Are you looking for a great fishing vacation for yourself or with friends or family? Turn your fishing boat into a family getaway and head off to one of these 15 best fishing vacations across the country.
1. Destin, FL
Let’s start in Florida, the home state of Crevalle Boats. Destin is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts and their families. What will you catch? The possibilities range inshore from speckled trout, redfish, and sheephhead. If you venture out into the Gulf, you might catch cobia, mackerel, pompano, or our namesake fish, the jack crevalle. In addition to fishing, Destin boasts beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and more.
Visit Destin’s official tourism website to learn more and plan your fishing vacation.
2. Hawks Cay Resort, FL
If you want to stay in Florida, Hawks Cay is another great fishing vacation. A highly-rated resort located on an island between Miami and Key West, Hawks Cay offers a variety of fishing opportunities all year long. Catch game fish such as tarpon, red fish, bonefish, permit, and snook. Or, head farther out to sea for mahi mahi and swordfish. The resort also offers a full range of amenities including restaurants, a saltwater lagoon, swimming pools, clubs for kids and teens, and a spa.
Visit the Hawks Cay Resort website to learn more and plan your trip.
3. Savannah, GA
A coastal city cordering a variety of bodies of water, Savannah offers both inshore and offshore fishing experiences. Additionally, you can enjoy watersports such as kayaking, jet skis, parasailing, and more. Take a break from the water to sightsee in the historic district.
Visit Savannah’s official tourism website to learn more and plan your fishing trip.
4. Grand Isle, LA
This peaceful oasis is located on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy inshore and farther offshore fishing opportunities to catch reds, grouper, amberjack, red snapper, mackerel, and cobia. If you want to enjoy other activities, you can go hiking or sunbathe on the beach.
Visit Grand Isle’s official tourism website to learn more and plan your trip.
5. Eureka Springs, AR
A city in the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs boasts beautiful architecture, a wildlife preserve, and the natural springs the city is named after. Go trout fishing on one of the city’s several “water holes” such as White River, Table Rock Lake, King River, Buffalo River, Black Bass Lake, or Lake Leatherwood.
Visit the Eureka Springs official tourism website to learn more and plan your fishing vacation.
6. Chetola Resort, NC
Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock is a 78-acre resort next to a 3,500-acre National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Orvis-certified guides can lead you to the best trout waters and fly fishing experiences. The resort also offers modern amenities and lodging.
Visit the Chetola Resort website to learn more and plan your trip.
7. Black Hills, SD
This mountain range is becoming more popular as a fishing destination. You can hire a guide or rent a boat in the summer, as well as enjoying ice fishing in the winter. The potential catch includes trout, walleye, yellow perch, crappie, and bluegill, just to name a few of the 100 different types of fish native to South Dakota.
Visit the Black Hills official tourism website to learn more and plan your trip.
8. Bear Lake State Park, Idaho
Located in Southeastern Idaho, on Bear Lake, you can catch rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, tiger muskie, and walleye. Follow Fisherman’s trail to enjoy beautiful scenery and find the best fishing spots. You can also enjoy other outdoor activities such as horse riding, archery, and swimming.
Visit Bear Lake State Park’s website to learn more and plan your fishing vacation.
9. Broadmoor Fly Fishing Camp, CO
This Orvis-endorsed private fly fishing retreat is located along the Tarryall River. Enjoy some of the best fishing experiences in Colorado under the guidance of a professional guide. Catch wild brown, brook, cutthroat, and rainbow trout before returning to the Main Lodge for meals and relaxation.
Visit the Broadmoor Fly Fishing website to learn more and plan your trip.
10. Lewes, DE
A beach town on the Atlantic ocean, Lewes offers family fun, relaxation, and great fishing. Popular catches include mahi, black seabass, and striped bass. Nearby Rehoboth Beach offers shopping and a boardwalk experience.
Visit the Lewes official tourism website to learn more and plan your trip.
11. Lake Placid, NY
Also featured in our list of top lakes for boaters to explore, Lake Placid is a village and lake in the Adirondack Mountains. You can stay right on the lake and enjoy an abundance of fish such as bass, perch, and lake trout. You can even have a chef serve your fresh catch for dinner along with a vegetable and starch to round out the meal.
Visit Lake Placid’s tourism website to learn more and plan your fishing trip.
12. Cape Cod, MA
Popular for its beaches, bays, and lighthouses, Cape Cod is also a top-notch fishing destination. Catch striped bass around the shoreline or take a short boat ride to find black sea bass, cod, halibut, haddock, or pollock.
Visit Cape Cod’s tourism website to learn more and plan your trip.
13. San Diego, CA
Home to the world’s largest sport fishing fleet, San Diego also offers beaches and great attractions. With year-round temperatures averaging in the 70s, you can come anytime for saltwater and freshwater fishing.
Visit San Diego’s tourism website to learn more and plan your trip.
14. Honolulu, HI
A highly desirable vacation spot in its own right, Honolulu also offers world-class big game fishing. Stick close to shore for snapper and other reef species. Or, go further out to chase big game fish like Mahi Mahi. You can rent your own fishing boat or take a fishing tour.
Visit Hawaii’s tourism website to learn more and plan your fishing vacation.
15. Ketchikan, AK
Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan also offers a rich cultural experience and beautiful wilderness. Experience the legendary King and Silver Salmon run or try your hand at halibut, lingcod, rockfish, and more.
Visit Ketchikan’s tourism website to learn more and plan your trip.
Find The Perfect Boat For Your Fishing Vacation
Which fishing destination on this list will you try first? Whichever location you choose, having the right boat can make all the difference. Build your perfect boat and upgrade from a standard fishing boat to a family-friendly hybrid model. Include these fun boat accessories to make your fishing boat even more family-friendly. Find your nearest Crevalle dealer to get started.
Looking for more great boating destinations? Check out these 10 lakes for boaters to explore!