When you start planning that next family vacation, you may want to include a day or two on the water. Nothing adds to a family vacation on the coast like taking everyone out for a day or two of spring break fishing.
Fishing is a great way to bond with the spouse and kids, and being able to take home some delicious fish is an added benefit.
Below are five great spring break fishing destinations to consider when planning a beach vacation if you want to include world-class fishing.
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas has long been known as a top Spring Break tourist destination. This resort city on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula offers just about everything for the outdoor enthusiast, along with countless beachfront resorts and hotels. The area is known for its amazing beaches, water-based activities, fine restaurants and fun-filled nightlife.
The area also offers incredible offshore spring break fishing, some of the best in the world. In fact, it is home to one of the largest billfishing tournaments in the world each year. To the north is the Sea of Cortez, which also offers action-packed offshore fishing plus incredible inshore fishing opportunities including tuna and roosterfish.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica should also make the short list when it comes to planning a spring break fishing vacation. This Central America country offers four-star resorts and miles of white sand beaches. Activities for everyone such as surfing, diving, snorkeling, white water rafting, eco tours, shopping and nightlife are all readily available. Costa Rica is also home to some incredible offshore fishing for blue and black marlin, Pacific sailfish and other pelagic species.
The remote Caribbean side of the country, while more remote and undeveloped, is home to a myriad of freshwater jungle rivers that spill into the Atlantic. These waters are home to some of the best tarpon fishing in the world. Nothing is quite as thrilling as battling a 100-pound or larger silver king!
Florida
Florida is always a top vacation destination for those wanting to stay a little closer to home. Whether it’s the Florida Keys or the Atlantic or Gulf coast, there are plenty of locations and activities to choose from in the Sunshine State. For those looking to spend a day or two spring break fishing, the Keys are home to one of the largest migrations of tarpon in the spring and summer, while the Everglades running up the Gulf Coast offers incredible backcountry fishing for snook, redfish, tarpon and a host of other gamefish. Let’s not forget the freshwater fishing opportunities inland. Some of the best largemouth bass fishing anywhere is found on the many lakes just a short distance from Disney World.
Bahamas
The Bahamas are an easy hop from most major airports along the east coast. The capital city of Nassau on New Providence Island as well as Freeport on Grand Bahama offer incredible beachfront resorts and activities for all ages. However, it is some of the smaller “out islands” such as Abaco, Exuma, Andros and Long Island that can offer more of an intimate setting and vacation.
If you’re seeking more of a private vacation, these smaller islands are a step back in time. Smaller boutique hotels and private houses and villas can often be rented on incredible beaches. The Bahamas is also home to some of the best bonefishing in the Caribbean. Do yourself a favor and take a day or two to explore with a local guide and pursue the “gray ghost” of the flats.
New Orleans
New Orleans is another excellent choice for those looking to stay a little closer to home. With great weather and everything from Mardi Gras in February to Jazz Fest in April, Cajun eats, river cruises and historic tours, there’s always plenty to do in this culture-filled city. A little more than an hour south of Bourbon Street lies the redfish capital of the world. The Mississippi River Delta and vast marshes of southwest Louisiana is home to the finest fishing for trophy redfish anywhere, not to mention world-class offshore fishing for yellowfin tuna.
To learn more about one of these destinations, contact the experts at Worldwide Trophy Adventures (WTA), the preferred booking agent of Cabela’s and a proud partner of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance. WTA’s professional staff can handle all aspects of your trip from initial consultation, detailed pre-trip planning, airline travel, trip cancellation insurance and much more. Plus, their services are free of charge. It costs you no more to book a trip through them than it does booking direct with the lodge or guide. In fact, they will save you time and money.