REVIEW · REYKJAVIK
Reykjavik’s Finest Catch: Guided Sea Angling Tour for All Levels
Book on Viator →Operated by Viggson sailing · Bookable on Viator
Reykjavik’s best snack comes with a line in the water. This guided sea angling tour blends small-group fishing with hands-on help, so beginners feel comfortable and experienced anglers get a real shot at cod and friends. I also like the warm little touches, like coffee and cookies before you head out, plus the crew’s personable style (people often mention Jakob and Julian by name). One thing to consider: the tour depends on good weather, and there are seasonal limits around the May to October fishing window.
What you’ll like most is how practical this feels once you’re on the boat. You’re taught how to fish, you’re sent to fishing grounds that are hard to find on your own, and then you eat the result—often grilled right on the barbecue on the return trip. If you get seasick easily or you’re not into getting a bit messy, that’s the only real heads-up here: it’s fishing, not a museum.
In This Review
- Key takeaways before you cast a line in Reykjavik
- Meeting at Hlésgata 1: start time, vibe, and what to expect
- From secret spots to your first cast: how sea angling actually works
- The fish lineup: what you may catch and what that means for you
- Stop-by-stop: the Hlésgata 1 departure and the rest of your 3 hours
- Stop 1: Hlésgata 1 (getting set up)
- Out on the water (fishing at the guided spots)
- Return to harbour (prep, grilling, and lunch with your catch)
- Food that makes the trip feel worth it
- Small crew, big attention: the Jakob and Julian effect
- Weather and season: the two things that can make or break your day
- Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $181.02
- Who should book this Reykjavik sea angling tour?
- Should you book? My straight recommendation
- FAQ
- How long is the Reykjavik sea angling tour?
- What does the tour cost per person?
- Where does the tour start?
- Is the tour in English?
- How many people are on the boat?
- Is this tour suitable for beginners?
- Can I bring my own fishing equipment?
- What types of fish might I catch?
- Will I eat during the tour?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key takeaways before you cast a line in Reykjavik

- Small group size (up to 12): more space and more attention from the crew.
- Coffee and cookies before departure: a cozy start that helps everyone settle in.
- All levels welcome: beginners get guidance; experienced anglers can bring their own gear.
- Secret fishing spots around Reykjavik: better odds than striking out alone.
- Your catch becomes lunch: grilled fish with potatoes, coleslaw, and secret skyr sauce.
- Names to remember: Jakob and Julian come up often in the crew praise.
Meeting at Hlésgata 1: start time, vibe, and what to expect

The tour meets at Hlésgata 1, right in central 101 Reykjavík. That location matters more than it sounds: you’re not dealing with a long transfer or a complicated “bus-and-hope” start. You show up, get pointed in the right direction, and the crew gets the day rolling.
Expect a friendly, low-pressure setup. The first mood is usually warm and casual—people like that it doesn’t feel like a big commercial factory line. Before you head out, there’s coffee and cookies, which is a smart move in Iceland. Even if the morning is cold and gray, you’ll have something in your system before the boat starts moving.
The staff will also cover what you need for the trip. If you’re new, you’re not thrown into the deep end. You’ll be helped with basics and techniques, plus you’ll get equipment. If you already fish, you can bring your own gear, and you’ll still be able to follow along with what the crew is doing out at the spots.
Practical note: dress for wet wind. You’ll be on the water, and even “good” weather can turn breezy fast in Reykjavik.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Reykjavik.
From secret spots to your first cast: how sea angling actually works
This is a guided fishing experience, not just transportation. The heart of the trip is going to fishing grounds known for strong success rates around Reykjavik—places you likely won’t find (or won’t know how to access confidently) on your own.
Once you reach the fishing grounds, the crew helps you get started. That matters because fishing is part knowledge, part timing, part confidence. The crew’s job is to shorten that learning curve for you. Beginners get told the basics; more experienced anglers get tips and can use their own approach while still benefiting from local knowledge.
Here’s what that looks like in real life:
- You cast and reel with help on technique.
- You learn what the crew wants you to do, step by step.
- You fish alongside other small-group participants, which keeps the pace manageable.
And you’ll likely hear plenty of stories, since this is run by a local crew with a genuine love for the work. Multiple mentions of Jakob and Julian suggest the guides take pride in making the day feel personal, not rehearsed.
If you’re hoping to just relax and enjoy the scenery, that works too. The boat ride out to the spots is part of the experience, and there’s time to look around between casts.
The fish lineup: what you may catch and what that means for you

