Everyone has that must-happen fishing trip burning away at the back of their mind. For some, it’s a remote, icy stream with nothing but the soft swish of a fly line for company. Others imagine reels screaming under the strain of a 1,000 lb monster. Whatever it is, it’s the thing you spend your life working toward. The reason to keep improving your game. But among so many bucket list fishing spots, where do you start? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you out. We’ve put together what we think are the ultimate bucket list adventures around the world. The spots are as varied as the target species, but they all have one thing in common – that once-in-a-lifetime catch that many anglers dream of but only a few see come true.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover the ultimate bucket list fishing destinations that offer unforgettable experiences.
- Explore diverse freshwater fishing species in remote and scenic locations.
- Create memories with trophy fish catches in the best freshwater fishing spots.
- Embark on an adventure to check off your fishing bucket list with these top fishing locations.
- Experience the thrill of landing your dream catch in the world’s best freshwater fishing destinations.
Turneffe Atoll, Belize
Sitting 20 miles off the coast of Belize City, Turneffe Atoll is a fishing destination that should be on every angler’s bucket list. This remote location is renowned for its incredible fishing opportunities, particularly for bonefish, permit, and tarpon.
Bonefish Haven
Turneffe Atoll is considered one of the world’s top bonefish fisheries, making it a perfect place to test your skills or experience the thrill of catching your first bonefish. The atoll is teeming with bonefish, with plenty of medium-sized ones and larger, battle-hardened bones to challenge even the most seasoned anglers.
Permit Paradise
Although Belize is known for its permit fishing, Turneffe Atoll takes it to another level. The atoll is home to a massive permit population, averaging 10–20 pounds in size. If you’re lucky, you may even hook into a permit weighing over 30 pounds. The flats around Turneffe Atoll offer year-round opportunities to chase these coveted fish.
Tarpon Thrills
Turneffe Atoll is not just about bonefish and permit. It is also a hot spot for tarpon fishing. Smaller tarpon can be found in the channels and lagoons throughout the year. However, during the summer months, the atoll becomes a Tarpon playground as numerous silver kings ranging from 10 pounds to massive 150-pound giants migrate through the area.
Whether you’re an avid angler seeking a new challenge or a beginner looking to catch your first fish, Turneffe Atoll in Belize offers a fishing experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Mississippi River Delta, Louisiana
When many people think of bucket list fishing trips, they imagine an alien land of winding waters and huge, colorful fish. What people generally don’t realize is that this watery wonderland might be closer than they think. In fact, it’s just a short hop south from the bright lights of New Orleans! Entering Louisiana’s Mississippi River Delta is like stepping into another world. This is a place ruled by fish, where skilled captains and experienced anglers are both put to the test.
The kings of these waters are Bull Redfish and Gator Speckled Trout – both fish which more than earn their names. American anglers can get so used to catching these monsters that they forget just how awesome they are. Make no mistake, both these guys are world-class game fish that deserve all the respect you’d give Salmon or Tarpon. Take them on in the mouth of Old Man River, and you’re in for an experience you’ll never forget.
Andaman Islands, India
The Andaman Islands are about as picturesque as you can get. Step out of the lush jungle and feel the smooth, yellow sand between your toes. Dive into clean, warm waters to find a world of colorful corals and outlandish fish. It really is that special. Not that you’ll have time to notice any of that. You’ll be on a small boat a mile or two out, locked in the fight of your life with a monster Giant Trevally. GTs are the bullies of the reef, and their fighting power has earned them a loyal following all over the world. The Andaman Islands are home to some of the biggest and meanest ones out there. They’re not alone, either. You’ve also got Dogtooth Tuna, super-sized Grouper, and Coral Trout, as colorful as the reefs themselves. These waters hide beauty and marvel you’ll hardly find anywhere else, and it’s a true sight to behold.
Fishing Adventures in the Andaman Islands
The Andaman Islands offer a world of fishing adventures for anglers seeking thrilling catches and stunning surroundings. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect when embarking on a fishing trip in this breathtaking destination:
- Giant Trevally: Lock horns with the powerful and aggressive Giant Trevally, known for its hard-fighting nature and stunning size.
- Dogtooth Tuna: Test your skills against the Dogtooth Tuna, a predatory fish notorious for its speed and strength.
- Grouper: Encounter super-sized Grouper, known to lurk in the deep waters of the Andaman Islands.
