August marks the arrival of International Fishing Month and what is more fitting than taking a look at top locations for the sport worldwide? Whether you’re wanting to bag the catch of the day for dinner or are simply after the thrill of hooking a huge catch, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover 11 incredible spots around the globe for fishing.
Reel in your lunch
Cook your catch in Florida’s Paradise Coast – Naples, Marco Island & the Everglades, USA
Surrounded by both saltwater and freshwater waterbodies, Florida’s Paradise Coast offers visitors the opportunity to spend the day out on a boat catching their dinner. Those new to boating and fishing can choose to rent a fishing charter where they will have a captain on board to guide them along the journey. The adventure does not just end with catching a fish of course. With sustainability in mind, the “Cook your Catch” initiative in Florida’s Paradise Coast allows visitors to bring their freshly caught seafood into any one of the many participating restaurants such as Kelly’s Fish House in Naples, or Snook Inn on Marco Island who will be glad to prepare and cook their catch making for a well deserved and extremely fresh post-fishing meal. Florida’s Paradise Coast.
Float fishing in the French Alps, Méribel, France
In the heart of the 3 Valleys, Méribel is home to the beautiful Lake Tuéda. Lying in a nature reserve and part of the gateway to Vanoise National Park, the Cembro Pine Tree-lined shores of the lake are the perfect spot for fishing with a float; an accessible sport for any level of fisherman, guests are allowed to keep up to six fish caught during the day. Purchase the Lake Tuéda Restaurant private card to enjoy fishing on the lake, taking in the surrounding vistas. After a day of fishing, stop at the restaurant to recline comfortably in a deck chair whilst indulging in homemade trout and fried dishes. Meribel.net/en/
Cook What You Caught or Fish Fry Nearby, Arizona
The White Mountains region of Arizona is always popular for summer fishing. Mountain lakes surrounded by ponderosa pine forests provide a variety of fishing environments whether fishers prefer standing on a bank, wading the water, or camping out on ice. For those looking to fish and then fry their catch on something more civil than a campfire Lake of the Woods is the place to stay. This 25-acre resort includes a private lake for guests, so no fishing licence is required. They have 26 cabins and seven condo-style units which accommodate from 1 to 20 people. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and there are bluegill, catfish and largemouth bass, too. Guests are allowed to catch up to five fish per day per angler measuring 10 inches or larger. www.visitarizona.com
Getting caught up in beautiful surroundings
Fishing Charters in The Islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia
Soak in the Tahitian sunshine aboard a boat whilst trying your hand at deep sea fishing and reef fishing around Bora Bora. With a reputation for extraordinary marine life, it comes to no surprise that the waters of The Islands of Tahiti hold a wide variety of fish including Blue Marlin, Mahi-Mahi and Barracudas. Join professional and experienced crew, with access to top-of-the-line fishing equipment and expert advice for the best fishing advantage. TahitiTourisme.uk/
Japanese fishing and Fish Printing, Ishikawa, Japan
Located on the central coast of the largest island, Honshu, Ishikawa provides travellers with a unique adventure in central Japan. Carefully protected and celebrated, those visiting today can make the most of the arts kept alive in the prefecture. Kanazawa is famous for its fresh sushi, with the warm Tsushima current and the cold Liman current joining together with rainfall from the holy Mount Hakusan; it makes for a fisherman’s paradise. In Kanazawa Bay, visitors can try their hand at catching the fresh fish hiding below. To commemorate the memory, there is the chance to learn the awe-inspiring folk art of Japanese Fish Printing (Gyotaku), which originated around 200 years ago. IshikawaTravel.jp/en/
Fly fishing in Aspen and Snowmass Village, Colorado
The unspoiled waters of the Roaring Fork Valley offer some of Colorado’s best fly-fishing. Both the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan Rivers boast incredible wild trout fishing opportunities and are both designated Gold Medal Rivers by the Colorado Department of Wildlife. Blazing Adventures, based in Snowmass Village, offer fly fishing trips and experiences to secret spots along both rivers where visitors can take in spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, canyons and spot local wildlife from mule deer and elk to wild duck and geese. Aspen Outfitting Company, based in Aspen, offers guided fly fishing on the Roaring Fork River led by knowledgeable guides with an intimate understanding of the river and surrounding area. aspenchamber.org / www.gosnowmass.com
Best spots for testing beginners’ luck
Get hooked into fishing at Lake Cuyamaca, California
Nestled in the eastern Cuyamaca Mountains in San Diego County is the spectacular 110-acre Lake Cuyamaca. The lake boasts a bounty of fish including bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish in addition to being stocked with more than 17,000 kilograms of rainbow trout each year. The lake is a great spot for fishing enthusiasts, as well as newcomers to the sport; free fishing classes are offered on the launch ramp every Saturday morning. All the gear such as rods and reels are available to rent at the tackle shop, opt for a better spot and rent a motor boat for a troll around the lake. Lake Cuyamaca does require a permit, which is available to buy on-site, £7 for adults and £3 for kids. www.visitcalifornia.com
World-class fishing in Yosemite Mariposa County
Boasting 58 permanent streams stretching a combined length of 770 miles, plus a multitude of mountain lakes and excellent rainbow and brown trout keepers, Yosemite offers visitors world-class fishing in a one-of-a-kind setting. Yosemite National Park’s season for stream and river fishing begins on the last Saturday in April and continues through 15 November, with the exception of Frog Creek near Lake Eleanor, which opens 15 June. All other lakes and reservoirs (including Merced Lake) are open to visitors for fishing year-round. During the summer and autumn fishing at Merced Lake is a must as the flows mellow into fantastic swimming and fishing holes. www.yosemite.com
Gunnison County, Colorado
No matter the weather, Colorado boasts 6,000 miles of fishable rivers and streams which offer views of unforgettable peaks, blue skies and translucent waters. Fishing fanatics should head to Gunnison County for an experience like no other. With hundreds of miles of picturesque waterways and thousands of new fish released each year from the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery, Gunnison County is a central hub for anglers. The county even holds records for the largest brown, rainbow and lake trout and offers easy access to other prime fishing locations including Blue Mesa Lake, Taylor Reservoir and the Gunnison, East and Taylor rivers. www.colorado.com
Lake Washington, Seattle, Washington
An Angler’s dream, Lake Washington, a stone’s throw away from downtown Seattle is a big, beautiful body of water where fishing on the lake is open all year round. With great views of Mt Rainier and the surrounding city, more than 40 species of fish are in the lake, including cutthroat, salmon and bass – providing some of the most diverse fishing opportunities in the city. Visitseattle.org
Fishing in the ‘Burgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
In Pittsburgh there’s over 38.3 miles of river shoreline within the city limits. For those wranglers looking to be in good company, Venture Outdoors organises weekly lunchtime fishing in Point State Park or North Shore Riverfront Park, with an instructor on hand to help, no matter what range of expertise. During the journey, catch and release a variety of fish along the Allegheny River including bass, carp and catfish. www.visitpittsburgh.com
