With each new year come fresh angling opportunities and fisheries to explore. And as is, by now, a yearly tradition for us at FishingBooker, we welcome the upcoming season by putting together a list of the best fishing cities in the US. So if you’re searching for your next vacation destination and a place to wet your line, we hope some of our picks inspire you.
We’ve gone coast to coast – and beyond – to select cities where we know the angling is going to be hot. Whether you’re a fly angler or a deep sea thrill-seeker, there’s sure to be a destination on our list that will likely appeal to you. So when you’re ready, dive into the article with us!
Destin, FL
For most saltwater anglers around the US, Destin really needs no introduction. The quality of fishing this small Floridian city offers is simply legendary. Destin has been an angling hub since its inception in the mid-19th century. And the waters of the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” remain just as amazingly productive to this day.
Destin’s advantage compared to other destinations on the Gulf Coast is that the waters off its shores get deep fast. So if you’re looking to catch Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, and other pelagics, you’ll save travel time launching from here. On the way offshore, you’ll also come across plenty of great reef fishing spots. There, you’ll get to reel in tasty Snapper, Grouper, and more.
With all this said, the coastal fishing grounds hold many prizes as well. The Choctawhatchee Bay is home to Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, and many other inshore favorites. The bite is good throughout the year, and the waters are typically calmer than in the Gulf. So if you’re bringing the family along, fishing the bay is an excellent choice.
While angling is definitely one of the main reasons for folks to come to Destin, the city is fun even on its own. Its beaches are made of soft, white sand, perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, and spending time with friends or loved ones. Meanwhile, you’ll find different shops, restaurants, and plenty of entertainment along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. For a small city, Destin has a lot going for it.
Galveston, TX
Situated on its namesake island, Galveston is the beating heart of the saltwater fishing scene in Texas. It lies only an hour southeast of Houston, making it a destination of choice both for Lone Star State residents and vacationers who fly in. With a varied mix of entertainment and stellar fishing, Galveston was an easy pick for our list of best fishing cities.
The action begins as soon as you hit the waters. The Galveston Bay and surrounding coastal grounds are home to numerous fish. These include the likes of Redfish, Black Drum, Flounder, Speckled Trout, and Sharks. Like elsewhere along the Gulf Coast, inshore fishing is a year-round endeavor, and there’s always something biting.
Deeper in the Gulf, you’ll encounter Kingfish, along with reefs full of Grouper and Snapper, Cobia, and other delicious fish. Head 30 miles offshore or more, and you’ll get to hunt for Mahi Mahi, Amberjack, Wahoo, and jumbo Red Snapper, all depending on when you visit.
When it comes to other activities, we recommend making your way to the Moody Gardens. It’s an incredibly cool place, with pyramid aquariums housing different types of Sharks. Of course, you can also spend your time relaxing on the beach or at any of the local restaurants. And if you’re into kayaking or bird watching, head on over to Galveston Island State Park.
Honolulu, HI
Angling has been integral to the Hawaiian people since ancient times, helping islanders survive and thrive. While fishing has since evolved into a popular sport, the knowledge of the waters and traditional techniques have been passed down through generations. Honolulu stands as a prime example of this legacy, serving as the gateway to some of the most legendary fishing adventures on the planet.
The waters you’ll have access to from Honolulu are, simply put, epic. Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna – or Ahi as they call them locally – as well as Wahoo all call these fishing grounds their home. In fact, Hawaii plays host to some of the biggest Blue Marlin in the seas!
Of course, there’s plenty of other fish to catch besides the pelagics we mentioned. The underwater reefs provide a habitat for different types of Wrasse, Snapper, Jobfish, Jacks, and Triggerfish – including the famous Humuhumunukunukuāpua’a. Yes, that’s the name of the Hawaiian state fish, the Reef Triggerfish as it’s commonly known. But since it’s a fairly small fish, it’s rarely purposely targeted or sought as food.