- Coral Trout: Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Coral Trout, a visually stunning fish that mirrors the beauty of the reefs.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice seeking an unforgettable fishing adventure, the Andaman Islands in India will captivate you with its natural wonders and provide you with thrilling encounters with some of the ocean’s most amazing creatures.
Bissagos Islands, Guinea-Bissau
Sitting just off the west coast of Africa, the Bissagos Islands are a vast, largely uninhabited archipelago of tidal flats, volcanic rocks, sprawling mangroves, and inland channels. The sea goes from gin clear to dark and murky within wading distance, all fed by the nutrients of four massive river mouths. This is the most important fishery that you’ve probably never heard of. In case you hadn’t guessed, variety is the spice of life on the Bissagos Islands. Love fishing the Gulf of Mexico? Take on Barracuda, Cobia, Tripletail, and an army of giant Jacks. Prefer the South African scene? Try your luck at Leerfish and Kob. Then there are Snapper, Grouper, Ladyfish, Needlefish, and several species of large Sharks. If this sounds like a case of quantity over quality, wait until you meet the area’s signature species: Tarpon. The Tarpon world record was set here at 286 pounds, and 200 pounders are considered average. Admittedly, it’s not a great place to take Tarpon on the fly, but there are also Bonefish and Permit if that’s what you’re after.
| Fishing Grounds | Target Species |
|---|---|
| Gin clear shallows | Bonefish, Permit |
| Volcanic rocks and mangroves | Barracuda, Cobia, Tripletail |
| Inland channels | Tarpon, Snapper, Grouper |
| Massive river mouths | Ladyfish, Needlefish, Sharks |
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Hawaii is one of those places that just seems too good to be true. Impossibly tall mountains with nothing but water for thousands of miles in every direction. Plants and animals you won’t find anywhere else on earth. Best of all? A laid-back vibe that can only come from living in paradise. And what a paradise it is! If Cairns is known for its giant Black Marlin, Kona is synonymous with the behemoth Blue Marlin. You don’t have to travel far to find them, either. Billfish show up just off the beach here – not surprising, considering the seafloor drops 1,000 feet within half a mile of shore. If you somehow get enough of Blue Marlin, there are plenty more monsters to choose from. For starters, there are also Striped and Black Marlin. Then there are Tuna, Swordfish, Spearfish, Wahoo, and Mahi Mahi, not to mention Hawaii’s “Deep Seven” reef species. All that, without ever losing sight of land.
Experience the thrill of fishing for Blue Marlin, Tuna, Swordfish, Wahoo, and Mahi Mahi in the stunning waters of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. With its breathtaking landscape and diverse marine life, this fishing hotspot will captivate both seasoned anglers and novices alike. Whether you’re looking to land a trophy Blue Marlin or explore the vibrant reefs teeming with colorful reef species, Kailua-Kona offers a wealth of fishing opportunities.
Cairns, Australia
The North Queensland coast is a paradise for many reasons. Great weather, friendly people, and of course, easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. Time your trip right, and you can take part in one of the most exciting offshore extravaganzas on the planet: heavy tackle Black Marlin season. The waters off Cairns are spring break central for giant Black Marlin. From September through December, big game anglers pour into town in the hopes of landing a “Grander.” It’s no pipe dream, either. Fish well over 1,000 pounds are caught here every year. No wonder Cairns is one of the most popular bucket list fishing spots among avid deep sea fishers.
The great thing about heavy tackle season is the excitement and sense of adventure that comes with it. Head to a bar in the fishier parts of town and you can’t help but overhear people discussing the day’s catch. Stroll the harbor and the Billfish buzz is intoxicating. Never has one fish made a town so iconic.
Species Found in Cairns:
- Giant Black Marlin
- Tuna
- Swordfish
- Spearfish
- Wahoo
- Mahi Mahi
- Reef Species
| Species | Best Time to Fish | Peak Season |
|---|---|---|
| Giant Black Marlin | Throughout the year | September – December |
| Tuna | April – November | July – September |
| Swordfish | Year-round | November – April |
| Spearfish | Year-round | November – April |
| Wahoo | Year-round | October – December |
| Mahi Mahi | Year-round | November – March |
| Reef Species | Year-round | Year-round |
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Prince Edward Island is a tale of two halves. In the winter, the island gets hit with vicious winds and blinding blizzards that bury the landscape under a thick blanket of snow. Come in the summer, though, and it’s a jolly seaside spot home to the hottest Tuna fishing imaginable.
