America’s Best Fishing Vacations

Spend the day on the water, listen to the relaxing sound of the waves crashing, and hold a fishing rod in your hand – it doesn’t get much better than that. The love of fishing is as old as humans themselves, both as a means of survival and a means of enjoying the outdoors. The United States is full of fantastic fishing destinations, you can fish in the deep sea or relax along lakes and rivers. Stay at a beachfront, bay, riverfront or lakefront holiday home next to events, or browse the homes with marinas to find the perfect fit. Freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing, we have you covered.

Please note: Before you go out fishing, be sure to check the fish in season, as well as the state’s fishing regulations, necessary permits, and license requirements.

Ready to relax? Here are some of the best fishing vacations in the United States

Florida Fishing Destinations

The Sunshine State has world-class fishing venues and world-class resorts, making it on many anglers’ fishing vacation wish lists. Florida is the only state bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, giving you double the chance of catching saltwater trophy fish. If you prefer fresh water, Lake Okeechobee, located on the state’s Atlantic coast, is known as the “Bass Fishing Capital of the World.” Find a place with stunning water views, fishing piers and charter boats nearby.

Key West

Experience the fishing trip of a lifetime in Key West, Florida. On this remote tropical island, you’ll find the southernmost tip of the United States and some of the most popular game fish, including barracuda, redfish, tarpon, licensed fish, snapper, grouper, and snook. If you want to observe the waves up close, Key West is also a great location for diving and snorkeling near Florida Reef, the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, with Dry Turtle National Park nearby (although fishing is prohibited there).

Destin

Destina is known for its abundant waters and is also known as “the luckiest fishing village in the world”. Offshore and offshore fishing options are a treasure for anglers of any level, with fishing piers and the nation’s largest charter fishing fleet. The Island Fishing Pier extends 1,200 feet into the Gulf of Mexico and offers equipment available for rent. Red snapper, grouper, yellowtail, maich, tuna, pomfret and mackerel are common catches in the Fort Durstein-Walton Beach area. Whether fishing experts or beginners, d’Estain is a great destination for family trips and is undoubtedly the top location for fishing holidays.

Tampa

The sparkling bay city of Tampa has plenty of dazzling downtown attractions, but for some, it’s the fishing boats swaying on the pier that matter most. Tampa has a competitive fishing scene, with many anglers looking for one of Florida’s “Big Three,” including tarpon, redfish and snook, though ladybirds, flounder, cobia, snapper and grouper can also be caught. The bay is Florida’s largest open-water estuary, so a day of saltwater fishing to and from the Gulf of Mexico is a breeze. No boats? No problem. Tampa is home to the world’s longest fishing pier, Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier, and the shallow water bar in Fort Desoto Park is another popular fishing spot.

North Carolina Fishing Destinations

North Carolina is an angler’s dream, with more than 500 public fishing sites. Experienced anglers know that the state is famous for its perch fishing and panoramic mountain views. From Barrier Island to Blue Ridge Lake and Smoky Mountain Lake, you can choose between saltwater or freshwater fishing.

The Outer Banks Islands

This most popular resort is probably famous for its fishing and water sports. Stretching over 175 miles of Atlantic coastline, the Barrier Islands are home to some of the best fishing spots on the East Coast and a family-friendly year-round destination. Fish along the fishing piers of Avon, Rodanthe or Nags Head to catch catches such as striped bass, flounder, spotted trout, pomfrets, bluefish and mackerel. Crab fishing is also popular, especially in the Corrington area of Port Oklacock and Kill Mountain. If you’ve been thinking about going on a game fishing or offshore charter tour, look no further than the Bund Islands. Treat yourself to a day at sea, as the waters are teeming with black bass, sea bream, mackerel, sailfish, mai, bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna and even blue marlin.

Atlantic Beach

Located along North Carolina’s “Crystal Coast,” Atlantic Beach is full of interesting waterfront opportunities. Take advantage of access to the Atlantic Ocean and Borg Strait, where you can see Wahu, bluefish, trout, blue marlin, largemouth bass, and striped bass. Bring your fishing rod and picnic and head to Fort Macon State Park for a pleasant fishing day at any time of the year. With charter fishing trips ranging from professional anglers to families, there’s something for everyone.

Asheville

This charming city is the perfect base for expeditions to the Blue Ridge Mountains, with several lakes and rivers nearby. The French Broad River, which runs directly through Asheville, is a popular fly-fishing spot for smallmouth bass, trout, catfish and whiteeye. Take a day trip to Lake Junaluska or Lake Lure and catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, catfish, white bass, carp, sea bream and perch at your shore. Located just minutes south of the city, Lake Julian is a great place to catch catfish. Surrounded by mountain views and tranquil streams, you will feel the stress dissipate in the beautiful natural landscape.

