Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet

Reykjavik fish, grilled minutes later. This sea angling trip mixes hands-on fishing with freshly BBQ’d catch and real coaching from the first cast, all while you cruise out over Faxaflói Bay. I also love how no experience is required—the crew teaches you what to do, step by step. The one catch: this is wild sea fishing, so you can’t expect a guarantee on what bites (or even whether the trip runs if weather turns).

You’ll meet at Hlésgata 1 in Reykjavik and head out for about 3 hours at sea. Many people talk about the tight, friendly brother-duo vibe, with guides named Jacob and Vigfus, and the mood stays practical: learn fast, keep fishing, and then enjoy the meal made from whatever you catch.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Catch-and-eat onboard: the BBQ lunch uses the fish you catch during the trip
• Instruction that actually helps: clear demo, simple tackle setup, and ongoing help
• Faxaflói Bay fishing grounds: the crew takes you to the best spots they can find
• Small-group pace: max 20 people, with reports of boats feeling like a dozen or so
• Rain gear, rods, and tackle included: you won’t be stuck buying equipment first
• Big-views bonus: seabirds are common out on the water

Sea angling in Reykjavik that turns into dinner

If you’ve ever watched from the dock and thought, I could never do that, this is built for you. Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet is a short, focused fishing session: you learn the sport, you fish for real, and then the crew cooks a BBQ lunch using your catch before you’re even back in the harbor area.

The “Gourmet” part isn’t a marketing trick. The meal is made onboard from fish caught during the trip, and the freshness factor is hard to beat. In plain terms, you’re not waiting a day to eat seafood that’s been shipped around. You’re eating what you pulled from the water that morning or afternoon, while the sea air is still clinging to your jacket.

Your 3-hour plan on Faxaflói Bay (what happens when)

This trip runs about 3 hours total and centers on one main stretch: time out on the water in Faxaflói Bay. You’ll set off with an experienced crew who answers questions as you go, then guides you toward the best fishing grounds the bay offers.

Stop 1: Faxaflói Bay fishing time

Once aboard, the day becomes a rhythm: listen, cast, fish, repeat. There’s no need for a license or prior experience. The crew takes care of the basics and teaches the techniques quickly, including how to handle the rod and how to work the rig.

Several people describe fishing being done on the drift, slowed down with a drogue (a drag device that helps keep the line working properly). The payoff of drift fishing is that it lets beginners get their gear in the right place without constantly fighting the boat. You’re learning the “do this, then watch that” basics rather than memorizing complicated knot work.

You’ll also get coached while you fish. People specifically mention that instruction is short, clear, and geared to getting you fishing confidently fast. Even if your first few casts aren’t perfect, the crew keeps nudging you back toward the right setup.

Why this structure works

A lot of fishing tours waste time: long introductions, waiting around, and not much action. This one is built to keep moving. You get multiple fishing locations during the outing, so if one area is slow, you’re not stuck waiting forever. That movement also makes the sea time feel like an experience, not just a long boat ride.

The gear and coaching: you get set up, then you do the work

You’ll get fishing equipment and instruction, and you can usually borrow rain protection if you need it. One detail I appreciate is that they expect wet weather; the boat crew will lend items like a rain coat or boots if necessary, which matters because Iceland weather can flip fast.

You still want to bring your own plan for comfort:

• Sturdy shoes (recommended), not slick sneakers
• Clothing that can get dirty
• Layers, because cold wind at sea is different from cold wind on land

Even with loan gear, you’ll do the main job: lowering the line, feeling for bites, and reeling in fish. That’s the real reason this trip gets high marks. It’s interactive without being complicated.

The BBQ lunch: why it tastes so good

The highlight many people remember is the onboard meal. The crew BBQs a light lunch using fish caught during the trip, and they do it on the way back so the whole day ends while everything is still fresh and sea-scented.

There’s a practical advantage here, too. When fish is handled quickly and cooked fast, you get better texture and flavor than seafood that sits around. That’s part of why people describe the meal as excellent and surprisingly satisfying, even for those who don’t fish much.

What you might eat

You can’t pick the menu in advance, because it depends on what you catch. But the trip’s most commonly caught fish are listed as catfish, cod, haddock, mackerel, and pollack. In the wild, that can expand a bit. From the fish people talk about after their trips, you may also see species like whiting, coalfish, and occasionally halibut.

The “bonus” side of dinner

Some people add small perks they weren’t expecting, like tasting a sampling of fish cooked onboard, or the idea that the crew might offer to send fresh filets home if you have a kitchen situation (one reviewer mentioned this). Those are not things you should count on for every trip, but they hint at a crew that pays attention to the full experience.

What fish you can realistically expect (and what you should not)

Here’s the honest part you’ll want to hear before you go: the tour is in wild nature. They run with a high success rate, but they can’t guarantee a catch on a particular tour.

