If you’re an avid fisherman, you probably don’t care to stick with the same fishing hole all your life. It’s not that it’s apt to run out of fish; they’ll keep coming.
But part of the appeal of fishing is the adventure and the scenery. You may prefer to explore more of the world. If you’re tired of hitting the same spots on freshwater streams and rivers, maybe it’s time to venture onto the open ocean.
This pursuit is not for the casual angler. You’ll need a heavy-duty boat on which you can comfortably stay the night, such as a trawler yacht.
Each trip may be lengthy or have to navigate difficult waters. Reserving the right vessel to take you around will make all the difference to your success and enjoyment.
If you’re up for the challenge, here are six deep-sea fishing destinations that are well worth visiting.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Recognized by its iconic sandstone formations along the coast, Cabo San Lucas, off the southernmost edge of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, is renowned for its excellent fishing grounds.
You’ll see dozens of sport fishermen in trawler yachts and speedboats enjoying the rich catches in this region. This area is best known for wahoo, billfish, marlin, and tuna.
Best of all, you have to go only a few miles off the coast to find schools that contain thousands of fish. It’s perfect for a quick trip so you can return to port and also enjoy the infamous nightlife of Cabo.
Phuket, Thailand
The Andaman Sea shelter off the coast of Phuket boasts a wide variety of fish waiting to be caught. You’ll find tuna, queenfish, marlin, giant trevally, catfish, carp, sea bass, and barbs. Small isn’t a word in the Phuket fisherman’s vocabulary, either.
The region’s lovely climate makes for pleasant trips all year round; this is one of the major draws for anglers. If you want to hit the highest populations of fish, however, you should visit during July and October.
Cape Town, South Africa
It should be no surprise that Cape Town is a popular destination for sport fisherman. The fishing is one of the chief reason that tourists come here, alongside the gorgeous beaches and vibrant culture.
If you sail 20 to 40 miles out from the city, you’ll encounter a diverse ecosystem of huge fish varieties. Angling in this region could mean you’ll bring home the largest tuna you’ve ever seen.
Victoria, Australia
Shark hunters will have the best luck in Victoria. Swimmers are warned to avoid sections of the coast here due to the vast variety and numbers of shark species that frequent the waters.
It’s not uncommon for anglers to reel in a great hammerhead, blue shark, bronze whaler shark, gummy shark, or common thresher. There have even been tales of a captured Great White.
Fishing isn’t a breeze here. Not only will the large prey require a steady line to reel it in, but the waters of Bass Strait are infamously rough. You’ll need a large, solid boat to avoid toppling into the shark-infested waters.
Bimini, Bahamas
Everyone’s favorite island vacation is also home to massive fish that are just waiting for an experienced sportsman to bring them home. Since it’s located just 50 minutes south of Miami, you don’t have to go far from the Lower 48 to catch a mutton snapper, black grouper, or yellowtail snapper.
The water is so clear in this region, you’ll often see the fish approaching before they nibble on your line. The experience is truly magical.
Graham and Langara Islands, North Pacific Ocean
This fishing trip will be cold, but the vistas will be worth it. As you coast through the waters of these North Pacific islands, you’ll be surrounded by forested slopes, craggy cliff edges, and stunning greenery. Besides the breathtaking albeit chilly views, you’ll be fishing in some of the most fertile seas of the Pacific.
This is a little-known destination that’s difficult to get to. You have to boat or fly to the islands, but the advantage is that you’ll encounter very little competition in the water. You’ll mostly catch salmon when the typically blue water is tinged pink by schools of the saltwater form of this fish.
You might also bring home a 50-pound trophy chinook or hook a coho or Pacific halibut. This destination could be one for your bucket list!
Went on a fishing charter in the North Pacific before – it was quite the experience. Just be sure to dress warm and you’ll love every second.