With emerald waters crashing against its shores and a striking mountain range encircling the city, Honolulu’s surroundings are a sight to behold. So if you’re looking for tips on where to spend your time, why not do it in nature? Trek to the iconic Diamond Head volcano cone, go snorkeling with turtles, or hike up to the Mānoa Falls. Of course, if you prefer to stay in the city, you’ll find all kinds of entertainment, cool venues, and places to explore.
Virginia Beach, VA
Situated where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic, Virginia Beach is one of the most premier vacation spots on the East Coast. It’s a destination that’s popular for multiple reasons – one being the absolutely gorgeous beaches. However, Virginia Beach is also amazing for fishing, precisely because it has access to both the bay and the ocean.
To cover the inshore waters first, the Chesapeake Bay exit and the CBBT offer excellent action minutes from shore. The same applies if you cast your line along the ocean coast, whether from a boat or the beach. Some of the fish you might catch in these waters include Striped Bass, Red Drum, Tautog, Flounder, Bluefish, and Cobia.
And we haven’t even mentioned offshore fishing and the Gulf Stream. There, you’ll get to challenge some of the toughest game fish in existence. Blue Marlin, giant Bluefin Tuna and their Yellowfin cousins, Wahoo, and Mahi Mahi are all possible targets depending on the season. For the most variety, we recommend planning an offshore trip in the summer.
The Virginia Beach oceanfront stretches for 35 miles of sparkling sand. Along it, you’ll find a promenade lined with resorts, bars, restaurants, and other exciting venues. There’s also an aquarium in the city, just in case fishing wasn’t enough for you. Finally, we recommend visiting the Military Aviation Museum which houses the world’s largest collection of warbirds in flying conditions.
Brick Township, NJ
We know it’s technically not a city, but what’s important is that the fishing is good, right? And that’s definitely true for Brick Township. Positioned on the Jersey Shore, this township, along with the nearby Point Pleasant, offers a true East Coast angling experience.
What that involves is, first of all, fantastic Striper fishing – or Rockfish, as they’re called locally. In these waters, you’ll find Striped Bass both in excellent numbers and in good sizes. Additionally, there’s a range of other species such as Tautog, Bluefish, Flounder, and Black Seabass that you’ll get to catch close to shore.
Deeper in the Atlantic Ocean, the list of potential targets grows longer and the fish get much, much bigger. Bluefin Tuna visit the New Jersey waters between mid-spring and fall, giving you a lengthy season to wrestle the beasts. During summertime, they’re joined by Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Marlin, as well as fierce Mako and Thresher Sharks.
For some non-fishing entertainment, make your way down to Point Pleasant Beach. There, you’ll find the Jenkinsons Boardwalk, an oceanfront amusement park packed with different rides, arcades, food stops, an aquarium, and more. It’s a great place to explore, especially if you’re bringing the kids along.
Biloxi, MS
Tucked away on Mississippi’s “Secret Coast,” Biloxi is known for its luxurious casinos and resorts. However, when it comes to fishing, there’s hardly any gambling involved since Biloxi’s waters are seriously productive. With a healthy mix of action close to shore and in the Gulf of Mexico, this city is a solid starting point for a fishing vacation.
Inshore, you can expect a fairly standard lineup of Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Black Drum, among others. We say “standard,” but these fish are all supremely fun to catch and delicious to eat. Tarpon also visit the coastal waters during the summer, giving you a chance at wrestling the infamous “Silver Kings.”
Embark on a longer trip, and you’ll get to fish sunken wrecks that house delicious Snapper and Grouper. King and Spanish Mackerel are also seasonally available within a few miles of shore, while venturing even deeper into the Gulf will put you on Amberjack, Tuna, Marlin, and more. Just get ready for a full day trip if you’re itching to target the last few fish we named.
We’ve mentioned that Biloxi is a good spot if you’d like to try your luck at the casinos or get pampered at a resort. But the city’s beaches and Deer Island which lies just off the coast will serve you well if you’re looking for a more outdoorsy experience. Hop on a boat tour to visit the island, or paddle to it on a kayak to explore it solo.
