lean meat and delicate, fresh taste, and it is a type of Norwegian dish.
However, British seafood restaurants have been taking cod off the menu because of its high cost of import.
In the 12 months to January, UK sales of cod were 55,400 metric tons, putting them behind Alaska pollock, which sold 56,199t.
Commentary
The Nilssons’ catch of the day is an impressive feat and a testament to their fishing skills.
The size of the skrei cod is truly remarkable, and its value could have been significant if caught by a commercial fisherman.
The strict fishing laws in Norway aim to preserve the marine ecosystem and prevent overfishing.
The Nilssons’ catch demonstrates the importance of sustainable fishing practices and the potential of the fishing industry to contribute to local economies.
The popularity of Norwegian dishes, such as the skrei cod, reflects the country’s rich culinary culture and its focus on using fresh, high-quality ingredients.