Fishing is one of America’s great past times. Being basically surrounded by water and having numerous lakes, rivers, and streams throughout the county means that you don’t have to go far to find a place to relax and catch some fish.
But what are the best areas to fish in the entire country? Well, that may be up for some heated debate, but we put together a list of what we believe to be some of the best options around the United States.
Whether you are fishing for sport or just looking to chill with friends and family, here is a list of the best fishing towns in America.
11. Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach isn’t given the credit that it deserves when it comes to saltwater fishing.
Why?
Virginia Beach is situated where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Chesapeake Bay and other freshwater waters. The amount of species you can catch over a weekend fishing Virginia Beach are staggering.
Virginia Beach is home to a variety of fish, including marlin, cobia and bluefish. Amberjack and mahi are also common. Virginia Beach offers a variety of fishing opportunities, from the boardwalk to the beach to offshore.
10. San Diego, California
San Diego is not only home to a famous pier but also to a variety of saltwater species including bonefish.
Known as the “Tuna capital” of the west, San Diego boasts high-quality yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna. San Diego Bay also rewards anglers by bringing in spotted bay basses, yellowtail, bluefin tuna, calico bass, halibut, and even bonefish.
You can also catch barracuda and bonito while fishing on San Diego’s piers.
San Diego’s main draw is its offshore fishing for giant tona. Do not miss the chance to fish in beautiful San Diego when you visit next.
9. Crystal River in Florida (During Scallop Season)
The area around Crystal River, Florida and Homosassa gets an influx of visitors every summer in search of their scallops.
The water is crystal clear in Crystal River, and the scallops are found in shallow water. (So even kids can enjoy them). It is something that every angler must experience and enjoy at least once.
After you’ve had your fill of scallops for the day, head to the natural springs to dive and explore. This is a really cool area.
If you want to experience a scalloping adventure that is truly unique while also “going back in history” and experiencing an old Florida town in the summer, then visit Steinhatchee. Florida is home to many “bucket-list” places.
8. Galveston, Texas
Galveston Bay is not only known for its extra-large kingfish and snapper but also produces redfish, speckled Trout, sheepsheads, black drums, and flounder. Galveston’s unique beach/fishing vibe made it an easy decision to include this Texas town.
If you prefer to fish offshore, you can find world-class species such as sailfish, wahoo and yellowfin tuna in the Gulf waters.
You can book a boat charter by making reservations at the following locations: Galveston Yacht Basin; Pelican rest Marina; Pirate’s Beach Marina; Kemah, or Seabrook.
7. South Florida (During the Mullet Run)
The first time you see the “Mullet Run“, in South Florida, is when it comes through the fall.
Mullet are on a migration through Ft. Lauderdale, which attracts all kinds of game fish. From the beach, to the piers and under the bridges that run through the intercoastal to downtown area, tarpon and snook can be found everywhere.
It’s like Mardis Gras, but for sport fish.
It is truly a beautiful sight (and the fish are too).
Click here for some of the most incredible Mullet Run footage captured on film!
6. Outer Banks, North Carolina
North Carolina’s “Outer Banks” are renowned for its abundance of saltwater fishing.
North Carolina’s outer beaches are a great place to fish, whether you want to catch marlin near Cape Hatteras or land a world-record Redfish right off the coast.
The outer banks are a highway that fish use to travel up and down the east coast. This includes wahoos, sailfishes, yellowfin and red drums. All of them can be caught.
The best time to travel is from April to June, and also during the autumn.
5. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Race Point Beach, Cape Cod, Mass. A woman fishing Race Point Beach
Cape Cod in Massachusetts is an historic location (the Mayflower arrived here, for crying out loud), and is also a refuge for migratory striped bass that migrate to Provincetown, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
Cape Cod also has wahoos, swordfishes, cods, bluefishes, and giant bluefins. From May to June there are many opportunities for fishing.
Cape Cod is a place that everyone should visit and fish at least once.
4. Montauk, New York
The fishing capital of the world is located here (and you’ll find some of the most passionate surf fishermen) in the entire country.
Montauk is a stopover for a huge number of fish migrating from Long Island Sound in Maine to Maine.
Montauk is popular not only for its deep-water trophy fish like tuna, but also for striped bass.
3. Homer, Alaska for Halibut
What happens when you’re tired of catching fluke or flounder that are mid-sized?
Take on the monster halibut with a new level of intensity!
Even the smaller halibuts, which can weigh between 20 and 70 pounds (the Alaskans refer to them as “Chicken fish”) are amazing to catch.
Homer and Seward are two of the most popular destinations in Alaska, with easier access from Anchorage than the other halibut-destination called “Dutch Harbor”.
Homer’s laid-back atmosphere, eclectic style, and adventure setting made it a “bucket list” destination. It is best to visit Homer from May to the end of September. You will be unable to feel your fingers if you visit Homer at any other time.
2. Venice, Louisiana
Two world-famous rivers meet in one place… The Gulf of Mexico Delta and the Mississippi River Delta.
Venice, Louisiana is home to some of the world’s best saltwater fishing.
Venice is home to everything from speckled Trout, Black Drum, Sheepshead, Flunder, Redfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Marlin, and Dolphin.
These are just some of the reasons that Venice LA fishing is so amazing and could have easily topped this list. It has an amazing offshore canyon, and a world-class inshore fishing area.
1. The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are the world’s best fishing grounds.
This scenic area has many fishing hot spots like Key West, Islamorada, and Key Largo. There are many fishing spots in the Florida Keys. They have converging currents and tropical weather. You can fish all year long.
The Florida Keys have it all, whether it’s fly fishing for world class tarpons, offshore mahi fishing, swordfishing during the day, or lobster hunting.
Even if you only have an afternoon, you can head over to the Everglades to fish unlimited mangrove lines. What a beautiful place! Now all you need is to get some great recipes and start cooking!