Memphis, TN
Memphis is a music history mecca, with some of the most famous musicians in America originating from the “Home of the Blues.” It’s the place where Johnny Cash, B.B. King, and Elvis Presley kicked off their careers, forever cementing themselves and the city as cornerstones of music culture. But we’re here for fishing, right? Luckily, Memphis offers plenty of that, too.
The city lies on the Mississippi River, which is an amazing fishery all on its own. It’s home to hulking Catfish that often exceed 50 pounds in weight, with rare specimens reaching 100 pounds and more. Fight one of these giants and you’re guaranteed to feel it in your muscles the next day.
Besides the river, there are also numerous lakes both in the city and within an hour’s drive that offer fantastic angling. If you don’t want to get too far away from Memphis, you can pay to fish at Catchem Lakes and reel in Crappie and Bass. Or you can cross into Mississippi, an hour south, and fish oxbow lakes such as Tunica or Moon Lake. These house huge Carp, Gar, Catfish, and more.
To circle back to music history, one of the venues you can visit in Memphis is the home of Elvis Presley – Graceland. It’s been remodeled into a museum covering the entire career of the legendary musician. There’s also the Stax Museum, where some of the most popular artists of the 60s used to record their music. Finally, there’s the National Civil Rights Museum which traces the history of the civil rights movement from the 17th century to the present.
Detroit, MI
Another city with an intriguing background, Detroit blends its industrial roots and automotive history with diverse culture and music. But throughout all the changes, the Detroit River has been a constant, playing an important role in both the economy of the city and the everyday life of its residents.
The river is a hugely popular site for recreation in Detroit, including fishing. Its waters are a stage for one of the largest Walleye runs in the world, typically taking place in spring. At that time of year, an incredible number of these fish pass through the river, just about guaranteeing a catch.
But if you venture upriver and into Lake St. Clair, you’re in for even more fun. The lake is one of the best Smallmouth Bass fisheries in the world, with some of the largest Smallies on average – and in amazing numbers, too. There are also Muskellunge prowling about, in case you want to test your skills and patience against the “fish of 10,000 casts.”
If you’re looking for a recommendation for other things to do in Detroit, trust us and head straight for the Henry Ford Museum. Besides being an amazingly cool place, it also showcases an integral part of the history of the city, bringing you that much closer to understanding what Detroit is all about. Similarly, the Motown Museum will give you an insight into the music culture of the city and its famous sons and daughters such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Gladys Knight.
Fort Collins, CO
Situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins is a lively city standing as a gateway to some of the most stunning nature in America. And since it’s surrounded by lakes, reservoirs, and ponds, Fort Collins is also a fantastic place to cast your line.
By “surrounded,” we mean that there are over a dozen different waters you can fish in very close to the city. Horsetooth Reservoir, for example, offers great Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and Trout fishing minutes from downtown. To add to that, there are 16 other natural areas where you can enjoy some angling. Check them all out on the official Fort Collins website.
If you have time for a road trip, the South Platte River is another fishery that’s simply exquisite. In it, you’ll find beautiful Rainbow, Brown, and Cutthroat Trout. The river lies about an hour from Fort Collins, making it a suitable destination for day trips.
With many breweries scattered throughout Fort Collins, you’re sure to like the place if beer is your drink of choice. In fact, the city is the largest producer of craft beer in the state! Couple this with several exciting venues offering live music, and you’ll have a party going. Of course, if you’re not the party type, the great outdoors still awaits, with different trails, hills, and mountains to explore.
Provo, UT
Provo is a destination that’s all about the outdoors. Positioned between the towering peaks of Y Mountain and the tranquil waters of Utah Lake, it’s a city that’s always held nature close to its heart. And with all that, it comes naturally that there’s also fantastic angling in this part of the “Beehive State.”
