Text: Frank A. Jenssen. From the book“My Lofoten”
It was, and still is, magical that every winter the cod make the long journey from the Barents Sea to Lofoten to spawn. Up the coast of Finnmark and Troms, past Senja and Vesterålen and into the shallow waters along the Lofoten Wall. Throughout history, the fish have been caught from small boats using simple gear – a line with a hook. A line that not only the fish, but the entire nation has dangled from for years.
Then it was in Lofoten that it happened. At its peak, attendance was over 30,000 people. Today, between 2,500 and 4,500 fishermen come to Lofoten every winter. Now, as before, with the hope of winning a good lottery ticket.
“Those who master the sea. A people of their own. Fearless and open to the unknown. Eloquent and quick-witted in art.
Utror
Utroret is the hour when fishermen are allowed to head for the field. From time immemorial, it has been six o’clock in the morning during the Lofoten fishery. The fishermen go out to a line stretched between a me on land and a me in the islet. Exactly at six o’clock, everyone pulls out all the stops, hoping to be the first to reach the net or line. Whoever arrives first avoids others pulling in their own mill. It’s easier to work, and you get to the fish farm first to deliver.
“Good fishing spots that have their names from time immemorial: Jørpa, Juledagen, Oppsigsskallan, Svellingsflaket, Ribban and Flæsbotten. Poetry based on generations of knowledge, experience and dreams.
Photo and text taken from
The book can be purchased here.
