Spencer Schar is an alumnus of Elon University and the University of Central Florida who enjoys kayaking and bass fishing at the lakes in his local area. This article will provide an overview of some of the finest fishing destinations around the world and the exciting and enticing species that can be found there.
Big Pine Key – Florida, United States
Popular for flat fishing, Big Pine Key is home to plentiful stocks of king mackerel, wahoo, mangrove snapper, and black grouper, as well as being a hotspot for mahi-mahi, permit, tarpon and barracuda. Offering great year-round fishing, there are many charters available locally, with its waters providing a world-class playground that enables visiting anglers to wrestle some of the ocean’s finest game fish.
Known for its dreamlike scenery and tranquil atmosphere, Big Pine Key is the ideal place to visit for some hard-earned rest, offering something for everyone. For those seeking a low-key vacation, it is the ultimate choice, boasting not only great fishing but also some of America’s finest seafood restaurants.
Tierra del Fuego – Argentina
Well off the beaten path, Tierra del Fuego is a bucket list destination for anglers and non-anglers alike. Sitting on the Argentinian side of Patagonia, which stretches across the southern tip of South America, it is shared by both Argentina and Chile. While both sides are spectacular, the Argentinian side is especially enticing for anglers.
Tierra del Fuego is one of the precious few places in the world where sea trout run from inland waters to the open sea to hunt – specifically around the Rio Grande, where specimens are larger and stronger than the average trout and put up a much more lively fight.
Punta Cana – Dominican Republic
The Caribbean is home to numerous spectacular fishing spots, with Punta Cana ranking highly on the list. Home to Dorado, tuna, wahoo, sailfish, and swordfish, blue marlin are also found in these waters, making fishing expeditions that bit more exciting.
Presenting the ultimate exotic angling adventure, fishing in Punta Cana’s azure waters is an unforgettable experience, with the stunning landscape and swaying palms culminating in a picture-postcard tropical paradise. With a temperate climate year-round ranging from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, Punta Cana has it all, from barracuda and triggerfish to parrotfish and snook. Several IGFA records have been established and broken here, with the “Jewel of the Caribbean” presenting all of the trappings of a dream-come-true fishery.
Columbia River – Oregon, United States
Creating a natural border between Washington and Oregon before emptying into the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia River is one of the best coastal fishing grounds in the western United States. Although the river extends much further north, seasoned local anglers suggest that the best fishing spots are located just east of Portland, below Bonneville Dam.
Well upstream in the coastal estuaries, impressive populations of king salmon, chum salmon, and coho salmon thrive, putting up a fight to test even the most experienced angler. In fall, chinook salmon are a popular target, with giant sturgeon of over 10 feet landing here from time to time, although this species is strictly catch-and-release.
Tahuayo River – Peru
The mighty Amazon Bason is home to more than a thousand species of fish, making it one of the world’s best angling destinations. Running through Peru, the Tahuayo River is a tributary of the Amazon River that boasts ample stocks of peacock bass and giant catfish.
In Peru, fishing is as old as human habitation itself. Here, fishermen from the ancient Moche and Chimu civilizations would sail to sea in rudimentary vessels made of reeds to make their catch. It is said that fresh fish from the Pacific Ocean was a firm favourite of Incan royalty, even though they lived more than 600 miles from the ocean, forcing them to rely on a well-established system of runners to supply their fish. Indeed, fish remains a huge part of Peruvian culture and cuisine to this day, which is unsurprising given the quality, huge variety, and sheer quantity available in the country.
Bighorn River – Montana, United States
No guide to the world’s finest fishing spots would be complete without a mention of Montana, which is home to some of the best freshwater fishing locations in the world. Remote and difficult to access, the Bighorn River presents unparalleled opportunities to fish in pristine conditions, landing scores of fish. The main attraction of fishing the Bighorn is its profuse populations of rainbow and brown trout, which can be caught on the fly from the riverbank or by boat.
Running through the Crow Indian Reservation, which is private land, the river has just three public access points. Because of this, most people who fish the Bighorn River bring a boat or rent one locally and float down the river, stopping at various fishing holes along the way. Nevertheless, provided anglers stay below the high-water mark, they are free to walk the banks and wade fishing too.