The tour is built around catching multiple species. The core targets include cod, haddock, pollock, and other varieties. That variety is a big deal for your satisfaction level, because you’re not depending on one single thing going right.
From the details you’re given and the results people report, here’s the broader reality:
- Cod and haddock are common favorites.
- Whiting and a flounder-type fish also show up in catches for some people.
- Some anglers even mention halibut showing up on their day.
What does that mean for you? It means the trip is more forgiving. Even if one species is quiet that day, you may still get action on another. And the crew’s coaching helps you stay in the game instead of blanking out early.
Also, the tour experience isn’t only about the catch count. The crew will help you handle fish safely enough for it to become food afterward, not just a photo.
Stop-by-stop: the Hlésgata 1 departure and the rest of your 3 hours

The itinerary is simple, but it’s structured around the moments that actually matter.
Stop 1: Hlésgata 1 (getting set up)
You start at Hlésgata 1 and meet back there at the end. In between, you’ll do the whole loop: gear up, head out, fish, then eat.
This start segment is when the crew sets you up:
- You get equipment (unless you bring your own).
- You get coached on what to do first.
- You settle into the day’s rhythm—fish, reel, repeat.
This is also where you’ll notice the small-group feel. With a maximum of 12 travelers, it’s easier to move around and easier for the crew to keep an eye on who needs help.
Out on the water (fishing at the guided spots)
Once you’re at the fishing grounds, the crew’s assistance becomes the difference between guessing and knowing. You’ll cast, reel, and adjust based on what you’re seeing and what the crew recommends.
This portion is where you’ll enjoy the scenery too. Reykjavik’s coast and surrounding areas have that dramatic North Atlantic mood—steel-gray water, jagged coastline views, and the sense you’re doing something real and local.
Return to harbour (prep, grilling, and lunch with your catch)
On the way back, the catch becomes the main event. The crew prepares your fish and grills it on the barbecue. Then lunch is served with potatoes, coleslaw, and a secret skyr sauce.
This is one of the best value features of the trip. Many fishing tours take you out and send you home with a story. This one often sends you home with a meal you helped make happen.
There’s a cozy, almost celebratory vibe on the boat during the grilling and serving. People talk about how fresh it tastes because it’s straight from your line to the grill.
One smart detail: if weather is rough near the end, grilling might not go exactly as planned. In at least one reported case, the crew went out of the way to swap in fish and chips from a local place at the dock. That tells you something about how they manage problems: the goal stays food and fun, even if the ocean gets moody.
Food that makes the trip feel worth it

Let’s be honest: the meal is what turns a fishing outing into a full-on Iceland experience.
You should expect:
- Your catch grilled (often on the return trip)
- Potatoes and coleslaw
- A secret skyr sauce
- Coffee and cookies earlier in the day
- The chance to have your fish cooked and served rather than just carried around
This is where the tour earns its price. At $181.02 per person for about 3 hours, you’re paying for:
- local guidance to reach productive spots,
- equipment and coaching,
- and a meal tied to the fish you catch.
If you love food, this is a strong match. If you’re picky, you’ll still likely find something on the plate beyond just fish—potatoes and coleslaw are part of the setup, and the fish is cooked fresh with seasoning.
One useful, practical caution from the experience details: wear clothes you don’t mind getting slightly messy. Fishing is hands-on, and if you’re handling hooks and lines, you’ll probably end up with a bit of grime.
Small crew, big attention: the Jakob and Julian effect

