6 destinations we cover in the United States, with the target species, recommended techniques and best season for each.
Flats, reef and bluewater in one trip — America's Grand Slam capital.
Glacial river famous for giant king salmon and trophy rainbow trout.
Vast, shallow, grassy lake — one of the best big-bass fisheries in the US.
Barrier-island surf and nearshore fishing where the Gulf Stream swings close.
"The End" of Long Island — a legendary striped-bass surfcasting mecca.
The largest US estuary — the nursery and highway for East Coast striped bass.
These 6 destinations peak at different times of year, and between them they leave no month without a fishery running at its best. Pick the row that matches when you can travel rather than the one that sounds best.
| Destination | Where | Water | Peak season | Signature species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Keys | Florida | Saltwater | Tarpon Apr–Jun; sailfish Dec–Apr; mahi May–Aug | Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit |
| Kenai River | Alaska | Freshwater | Kings Jun–Jul; sockeye Jun–Aug; trophy rainbows Sep–Oct | King (Chinook) salmon, Sockeye salmon, Coho salmon |
| Lake Okeechobee | Florida | Freshwater | Pre-spawn and spawn Dec–Apr | Largemouth bass, Black crappie (speck), Bluegill |
| Outer Banks (Cape Hatteras) | North Carolina | Saltwater | Fall red-drum run Oct–Nov; cobia in spring | Red drum (redfish), Bluefish, Striped bass |
| Montauk | New York | Saltwater | Fall run Sep–Nov | Striped bass, Bluefish, False albacore |
| Chesapeake Bay | Maryland & Virginia | Brackish | Trophy stripers in spring, resident fish in fall; catfish year-round | Striped bass (rockfish), Blue catfish, Cobia |
Seasons are the fishery’s peak, not a guarantee — they move with the weather in any given year. Licences, seasons and bag limits are set by each state separately and change; check the agency for the state you are actually fishing before you travel.
All fishing spots — browse every country we cover.