THE BALTIC SEA is the largest brakish water-sea in the world. Hanö Bay, on Sweden´s south coast leads the world for offshore trolling of Atlantic salmon. During the last few years, more 45 lb (20 kg) salmon have been caught on light trolling gear than in any other sportfishing centre in the North Atlantic, with some examples running over 60 lbs (27 kg). Five IGFA Atlantic salmon World Records were recently captured here. This beautiful region is also an excellent arena for fly- or spinfisherman seeking record sized sea-going brown trout and monster pikes.
Hanö Bay offers two seasons of trolling. The spring fishing concentrates on surface-running immigrant salmon of 20-75 lbs (circa 10-35 kg), staging offshore the spawning rivers, i e River Mörrum. During late summer and autumn, the emphasis is on deep-running maturing salmon of 10-35 lbs (4-15 kg), although salmon of up to 55 lb have been rodcaught. Top of the season is April 15 - June 15.
Relatively popular on the end of the line is silvered or gilded flutter-spoons, 3 - 6 inches (9-15 cm) long, with stripes of orange, red or green. Fish-imitating plugs in blue and silver, or orange and gold have also proven effective. For downrigger rods in the medium class, trolling reels with a line capacity of 200 m., and monoline of 0,35 - 0,40 mm (14-20 lb) are most common.
From April through September huge Atlantic salmon and sea-going brown trout make their way upp the River Mörrum. Each pool has been reserved for flyfishing or spinning, or both. The Spring fishing in Mörrum can often yield fresh-run salmon of up to, and over, 25 kg (55 lb). The run usually starts in May but both the time and the size of the run can differ from year to year. The Autumn fishing in Mörrum, during August and September, concentrates on, what some experts maintain, are the largest sea trout in the world. Sizes up to18 kg (40 lb) occur, making this an hectic period.
Main tournament: Laxfestivalen (Karlshamn), mainly organized during week 19 annually.
For further information contact:
SPORTFISKECENTRUM
Saltsjöbadsvägen 53, S-374 30 Karlshamn, Sweden
(Phone +46 454 19950).© Jan Olsson, IGFA-rep. for Sweden.