ICE Fish Hake Rig 6/0 for Norway

Product detailed description

ICE Fish Hake Rig 6/0 is a specialised vertical bait rig for targeted hake fishing in Norway. This is not a standard mackerel feather rig, a basic cod attractor rig or a universal sea fishing trace. It is a vertical natural bait system with two side arms, designed to be fished with a terminal sinker close to the seabed and baited with herring, mackerel, a larger fish fillet or a smaller whole baitfish.

In Norwegian fjords, hake are often found above softer seabeds, typically over muddy or sandy-muddy ground, in depths around 60–120 m and sometimes deeper depending on the location. The goal is not to let the bait lie buried in the bottom, but to present it in the layer where hake can see it, find it and take it. The terminal sinker keeps the system in the fishing zone, while the two side arms present the fluorescent octopus teasers, hooks and natural bait above the seabed.

Two fluorescent octopus teasers give the rig a stronger visual profile in deep water, low light and rougher conditions. The orange head, pale tentacles and green tubing create a visible target around the bait. Still, the real trigger is the natural bait itself. For hake fishing, we have had very good long-term results with herring, but mackerel, a larger oily fillet or a smaller whole baitfish can also work very well.

The rig is straightforward to use. Connect the top of the rig to your main line or swivel, attach a pear-shaped lead sinker or another terminal weight to the bottom, and bait the hooks with herring or mackerel. The smaller hook section helps position the bait, while the larger hook holds the main hooking point. With a bigger fillet or a smaller whole baitfish, we recommend using bait elastic to secure the bait firmly to the hooks, so it does not slide off while dropping, drifting or during a bite.

As a practical starting point, you can count on approximately 500 g of lead for around 100 m of depth. This is not a fixed rule for every situation. Drift speed, current, line diameter and depth always matter. In calmer water, less weight may be enough; in stronger drift or when the line angle increases, more lead is needed. The correct weight should keep the rig under the boat and allow controlled presentation above the seabed, instead of letting the system drift away from the target zone.

This rig is at its best when the sea is rougher, the wind is up, the sky is dark or overcast, and the fish need a stronger visual signal. In those conditions, fluorescent octopus teasers, pale tentacles and green tubing make a lot of sense. On clear bright days with clean water and strong sunlight, however, a very simple clean monofilament or fluorocarbon trace without tubing or attractors can sometimes be more effective. That is the real difference between using a rig blindly and choosing the right system for the conditions.

The 180 cm length is very practical for this style of deep-water fishing. Longer rigs can work in the water, but they can become awkward close to the boat. Hake often twist heavily during the fight, rolling around their own axis and tangling the trace. A shorter, more manageable rig makes it easier to bring the fish close to the boat, net it or gaff it safely.

With larger hake, we recommend netting or gaffing the fish rather than lifting it only by the trace. Hake have a relatively fragile body structure, very sharp teeth and can be unpleasant to handle carelessly. For this type of fishing, proper rubber-coated gloves, strong pliers and a tidy boat deck make very good sense. Hake teeth are not decoration – one careless move and the romance is over.

At SAF Crew, we have long-term practical experience with hake fishing in the Heggdal / Romsdalsfjord area. This technique has proven highly effective there, especially from late summer into autumn, when hake move into the fjord and actively take natural bait. We do not see this rig as just another item on the shelf, but as a specific system for a very specific fishing situation.

• Saltwater bait fish rigging systems

FAQ – ICE Fish Hake Rig 6/0

How do you use this hake rig?

This is a vertical boat fishing rig. A terminal sinker is attached to the bottom, while two side arms with octopus teasers, hooks and natural bait work above it. The rig is lowered close to the seabed and then fished in a controlled layer above the bottom, not dragged through mud.

What bait should I use on the hooks?

Herring is our first choice, but mackerel, a larger fish fillet or a smaller whole baitfish can also work very well. With larger pieces of bait, we recommend securing the bait with bait elastic so it stays firmly on the hooks while dropping, drifting and during the take.

How heavy should the sinker be?

For around 100 m of depth, a practical starting point is roughly 500 g. In calmer water, less weight may be enough; in stronger drift or current, you may need more. The goal is to keep the rig under the boat and present the bait in the correct fishing zone.

When should I use a fluorescent octopus rig and when a clean bait trace?

A fluorescent octopus rig makes the most sense in low light, overcast weather, rougher sea, wind and situations where the fish may respond better to a stronger visual signal. On bright days with clean water and strong sunlight, a simple clean monofilament or fluorocarbon bait trace without strong attractors can sometimes be the better choice.

Should the rig lie directly on the seabed?

No. The terminal weight keeps the rig in contact with the fishing depth, but the baits should work above the seabed. With hake, it is important that the bait does not lie buried in mud and remains easy for the fish to find and take.

Why is the rig 180 cm long?

The 180 cm length is practical for deep-water fishing and boat handling. Longer rigs can be harder to control near the boat, especially because hake often twist heavily during the fight and can tangle a longer trace.

Is hake dangerous to handle?

Hake can be unpleasant to handle because of their very sharp teeth. Strong pliers and rubber-coated gloves are recommended. With larger fish, it is safer to use a gaff or landing net rather than lifting the fish only by the trace.

Can this rig catch other fish as well?

It is designed primarily for hake. It may also attract ling, cod or other bottom-related saltwater predators that take natural bait, but the main purpose of this system is targeted hake fishing with bait.

→ All detailed technical information can be found below in the Product parameters table.

↓ Below the product description you will also find related and similar products to help you choose and build a complete setup.