If you have a burning desire to go fishing around the world, you are in the right place. Some see it as a solitary, icy stream where their only companion is the gentle swish of a flyline. Others picture reels bursting at the pressure of huge catch.
However, where do you begin with so many fishing destinations that are on everyone’s bucket list?
We’ve compiled what we believe to be the world’s best bucket list experiences. The spots are as different as the intended species, yet they all have one characteristic: that once-in-a-lifetime catch that many anglers dream of but only a few see come true.
Before you start ticking off your favorite fishing spots get your fishing gear from Melton Tackle products online.
Turneffe Atoll, Belize
One of the best bonefish fisheries in the world is located in Turneffe Atoll, 20 miles off the coast of Belize City. This is the ideal location to improve your abilities or maybe catch your first fish because of the huge quantity of bonefish. The majority are medium-sized, but fear not—there are also several larger, more experienced Bones in the area.
Although Belize is well-known for its permits, the country’s bonefishing is amazing. Turneffe Atoll is no different, home to a sizable Permit population that weighs 10 to 20 pounds on average. Large fish can weigh thirty pounds or more. The best thing? All year long, you can catch them on the flats!
Year-round, smaller fish inhabit the waterways and lagoons. Silver Kings deserving of the throne appear by the hundreds in the summer. They frequently surpass the 10-pound threshold, and a few even approach 150 pounds!
Andaman Islands, India
The Andaman Islands are about as gorgeous as it gets. Step out of the thick bush and experience the soft, golden sand between your toes. Dive into clear, warm waters to discover a world of vibrant corals and unusual creatures. It truly is something remarkable.
Not that you will have time to notice any of this. You’ll be aboard a small boat a mile or two out, fighting for your life against a gigantic Giant Trevally. GTs are the reef’s bullies, and their battling prowess has gained them a devoted global fanbase. The Andaman Islands are home to some of the largest and meanest.
Bissagos Islands, Guinea-Bissau
The Bissagos Islands, located off the west coast of Africa, are a huge, mostly deserted archipelago of tidal flats, volcanic rocks, extensive mangroves, and interior waterways. Within wading distance, the sea transforms from crystal clear to black and muddy, all thanks to the nutrients from four large river mouths. This is the most significant fishery you’ve likely never heard of.
In case you didn’t know, diversity is the spice of life in the Bissagos Islands. Love fishing in the Gulf of Mexico? Take on Barracuda, Cobia, Tripletail, and a swarm of massive Jacks. Prefer the South African scene? Try your luck with Leerfish and Kob. Then there are Snapper, Grouper, Ladyfish, Needlefish, and numerous huge shark species.
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Hawaii is one of those locations that appears too wonderful to be true. Impossibly towering mountains surrounded by ocean for thousands of kilometers in all directions. Unique plants and animals. Best of all? A relaxed mood that only comes from living in paradise.
And what a wonderland it is. Kona is linked with the monster Blue Marlin, whereas Cairns is famed for its massive Black Marlin. You won’t have to go far to locate them either. Billfish may be found right off the beach, which is not unexpected given that the seafloor dips 1,000 feet within a half-mile of the coast.
Cairns, Australia
The north Queensland coast is a paradise for a variety of reasons. Beautiful weather, lovely people, and, of course, easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. If you time your trip well, you’ll be able to participate in one of the world’s most exciting offshore extravaganzas: heavy tackle Black Marlin season.
The seas around Cairns are spring break hotspots for massive Black Marlin. From September to December, big game fishermen flock to town in the hopes of catching a “Grander.” It’s not a pipe dream, either. Every year, fish weighing thousands of pounds are captured here. It’s no surprise that Cairns is one of the most popular bucket list fishing destinations for experienced deep-sea anglers.
The exhilaration and sense of adventure that heavy tackle season brings are fantastic. Going to a pub in the fishier sections of town, you can’t help but overhear folks talking about the day’s catch. Walking around the port, the Billfish vibe is exhilarating. Never has a single fish made a community so legendary.
Watamu, Kenya
The main attractions of Kenya are its wide grasslands and animal safaris; it’s not exactly the best area to go fishing. However, large game creatures aren’t limited to lions and elephants throughout the nation. One of the world’s greatest deep-sea fishing locations is becoming known to be the Kenyan coast.
Why is Watamu such a unique place? This place consistently has more billfish than any other place. Specifically, Sailfish, Swordfish, Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Striped Marlin, and Shortbill Spearfish. Furthermore, seeing them all in one day is not unheard of.
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Every serious angler has aspirations of traveling to Alaska. Traveling across continents is worthwhile for the state’s wild splendor. And that’s even before a line has been soaked. Fly fishermen and freshwater enthusiasts will find paradise on the Kenai River. Anglers from all over the globe come here every summer with the sole intention of facing the king of kings.
All it takes to understand how Kenai King Salmon got their moniker is to take one glance at them. In the past, chinooks that weighed about 100 pounds have been recovered from these waters. A fish half that size has the strength to completely dislodge your rod from your hand and smoke your reel. They should not be taken lightly as a catch.