That doesn’t mean it’s random or hopeless. The crew sails to the best fishing grounds they can find in the bay, and they teach you how to work the rig effectively. Reviews also describe frequent catches—sometimes multiple fish per person—so the odds often feel good once you’re out there and the drift is working.

Species to look for

The tour data lists these as commonly caught: catfish, cod, haddock, mackerel, and pollack. If you’re the type who geeks out about seafood, Icelandic fishing brings variety fast. Depending on conditions, you might also run into other species people mentioned, including whiting, coalfish, and wolf fish.

Sea conditions, motion sickness, and staying comfortable

Iceland sea fishing has a straightforward truth: weather matters. The experience requires good weather, and if conditions are poor, the trip may be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

So what can you do?

• If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan ahead and tell the crew early. One review specifically notes that they checked on someone dealing with sea sickness and helped with what they needed.
• Another helpful detail: there’s mention of complimentary antiemetics. That suggests the crew takes motion sickness seriously, but I wouldn’t rely on it as your only plan—bring your own prevention if that’s worked for you before.

Also, dress for getting splashed or damp. You’re on the water. The crew can help with rain gear, but you’ll still want clothing you won’t panic about if it gets soaked or smells like salt by the end.

Small group feel on a boat that actually matters

This activity has a maximum of 20 travelers, and several reports describe boats feeling more intimate—around a dozen anglers. For a fishing tour, that matters. More space and less crowding generally means:

• you can hear instruction
• you don’t constantly bump lines
• you get more attention while learning

The boat experience also sounds practical. People mention that the vessel is clean and well equipped for the task, and at least one person points out there’s a bathroom onboard. If you’re traveling with kids, that little comfort can make a difference.

Price and value: is $160 worth it in Reykjavik?

$160 per person for about 3 hours doesn’t look cheap on paper—especially in a city where food can be expensive. But this tour has a built-in value equation:

You’re paying for:

• instruction and gear (so you’re not renting tackle elsewhere)
• time on the water in Faxaflói Bay with an experienced crew
• a BBQ lunch made from your catch onboard

That combo is why people feel it’s good value. You’re not just buying an activity; you’re buying a guided day that ends with food you helped bring aboard. If your plan in Reykjavik includes a pricey seafood meal anyway, this can feel like a straight trade: you’re paying for the experience, and the seafood is part of the deal.

Who this fishing tour suits best

This is a strong fit for:

• Beginners who want a fast, hands-on introduction to sea angling
• Food-focused travelers who want the freshest seafood meal possible in a short time window
• Couples, friends, and families looking for a shared activity (including kids)

It also works if you’re a more experienced angler, since you’ll still fish actively rather than watching from the sidelines. One review describes how conditions let them catch multiple species and multiple fish quickly once the drift and setup were working.

If you hate being cold, you’ll need to dress right. The trip can involve wet, wind, and cold sea air.

Practical tips before you go (so the day feels easy)

I’d treat this like a boat day first, fishing day second. Then it goes smoothly.

• Wear sturdy shoes you trust on wet surfaces.
• Bring layers and something that can take salt spray.
• Expect that Iceland weather can change fast even when the city looks calm.
• Arrive ready to learn. The crew’s job is to help you fish, but your job is to pay attention for the first few minutes.

One more small mindset shift: treat the first half hour as training. After that, many people settle into a groove—feeling the line, watching for bites, and fishing with confidence.

Should you book Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet?

I’d book it if you want a short Reykjavik activity with real action and a payoff you can taste. The biggest strengths are beginner-friendly coaching and the fresh catch BBQ that happens while you’re still on the water. For $160, it can feel like a high-value mix of guided sport and seafood dinner.

Skip it—or plan differently—if weather can be a dealbreaker for you, if you’re very sensitive to motion sickness, or if you need guarantees about catching a specific amount of fish. This tour is built around skill, good scouting, and high chances, but it’s still fishing in the wild.

If you want a memorable Reykjavik afternoon that’s not just sightseeing, this one is hard to beat.

FAQ

Do I need a fishing license to join?

No. The tour is designed so you can participate without prior fishing experience or a license. The crew teaches you the techniques during the trip.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing equipment is included, and the crew provides instruction. Rain protection like a rain coat or boots may be available to borrow if needed.

What fish are commonly caught on this tour?

The tour information lists catfish, cod, haddock, mackerel, and pollack as the most commonly caught fish. Reviews also mention other species like whiting, coalfish, and halibut depending on conditions.

Can the tour guarantee a catch?

No. They run in wild nature and can’t guarantee that you’ll catch fish on a particular tour, even though success rates are described as very high.

What should I wear?

Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that can get dirty. The tour recommends appropriate weather clothing, since you’ll be on the water and could get wet.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.