Michigan Fishing Destination

As you might have guessed from the state’s nickname “Great Lakes State,” Michigan is involved in four-fifths of the Great Lakes, making it a freshwater fishing mecca for anglers everywhere. During your trip, if you plan to head out to sea, you’ll find ample public boat launches, as well as stunning views of the historic lighthouses that dot the state’s coastline. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is one of the best places in the United States for fly fishing, so be sure to bring waterproof pants.

Lake Michigan

From Traverse City in northern Michigan to the state’s border with Indiana, known as Michigan, claim your sovereignty on the soft shores of the lake. Throw the line and catch whitemouth pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow bass, trout, Chinook salmon and whiteeye. If you prefer a more secluded place, Crystal Lake is open for fishing all year round and is also a wonderful fishing trip.

Texas Fishing Destinations

If everything in Texas was bigger, that should include trophy fish too, right? Anglers will be paired with a host of freshwater and saltwater fishing enthusiasts on their Lone Star State fishing vacation. Texas offers visitors the opportunity year-round to fish in state parks or fully enclosed waters of state parks without a fishing license (although admission fees may still apply). Grab your fishing rod and head to the lake, or stretch along the 367 miles of coastline along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Galveston

With over 100 species of fish, the Galveston area is a fisherman’s paradise. The bay is particularly famous for spotted trout, flounder, and redfish, while the Gulf of Mexico opens the door to virtually limitless deep-sea fishing possibilities. Book a charter boat trip for an unforgettable fishing experience and catch precious fish such as blue marlin, mahi, totoaba, red snapper and tuna.

South Pacules Island

South Padre Island, the only tropical island in Texas, is the perfect place for a fishing vacation with white sand beaches and 277 days of sunshine year-round. The area’s geography, including its nearshore coral reefs, shoals, and access to the deep sea, allows anglers to get catches that they won’t find anywhere else in the state. Here you can catch snook, tarpon, shark, blackfin tuna, yellowfin tuna, sailfish and blue marlin. Offshore, offshore or surf fishing, you can have fun.

Lake Travis

The name of the Lake Travis game is perch fishing. Among catfish and sunfish, guadalupe perch, largemouth bass, white perch and striped perch are essential. Lake Travis’ coastline is mostly privately owned, but there are still plenty of public (or even free) attractions to visit. With the trolley box closed, take a dip in the refreshing lake water – the best way to beat the Texas heat.

Wisconsin Fishing Destinations

If you’re looking for a while off the grid or a fishing trip in the heart of the outdoors, look no further. With more than 15,000 lakes,1,000 miles of Great Lakes coastline, and more than 150 species of fish, Wisconsin’s fishing opportunities are world-class. Book accommodation in a comfortable, quiet fishing lodge by the lake, or book a cabin for a getaway with a group of friends.

The Northwoods

Not only is Northwoods known for its stunning unspoiled natural landscapes, but the area is also a premier perch fishing destination. Enjoy the scenery at Copper Falls State Park and catch largemouth bass, white spotted pike, and panfish. The Eagle River is also a favorite attraction, home to perch, striped bass, sunfish, white perch, white pike, and the surrounding large swaths of lakes, rivers and streams. Rent kayaks, canoes or flying fish and enjoy yourself in the fresh air. (Remember to bring insecticide.)

California Fishing Destinations

While California may be known for its surfing and water sports, its fishing scene is unbeatable. Its abundant waters and the convenience of fresh- and saltwater fishing make California one of the best fishing resorts in the United States. Bring your tackle box and choose from state parks, national parks, and California’s beautiful Pacific beaches.

San Diego

Spend a day on the water and soak up the breezy, laid-back atmosphere of San Diego. Moor your boat at the pier, or spend the day at any of San Diego’s seven fishing piers. You can also book a charter for a family fishing trip or get ready for a sport fishing adventure. Keep an eye out for prizes such as bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, white bass, yellowtail, shark, sailfish, mahi mahi and halibut. However, the second-best fishing city in the U.S. isn’t limited to the ocean. Enjoy freshwater fishing in the city’s famous lakes and reservoirs, including world-class bass fishing at Dixon Lake – the 19-pound world record largemouth bass “Dottie” featured on Dixon Lake.

Big Bear Lake

Located 3 hours north of San Diego, Big Bear Lake is home to a variety of fish and stunning mountain views. The lake is a major habitat for fish such as rainbow trout, sea bass, catfish, pumpkin seed fish, and sunfish. Spend a carefree day at the marina or try your luck at fishing tournaments in the area, such as Fishin’ for 50k or WON Big Bear Troutfest. Win or lose, it’s hard not to be happy to see such a great view coming home.