Fishing is one of the oldest and most satisfying activities you can do in the outdoors. You strap on your favorite bait, set up the rod, and cast your line. The sound of the water, the pull of the fish, the nature around you – all of that contributes to the wonderful experience that is sport fishing.
But to practice the sport properly, you need to find the perfect location, one that will have all the elements necessary for the ultimate fishing thrill. Based on your level of enthusiasm, how much you can afford, and travelling preferences, here are 12 great sport fishing trips you shouldn’t pass up.
Montauk, New York
If you happen to be somewhere on the east coast and in dire need of some great fly fishing, you can find it in New York. Depending on the season, you can catch various types of fish, either from the shore or by renting a boat that would take you a bit farther. During spring and summer, you can find some glorious stripers and bluefish there, while the autumn months bring you false albacore as well, in the well-known blitzes.
Abacos, Bahamas
While you’re on the east coast, you might as well go a bit farther and reach the Bahamas, specifically the Abacos islands. These beautiful patches of land will astound you with its charm, while the vast amount of bonefish will excite you. Rent some of its comfortable fishing lodges and enjoy the day even when you’re not fishing. After all, that’s what the Bahamas are all about.
Jupiter Inlet, Florida
Again on the east coast, just north of the Bahamas is Jupiter Inlet, a place that every serious fisherman should know about. If for nothing else, Jupiter Inlet is certainly famous for the huge variety of fish available. During the summertime, you can find interesting fish like mahi, tarpon, snook, black fin, while the colder months will give you Spanish mackerel, and pompano. Either way, you won’t get bored here.
Louisiana’s Coastal Marshes
Yet another must for every serious fisherman are, of course, Louisiana’s famous coastal marshes. There is an abundance of red drum fish out there and a number of great guides that can take you out on a boat. If you also enjoy a bit more serious multi-day fishing adventure on a ship, you should really try what this area has to offer. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Ascension Bay, Mexico
If you’re a bit more adventurous and want to see more of the world, while doing your favorite activity, why not pop out to Mexico’s Ascension Bay that is just south of Cancun? Filled with bonefish and permit, Ascension Bay is a pleasant fishing destination that has a number of resorts working throughout the year. In case that isn’t enough, you can go fish in the estuaries, where there’s abundance of tarpon and snook.
Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Now, while in Mexico, you can also travel west to Loreto, where you will experience the blue serenity of the Gulf of California. Rent a boat and head on to the open water where you will find the beautiful, yet challenging, dorados, officially known as mahi-mahi. Going to the reefs will almost guarantee you some sea bass, snappers, roosters and various other fish to keep you busy and happy.
Ixtapa, Guatemala
Since you’re in the vicinity, it would be a shame not to drop by Guatemala, specifically Ixtapa (we dare you to pronounce it). Ixtapa is world-famous for its sailfish. While having only one variety may seem dull, it most certainly isn’t. Catching sailfish is anything but dull as you will find out the moment you find yourself wrestling with these exotic-looking creatures.
Chalk Stream, Hampshire, UK
Finally, a bit farther away, over the pond, there’s UK’s Chalk Stream. According to some, this is where modern fly fishing originated, so you will be taking a piece of history with you. This is where Izaak Walton, an author and one the of the angling pioneers used to fish while writing his famous 17th century masterpiece. You will have to make a reservation beforehand, but believe us, it’s worth the hassle.
Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia
If you truly want to experience something different, vivid and exotic, your first stop should be Tierra del Fuego. This is an archipelago on a southwest side of South America, famous for its gigantic brown trouts. With the name that translates to the Land of Fire, don’t expect a cozy environment and smooth sailing (literally and metaphorically). You will have to endure the sub-polar climate and wrestle some really powerful fish, but it will be an adventure of a lifetime.
Alphonse Island, The Seychelles
However, if you’re not into those kinds of strains and still want to fish at an isolated location, the Seychelles are for you. Travel to the breathtaking Alphonse Island where you will be able to peacefully fish the usual permit and bonefish, as well as a bit more exotic milkfish and the giant trevally. It costs a lot, but you get a unique experience that goes well beyond anything you’ve ever seen. If you can afford it, it is honestly worth every penny.
Christmas Island, Kiribati
Kiritimati, usually called the Christmas Island, is a quite remote, but utterly beautiful fishing location with long flats, perfect for catching bonefish. Located south of Jakarta, Christmas Island has a pleasant tropical climate, with temperatures rarely going over 80°F. There aren’t many accessible shorelines, but among those that are is the famous Flying Fish Cove, which tells you everything you need to know about the island.
Exmouth, Western Australia
Finally, you have to visit the land down under, especially the port Exmouth on the Western part of Australia. This place is known for its immaculate flats that stretch out for as long as eye can see. You sit in your rocking boat, grab the drink of your choice and with a great feeling of serenity catch some queenfish, milkfish and parrotfish, the usual permit and bonefish, as well as the beautiful black marlin.
Whether you are able to visit all of these places, or will have to put some of them on your bucket list, this is a great reminder of everything that’s out there for all the lovers of fishing. Share with us your favorite fishing locations you still haven’t visited. Your “chum-bucket list.”
Photo credit: Wikimedia
