New fishing participants reached a record high last year.
Fishing has become a popular outlet for everyday wellness, especially among younger and more diverse populations. A June 2021 study by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation found that first-time fishing participants hit a record 4.4 million in 2020, and nearly 55 million Americans fish at least once a year. Resorts have picked up on the trend by offering a wide variety of fishing activities. These five fishing destinations are among the world’s best travel experiences for both the experienced angler and the casual participant.
The pristine Sea of Cortez is teeming with fish.
Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto by Danzante Bay, Loreto, Mexico
Located on the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, A UNESCO World Heritage site, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto transports guests back to historic Mexico. The resort occupies a sprawling stretch of quiet beaches, scenic vistas and astounding natural habitat. Loreto is a great year-round fishing destination, and the Sea of Cortez is teeming with tuna, marlin, mahi-mahi, yellowtail, sea bass and more. Other standout activities include visiting the Islands of Loreto, cultural city tours, hiking Tabor Canyon, snorkeling, exploring the “Aquarium of the World,” ATV desert tours, LED stand-up paddle boarding at night and surfing at Scorpion Bay.
Expert deckhands filet, vacuum seal and freeze fish.
Salmon Falls Resort, Ketchikan, Alaska
Situated at the southernmost entrance to Alaska’s iconic Inside Passage, Ketchikan is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” and is beloved for its rich Alaskan culture and breathtaking wilderness. The King and Silver Salmon run is legendary, but that’s hardly where the possibilities end. Skilled and first-time anglers can reel in Halibut, Lingcod, Rockfish and 20 other species of fish. Upon return to the dock, expert deckhands will filet, vacuum seal and freeze all fish for easy carrying. In addition to fully guided fishing, the resort offers adventure experiences including floatplane flightseeing, ethical bear watching, eco-kayaking tours and guided hiking.
Experience heli-fly fishing for Atlantic Salmon.
Cabot Cape Breton, Inverness, Nova Scotia
Located on over a mile of sandy beach along the coast of Nova Scotia, Cabot Cape Breton is an idyllic island escape. The resort includes a charming 72-room lodge with ocean views from every room, three exquisite restaurants featuring the freshest seafood in the world and world-class golf. Inverness and the surrounding area offer some of the largest concentration of Bluefin Tuna in the world along with incredible salmon fishing. For those seeking a bonding adventure, a heli-fly fishing experience will take guests on a private excursion searching for Atlantic Salmon on the world-famous Margaree River.
The resort affords easy access to big game fishing.
Grand Solmar Land’s End, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Grand Solmar Land’s End is set along the private golden sand beaches of Playa Solmar and boasts unobstructed ocean views. A collection of spacious suites, penthouses, infinity pools with swim-up bars, breathtaking views and an oceanfront spa inspire tranquility at every turn. The resort affords visitors easy access to a wealth of big game fishing excursions to satisfy everyone from novice to expert. Cabo San Lucas is widely recognized for its marlin population and hosts the largest marlin tournament in the world. Resort staff can help fishing enthusiasts charter multiple types of boats, from traditional panga boats to luxury 80-foot yachts, from the harbor near the resort. Chefs will cook your fresh catch for dinner as well.
The fishing here features two very different and equally impressive rivers.
Tipiliuke Lodge, Patagonia, Argentina
Considered by many to be one of the world’s top fly fishing destinations, Tipiliuke in northern Patagonia is home to more than 17 miles of the world’s finest trout waters. The fishing season here runs from early November through May and features two very different rivers, the Chimehuín and Quilquihue. It is during the last 30 minutes of light that anglers may use a large streamer to coax out one of the monster browns from the Chimehuín. Typical fish average 14-20 inches, but each season guests catch browns approaching 30 inches. The nine-room Tipiliuke Lodge boasts a large wood burning sauna, relaxing massage room, yoga room and hot tub to enhance guests’ stay.
