By Jessica Thiefels
The U.S. is home to world-renowned deep-sea fishing destinations that anglers attempt to check off their bucket lists year after year, from the Pacific to the Atlantic. If you’re one of those anglers looking for an experience to remember, you’re in luck. Whether you’re looking for remote, unique fishing destinations or big-name tourist towns, there’s a little something for everyone.
In no particular order, these eight deep-sea fishing spots in the US should be on your bucket list.
1. Kona, HI
Often referred to as the sport fishing capital of the Pacific, the Big Island in Hawaii is the perfect destination for deep-sea adventures. Geography plays a part in protecting the shores of Kona from less than ideal fishing conditions, with five huge mountain masses shielding the wind.
As a result, the waters are calm and the weather is beautiful. In addition, the slope of the shoreline is incredibly steep so you don’t have to go far offshore to catch tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo and several species of shark.
Check out: Seawife Charters, which offers private and group charters.
2. Destin, FL
Known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”, Destin is a very popular destination for tourists and anglers alike. The emerald green waters are close in proximity to the East Pass and Gulf of Mexico, making it prime fishing territory for a range of species including cobia, amberjack and swordfish. While summer is typically the busiest season, The Destin Fishing Rodeo in October is a highlight of the fall season.
Check out: Charter Fishing Destin caters to veteran angels as well as beginners, with tours ranging 15-80 miles offshore.
3. Seattle, WA
Situated between two mountain ranges, Seattle is home to desirable fishing conditions and a temperate climate year-round. The world-famous Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan De Fuca and of course the Pacific Ocean are great for catching halibut, numerous varieties of salmon and rockfish.
Check out: All Star Charters, which takes groups fishing on the Puget Sound.
4. Galveston, TX
Galveston is the top destination year-round for anglers in Texas because of its location on the Gulf of Mexico. The beaches, jetties, piers and reefs provide numerous locations to fish for a variety of species including flounder, cobia and sharks. Pelican Island in particular is known for it’s sandy flats and excellent fishing for redfish, trout and flounder.
Check out: Get Hooked Fishing Charter, recommended on TripAdvisor.
5. Montauk, NY
One of the most popular fishing locations north of Florida is Montauk, NY. Each year, from May to October, massive schools of fish, mostly striped bass, migrate from the Long Island Sound up to Maine. While most of the fishing can be done from the shore, Montauk has easy access to offshore canyons where big tuna and other deep-water species can be caught.
Check out: Viking Fleet, a company that also offers whale-watching tours.
6. Outer Banks, NC
Much like Montauk, the Outer Banks off the cost of North Carolina are a saltwater anglers’ paradise for some of the most productive fisheries in the U.S. Hatteras Island is the easternmost point on the Atlantic Coast (south of Delaware) and acts as a highway for fish moving up the coast via the Gulf Stream. Ideal fishing months for yellowfin tuna, wahoo and sailfish are April through June.
Check out: Hatteras Island Marina for charters, accommodations and more.
7. The Florida Keys, FL
The Florida Keys is at the top of every serious angler’s bucket list. Arguably the best salt-water hot-spot in all of North America, the crystal clear waters and tropical weather year round provides an experience like none other. Whether you prefer to fish on the Atlantic side or the Gulf side, fishing never stops in the keys.
Check out: Fish Florida Keys for charters and other boat rentals.
8. Bristol Bay, AK
The largest natural salmon migration in the world takes place off the coast of southwest Alaska. While it’s the shallowest part of the Bering Sea, a number of fresh-water rivers flow into Bristol Bay making it a prime hot spot for catching king, pink, sockeye and chum salmon. Rainbow Trout up to 18 pounds can be found in the surrounding bay drainages.
Check out: Bristol Bay Sportfishing and Adventure lodge if you’re looking for experience, tradition and Alaskan hospitality.
BIO: Jessica Thiefels has been writing for more than 10 years and is currently a lifestyle blogger. She’s written for Reader’s Digest, AARP, Shape and when she’s not writing she’s traveling wherever she can, from the South West to Europe. Follow her on Twitter @Jlsander07.
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