Top 10 Fishing Destinations of 2019

As the year closes out it’s a time to reflect on what an amazing year 2019 has been. Anglers spent time fishing, families created memories while out on the water, and FishAnywhere is proud to have been part of it all. Want to know where people were fishing in 2019? This can maybe help you decide where to fish in 2020! We’re certain that these top destinations will become familiar to more families who adopt fishing as a favorite vacation hobby.

Here are the Top 10 Fishing Destinations of 2019: Destin, Florida

Without a doubt, people know how incredible the fishing is in Destin, Florida. Located in Florida’s panhandle, it has a reputation as a fishing community that consistently delivers great charters. If you’re looking to visit Destin with a large group, check out the . This 70ft fishing vessel can accommodate upto 60 guests! Or, if your group prefers to enjoy a private offshore adventure, consider with Captain Tyler. He offers a variety of trips, including a 12-hour trip available from May to September, where you’ll visit a variety of nearby reefs and target pelagic species such as tuna, marlin, mahi mahi, and more! Whatever kind of trip you’re looking for in , there are top-notch, professional captains ready to take you on the adventure of a lifetime!

Fort Myers, Florida

In Southwest Florida there are tons of top-rated fishing destinations, including Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, and Naples. These are all neighbors with , and worth a mention as these local Captains all fish the bountiful Gulf of Mexico, Caloosahatchee River, and nearby creeks and bays. Most travelers to this area are looking to hook some redfish, trout, or snook. If you’re visiting Fort Myers, let and Captain Clarence guide you to a great day of fishing! He’s great with kids and enjoys letting first time anglers fall in love with the sport. Whether you’re staying in or Fort Myers, there’s plenty of water and fish in the sea.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Vacationers can fish Lake Michigan in the spring, summer or fall seasons; captains will typically pull their boats in during the cold winter months. But the rest of the year, your family can troll for lake trout or bottom fish for steelhead. Start the adventure from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and you’re sure to have a great time targeting a variety of species. Captains Nick and Mark of are sure to put you on the fish. And the salmon of Lake Michigan are a delicious reward for a hard day’s work!

New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Known as the Shark Bite Capital of the World does not deter thousands of visitors from traveling to New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Located south of Daytona Beach, this sleepy beachtown offers a variety of fishing opportunities for local and visiting anglers. From the Intracoastal Waterway to the bountiful Atlantic Ocean, New Smyrna Beach is a great place to start your fishing adventure. Aboard Captain Tony’s 34ft Pro Sports Center Console, your family can do it all - inshore and offshore! Visit and book your New Smyrna Beach fishing vacation today.

Hilo, Hawaii

On the eastside of the Big Island of Hawaii is the beautiful town of Hilo. It’s known worldwide for the Wailuku River State Park, featuring Rainbow Falls and its colorful mist effects. Locals and visitors alike enjoy deep sea fishing for tuna, sailfish, wahoo, and more. is known for getting their customers on the fish with a great experience. Their top priority is creating custom trips that leave lasting memories. If you’re anywhere near Hilo, be sure to check them out.

Galveston, Texas

Picking just one of Texas’ Gulf Coast cities to add to our list proved very difficult. Corpus Christi, Rockport, and Freeport are all top vacation destinations. But there’s just something special about Galveston. It may have to do with its proximity to Houston… vacationers visiting the city have just a short drive to the coast. This gives visitors the best of both worlds. When you’re in the area, be sure to check out . They have several boats, each with professional captains and experienced crew. They have a reputation of top quality charters and people quickly become repeat customers.

Panama City Beach, Florida

Throughout the year is filled with travelers sunning themselves, dipping their toes in the water. We’ve also seen families leave the beach for a different kind of day ON the water. The best part of PCB: there’s tons of fishing options. You can experience the thrill of offshore fishing trolling for mahi mahi or bottom fishing for snapper. Or you can enjoy an inshore trip targeting redfish and trout. Most captains in the area are able to accommodate both kinds of trips; one example is Capt. Eric of . Most Panama City Beach captains fill their schedules up quickly, especially during spring break and summer; so if you’re planning a trip here in 2020, be sure to book your charter at the same time as your lodging.

Sarasota, Florida

We know Florida is mentioned a few times on this list, but we just had to include , Florida. It truly is a fisherman’s paradise. Visitors here can enjoy fishing Sarasota Bay or the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re visiting in the spring, try your hand at a tarpon fishing trip. Or book a half day charter for redfish. There’s no limit to your Sarasota fishing opportunities! And the good news, you don’t need anything except a willing attitude for a great day of fishing. Captains in the Sarasota area, like Captain Chris with , have all the gear you need for a great day on the water. They even cover your fishing license. Just show up to the dock and have an incredible day of bending rods!

Jaco, Costa Rica

If you’re looking to travel internationally this year, why not check out Costa Rica? The west coast is considered an angler’s bucket list vacation. FishAnywhere has a representative in , near Playa Herradura, and can help assist with your travel plans. The country accepts U.S. currency, and there’s tons to do for any outdoor enthusiast. For an incredible marlin fishing trip, check out this Sailfish are caught in abundance 365 days a year, but marlin experience their peak season from November through April.

Key West, Florida

The island city of absolutely has a place on our top 2019 fishing destination list. Technically we should include the entire Florida Keys… there’s fantastic fishing all along the 125-mile stretch of islands. Locals and visitors fish the backcountry or The Humps; sometimes in the same day! Most of the professional captains in the area have been fishing the Keys their entire lives. Whether you want to share a trip or hire a private charter, will take care of you. You really can’t go wrong with a Key West fishing charter!

Fishing Trip in 2020

Without a doubt, 2019 was a great year! And we’re excited about what’s about to happen in 2020! It’s a new year with new possibilities. Wherever your travels take you, be sure to add a day of fishing to the itinerary. Need help finding a captain in the area? . Start with the city you’re visiting and find the best captain at the best prices. Make 2020 the year to remember with a fishing trip of a lifetime!