Utah Lake will give you a shot at catching Catfish, Carp, Walleye, as well as Northern Pike which are considered invasive. But most anglers, especially fly fishermen, prefer to turn to the Provo River and explore its bountiful waters for Rainbow, Brown, and Cutthroat Trout.
The Provo River features some of the finest fishing in the state, and it’s easily accessible from its namesake city. The river is marked as a Blue Ribbon fishery, reserved only for destinations of extremely high fishing quality. The best time to cast your line in these wonderful waters is anywhere from spring through fall.
As you explore the Provo River Canyon for fish, make sure to check out the epic Bridal Veil Falls. Closer to Provo itself, there’s a great hiking trail that goes up the Y Mountain where you can get a panoramic view of the city. In terms of traditional entertainment, bars, and restaurants, you’ll have more options in nearby Salt Lake City. But if you’re just looking to enjoy the grand outdoors, Provo will make for a good starting point.
Spokane, WA
Nestled in the heart of the Inland Northwest, Spokane is a city surrounded by pure wilderness. Whether it’s the rushing Spokane River, the serene nearby lakes, or the gentle mountain peaks on the horizon, there’s a breathtaking view wherever you look. And if you decide to cast your line in this region, you’ll discover that it’s home to a treasure trove of fish.
The reason why we included Spokane on our list of best fishing cities is that there are so many different waters you can fish here. For starters, there’s the Spokane River that flows through the city and joins the Columbia River roughly an hour west. Along these fishing grounds, you can expect to catch Brown, Cutthroat, and Rainbow Trout, as well as Smallmouth Bass.
Other options include a number of lakes within a short drive from the city. To name a few, there’s Badger Lake, Eloika Lake, Long Lake, Liberty Lake, and Franklin D Roosevelt Lake, located a bit further from the city, on the Columbia River. Each of these waters is teeming with fish, Smallmouth Bass and Trout being the prime targets.
As for other sights to see, Riverfront Park and its falls are where more visitors start. See the striking falls from shore or take a gondola and ride over them. After that, the downtown and all its artisan shops, restaurants, and other venues await. Spokane mixes urban and outdoor charm really well, and it’s sure to provide you with loads of things to do.
San Diego, CA
We may have saved San Diego for last, but this city is arguably the hottest fishing destination on the West Coast. In fact, the quality of angling in this part of SoCal has been so consistently amazing that it’s made our list of the best fishing cities in the US for the third time, having been featured in 2022 and 2023 previously.
So what makes San Diego so great for anglers? First of all, the local bays themselves have a lot to offer. In them, anglers frequently catch Leopard Sharks, Corvina, Sand Bass, Croakers, and Rays.
Of course, once you head deeper into the Pacific, the Southern California fishery really begins to shine. The main hotspots are found near Catalina and San Clemente Islands, where you’ll get to hook into Yellowtail, Tuna, Sheepshead, White Seabass, Rockfish, and many other species. There’s also the option of crossing into Mexican waters and fishing the majestic Coronado Islands.
When it comes to the city itself, San Diego is just as awesome as the fishing it offers. There are countless places to see and visit. However, if we had to pick a few, then definitely don’t miss the zoo, Balboa Park, the USS Midway Museum, and La Jolla Beach. And make sure to find a spot to watch the sunset over the ocean at the end of the day. Thank us later!
All Aboard for New Adventures!
And that wraps up our list! We hope the cities we featured sparked your curiosity and maybe even inspired your next getaway. Of course, there are countless other amazing spots we could have highlighted, but that’s the beauty of fishing – it’s a journey of discovery. America’s waters are full of incredible opportunities, often closer than you realize. So grab your gear, plan your trip, and make 2025 the year your angling dreams come true!
How did you enjoy this year’s list? What city would you like us to feature next time around? Let us know in the comments below, or, if you’re looking for more inspiration, read the previous year’s article.
The post Best Fishing Cities in the US for 2025 appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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