This tour tops out at 12 travelers, which changes the whole energy. Instead of waiting your turn for help, you tend to get quick support—especially if you’re new.
People often highlight the crew’s friendliness and professionalism. There are repeated mentions of Jakob and Julian, and more than one person describes the operation as run by brothers with a personal touch. That matters because you can feel the difference between a big machine and a local boat with real investment in your day.
A few practical ways that attention shows up:
- Quick help getting lines sorted
- Assistance getting fish off the hooks
- Coaching that helps you keep fishing rather than getting frustrated
- A relaxed, family-friendly tone
There’s also a strong theme of accommodating different ages and skill levels. More than one account mentions kids enjoying it, with the crew handling fish preparation and serving it in a kid-friendly way.
If you want a fishing trip that feels more like a shared day with locals than a scheduled transaction, this is a good fit.
Weather and season: the two things that can make or break your day

Iceland weather can flip in minutes, and this tour plainly requires good conditions. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
There’s also a seasonal reality. Based on the operator’s own explanation in response to canceled bookings, the fishing season is generally from May 1 to October 1. That means timing matters. If you’re visiting outside that window, don’t assume the tour will run just because you found it online.
So how do you protect your trip?
- Book with enough flexibility if your Iceland schedule is tight.
- If you’re traveling near the shoulder seasons, double-check the exact dates.
- Pack for wind and spray, even on days that start calm.
In other words: plan for fishing, but respect the sea. When conditions are good, this tour shines. When they’re not, the best strategy is to be flexible.
Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $181.02

The price looks high at first glance, but it’s not just “a boat ride with a line.” You’re paying for multiple things that add up quickly on the ground:
- Guided access to productive areas you can’t easily replicate yourself
- Coaching for all levels (not just “good luck out there”)
- Equipment support (and the option to use your own)
- Meal value: grilled fish plus sides, not a snack-only situation
Also, the small group size helps justify the cost. With up to 12 people, you’re less likely to feel like staff are rushed and hands-off.
At roughly 3 hours, it’s also efficient. You get a full experience without sacrificing an entire day—useful if your schedule includes other Reykjavik highlights.
If you want the cheapest fishing option, you might find alternatives. But if you want high odds, real teaching, and food that tastes like it came from the sea (because it did), this price starts to look fair.
Who should book this Reykjavik sea angling tour?
Book it if you:
- Want a guided fishing experience in Reykjavik with all levels welcome
- Like the idea of eating what you catch
- Prefer a smaller group and a crew that seems invested
- Want a hands-on outdoor activity that still feels welcoming
You might skip it if you:
- Hate being out on rough water
- Are very uncomfortable with wet, cold, and getting a bit messy
- Are traveling outside the May 1 to October 1 season window and don’t have flexibility
Should you book? My straight recommendation
I’d book this tour if you’re in Reykjavik during the active fishing season and you’re ready for a real, hands-on North Atlantic day. The combo of small-group help, secret spots, and grilled catch lunch is exactly what makes a fishing trip feel like a proper Iceland experience instead of a tourist checkbox.
Just be smart about timing and weather. If your dates are fixed and you’re traveling near the edge of the season, check conditions and keep your schedule flexible. When the day goes right, this is the kind of tour that gives you both a story and a plate of fresh fish.
FAQ
How long is the Reykjavik sea angling tour?
It runs for about 3 hours.
What does the tour cost per person?
The price is $181.02 per person.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Hlésgata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The tour ends back at the meeting point.
Is the tour in English?
Yes, it’s offered in English.
How many people are on the boat?
The group has a maximum of 12 travelers.
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes. It’s described as friendly and for everyone, from beginners to advanced sea anglers, with crew assistance available.
Can I bring my own fishing equipment?
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment if you prefer.
What types of fish might I catch?
You can reel in species such as cod, haddock, and pollock, along with other fish varieties.
Will I eat during the tour?
Yes. The tour includes a lunch featuring your catch grilled on the barbecue, with potatoes, coleslaw, and secret skyr sauce, plus coffee and cookies.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.














