Dreaming of Distant Waters: A Guide to Top Fishing Destinations
Every angler has a list. It’s a list of faraway places, of legendary fish, of waters seen on television or read about in magazines. It’s the bucket list. Whether it’s the bonefish flats of the tropics or a remote Alaskan river teeming with salmon, the dream of the next great adventure is a core part of being an angler. But a dream trip doesn’t happen by accident; it happens with a good plan. This guide is your starting point for turning those daydreams into a real-world fishing adventure you’ll remember for a lifetime.
How to Plan the Perfect Fishing Trip
Before you book a flight, you need a blueprint. A great trip starts with answering four key questions:
- What’s your target? Do you want to chase a specific species, like a trophy marlin or a wild brown trout? Or do you just want to go somewhere with lots of action?
- What’s your season? Fishing is almost always seasonal. The best time for tuna in Baja is different from the best time for redfish in Louisiana. Research the peak season for your target.
- What’s your budget? Be honest about what you can afford. A guided trip to a remote lodge will be a much different expense than a DIY road trip to a neighboring state.
- DIY or Guided? A Do-It-Yourself trip offers freedom and a sense of accomplishment. Hiring a local guide or staying at a lodge dramatically increases your odds of success by leveraging local knowledge.
Legendary Saltwater Fishing Destinations
For many, the ultimate adventure lies in the salt. Here are a few of the world’s most iconic saltwater destinations.
The Florida Keys: An Angler’s Paradise
There is nowhere else on earth with the sheer variety of the Florida Keys. It’s a place where you can be casting to a bonefish in six inches of water on the flats in the morning, and be trolling for sailfish in the deep blue Atlantic in the afternoon. It is the crossroads of the sport fishing world. We cover everything you need to know in our Florida Keys Fishing Guide.
Baja California, Mexico: Where the Desert Meets the Sea
The tip of the Baja peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, is a bluewater angler’s dream. Legendary for its incredible billfish, tuna, and dorado (mahi-mahi) fishing, it’s a place of dramatic desert landscapes and even more dramatic fishing. Plan your trip with our Baja California Fishing Guide.
The Gulf Coast: America’s Inshore Playground
From the marshes of Louisiana to the white sand flats of the Florida panhandle, the U.S. Gulf Coast offers thousands of miles of the most productive inshore fishing on the planet. It’s the epicenter for redfish, speckled trout, and tarpon. Explore the possibilities in our Gulf Coast Fishing Guide.
Iconic Freshwater Fishing Destinations
You don’t need an ocean to find world-class adventure. Some of the most sought-after fish live in freshwater.
The Pacific Northwest: A Salmon and Steelhead Mecca
The wild, cold rivers of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho are the ancestral home of the Pacific salmon and steelhead. Anglers from all over the world travel here to swing flies and drift baits for these powerful, iconic fish in some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable. Learn more in our Pacific Northwest Fishing Guide.
The Great Lakes: A Freshwater Ocean
The Great Lakes are home to a massive and diverse fishery. From trolling for giant king salmon and lake trout on Lake Michigan to chasing world-record smallmouth bass on Lake Erie, this freshwater sea offers big-water adventure without the salt.
The Fishing Lodge Experience
For a truly immersive, once-in-a-lifetime trip, nothing beats a stay at a dedicated fishing lodge. These operations are built for one purpose: to put you on the fish. They provide expert guides, comfortable lodging, and meals, taking all the logistical stress out of planning. It’s a significant investment, but for a bucket-list trip, it’s often the best way to go. We break down what to expect in our Fishing Lodge Guide.
Start Planning Your Adventure
The world is full of amazing water and incredible fish. Pick a spot on the map, do your research, and start planning. The adventure is out there waiting for you.
-Captain Sal