Most anglers would like a shot at hooking a Bluefin Tuna. They’re huge, they’re tough, and boy are they tasty. From August through October, the waters around Prince Edward Island are full of Bluefin weighing well over 800 pounds. If you’re trying to imagine what that feels like, picture reeling in a racehorse.
Catching Bluefin Tuna is a sensitive issue. The species is just too delicious for its own good, it seems, and global fish stocks are not looking healthy. Because of that, charters in PEI put a strong emphasis on tag and release. This gives scientists a chance to learn more about this incredible fish while anglers enjoy the fight of a lifetime. Win-win!
Watamu, Kenya
Kenya is best known for its open grasslands and wildlife safaris – hardly a place to look for fish. But lions and elephants aren’t the country’s only big game beasts. The Kenyan coast is growing a reputation as one of the best deep sea fishing grounds on the planet.
What makes Watamu so special? Simply put, you can reliably find more Billfish here than just about anywhere else. Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Striped Marlin, Sailfish, Swordfish, and Shortbill Spearfish, to be precise. And it’s not unheard of to see them all in one day. To those in the know, that’s called a Billfish Fantasy Slam. It’s the sportfishing equivalent of winning the lottery while also marrying your high school sweetheart and negotiating world peace. No one has pulled it off in Kenya yet (only one person has done it worldwide), but the country’s sportfishing scene is still coming into its own. Are you up to the challenge?
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Every angler worth their waders dreams of visiting Alaska. The state’s untamed beauty is worth crossing continents for. And that’s before you even wet a line. The Kenai River is a mecca for fly fishers and freshwater fanatics. Every summer, anglers arrive from around the world with one thing in mind: taking on the king of kings. You only need to take one look at Kenai King Salmon to know how they earned their name. Chinooks weighing almost 100 pounds have been pulled from these waters in the past. Even a fish half that size has enough power to smoke your reel and pull your rod clean out of your hand. They’re not a catch to be taken lightly. King Salmon get the headlines, but they’re not the only monsters living here. If Kenai is the Salmon capital of Alaska, nearby Homer is the heartland of its Halibut fishing. You can spend a month here and never stop catching huge fish – if you can still lift your arms, that is.
Amazon River, Brazil
Taking a riverboat into the heart of Brazil is a bucket list adventure in its own right. The Amazon River is the world’s largest and most unexplored river. We’re constantly finding out more about it and the things that live in it. What we do know is that it’s home to some seriously impressive game fish. Peacock Bass, Piranha, Payara, Piraiba – a day of fishing on the Amazon can land you all kinds of strange and incredible fish. The farther upstream you go, the greater your chance of hooking something.
Fishing on the Amazon River is a true fishing adventure. Whether you’re casting for the vibrant and aggressive Peacock Bass, known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights, or testing your nerves against the notorious Piranha, the Amazon River offers a one-of-a-kind experience for anglers.
“The Amazon River is a hidden gem for anglers seeking an unforgettable fishing experience. The diverse ecosystem supports a wide variety of fish species, including the fierce Payara and the massive Piraiba. Exploring the remote stretches of the Amazon and battling these incredible game fish is an adventure like no other.” – Expert Angler
As you navigate the legendary waters of the Amazon River, you’ll encounter breathtaking scenery and encounter unique encounters with the wildlife that call this region home. The Amazon is not just a fishing destination; it’s an immersive experience that connects you with the raw power and beauty of nature.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice looking for an unforgettable fishing journey, the Amazon River in Brazil is the ultimate fishing destination that promises excitement, challenge, and a deep connection with the natural world.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Freshwater Fishing Bucket List offers a variety of incredible species and spots that every avid angler should consider. From the remote Turneffe Atoll in Belize to the Mississippi River Delta in Louisiana, the Andaman Islands in India to the Bissagos Islands in Guinea-Bissau, these destinations offer unique fishing experiences and the chance to catch trophy fish. Whether you’re targeting Bonefish, Tarpon, Giant Trevally, Blue Marlin, or any other species, these bucket list fishing spots will provide unforgettable memories and stories to share. So grab your gear and start planning your ultimate freshwater fishing adventure today!