If you’re curious to learn more about the top freshwater and saltwater fish species in the world, this is a great starting point. It’s always wise to know your target, and this article will give you a short overview of numerous fish, including the basics of how to pursue them.
In the following sections, you’ll learn more about the most popular catches, their characteristics, whereabouts, and tips on how to reel them in. We’ll also give you a list of several must-fish hotspots for each fish to help you kick off your angling adventure. Bear in mind that there are more fish species than we can count, so the list below isn’t definite but ever-growing and ever-expanding.
Explore Fish Species
Saltwater Fish Species
Saltwater fish species range from small inshore dwellers to colossal deep sea predators. Many saltwater residents are famous for their vibrant colors and picture-perfect looks. But most importantly, they can grow to trophy sizes and are almost always considered excellent sport fish. We’ll focus precisely on this group and give you a quick breakdown of the most popular game fish and their characteristics.
Amberjack
Amberjack, also known as Greater Amberjack, are the largest and fiercest of all Jacks. It goes without saying that fishing for them is nothing short of great, either.
Amberjack Identification
As the largest members of their family, Amberjack can grow to weigh an impressive three digits! Your average targets, however, will usually be between 20 and 40 pounds. They’re also a gorgeous-looking and mean-fighting fish, which makes them desirable trophy catches. Amberjack are usually greenish above and silvery below their lateral line. They’re embellished with a dark diagonal stripe and, more often than not, they bathe in bronze hues. Add sturdy and muscular bodies to the mix, and it becomes clear why they’re on every angler’s radar.
Amberjack Habitat
Amberjack are primarily deep blue creatures. They love near-bottom areas in depths between 60 and 240 feet. While they prefer offshore to inshore, the interesting thing about Amberjack is that they don’t shy away from the shallower waters either. It’s not uncommon for anglers to fish for Amberjack in waters less than 30 feet deep. In short, you’ can find Amberjack almost everywhere, from reefs and wrecks to bluewater structures – as long as the temperature is warm!
How to Catch Amberjack
The most important thing to remember about fishing for Amberjack is that they’re powerful. As opportunistic feeders and voracious predators, they’ll fiercely snatch your bait and won’t go down without a fight. Prepare for fast moves, changes in depth and direction, and a relentless tug-of-war. Use cut or live bait to lure them your way, preferably herring, mullet, or blue runners. However, their diet also consists of crabs, so you can use them, too. The most common fishing techniques are bait fishing, vertical jigging, chumming, and trolling.
Top Amberjack Locations
Amberjack are widespread and you can find them anywhere from the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean Sea to the open waters of the Atlantic. Tropical waters suit them best, so the following fisheries are among the top Amberjack fishing locations:
Black Drum
Drum roll, please, for these fierce battlers… Black Drum! Due to being hard-fighting and resilient sport fish, Black Drum have found a special place in inshore angling circles.
Black Drum Identification
Black Drum go by different names, including Texas Drum, Sea Drum, Saltwater Drum, Gray Drum, and Drumfish. They earned this “drum” moniker thanks to the croaking sounds that they produce – don’t be surprised if you actually hear them “drum!” Black Drum have short and deep bodies with arched backs. Their bodies are covered in silvery and grey tones. Unlike Red Drum (Redfish), Blacks don’t have prominent black spots on their tails. Juvenile Blacks, however, have black stripes and somewhat resemble Sheepshead.
Black Drum Habitat
Black Drum are an inshore species. They don’t venture far from the shore and love to patrol areas around the jetties, piers, bridges, and rocky shorelines. You’ll also find them meandering channels and estuaries. Black Drum are also a bottom fish, meaning they prefer sandy seafloor to the surface. They primarily inhabit brackish waters but can tolerate a wide range of salinity levels. The same goes for temperatures – you can locate them in waters with temperatures as low as 50°F or as high as 90°F.
How to Catch Black Drum
Having in mind that they’re bottom dwellers, fishing for Black Drum revolves mostly around bottom fishing. Their diet consists of crustaceans, so crabs and shrimps are good choices for bait. If you’re surf casting, you can use crabs and shrimps, or give it a try with squid, too. Chumming is a highly effective method of attracting Black Drum your way as they respond quite well to the strong smell. As for artificial lures, spoons and jigs have proven to be successful. To maximize your chances of landing trophy-sized Blacks, go fishing in spring in the morning or evening.
Top Black Drum Locations
The Gulf of Mexico is particularly famous for its Black Drum offer, but the Atlantic isn’t lagging far behind either. Here are the best Black Drum fishing locations on both sides:
Blue Marlin
Acrobatic, unpredictable, powerful, hard-fighting, and gorgeous-looking… Blue Marlin have all the traits of an ultimate trophy fish!
Blue Marlin Identification
Blue Marlin are among the most widespread Marlin species and rate as one of the world’s most popular big game catches. They’re massive – often weighing over 1,000 pounds – and, funnily enough, females are four times bigger than males! Like other Marlin species, Blues have dark tops and silvery or white bottoms. Unlike other Marlin, however, their backs are usually cobalt blue and their bodies are more cylindrical. You’ll also notice that their dorsal fins are rigid and pointed, whereas their pectoral fins can be folded completely.
Blue Marlin Habitat
Blue Marlin are a pelagic fish and are, therefore, highly migratory. They prefer tropical regions with moderate temperatures and warm waters. You’ll never spot them close to shore, but rather dominating far offshore and deep blue waters. Blue Marlin tend to linger in areas with plenty of bait fish. These include various underwater structures like ridges or currents that attract bait. Blue Marlin are also quite solitary creatures, so you’ll rarely spot more than one when fishing for them.
How to Catch Blue Marlin
The most popular fishing technique for Blue Marlin is trolling. They aren’t picky eaters, so they’ll go for anything you throw their way. We recommend opting for large whole baits such as bonito, ballyhoo, mackerel, or mullet for the best results. But even squid and strip bait can do the trick. Once you have one hooked, prepare for air-borne leaps, extremely powerful tugs, and aggressive moves. You can also try to fly fish for Blue Marlin but this angling approach is usually reserved for more experienced anglers due to the required skill and practice.
Top Blue Marlin Locations
As a migratory yet widespread species, Blue Marlin can be found anywhere from Mexico to Mauritius. However, if you’re wondering what the most popular Blue Marlin fishing spots are, here’s a list of locations you simply have to check out:
Bluefin Tuna
As the largest and strongest of all Tuna species, Bluefin Tuna guarantee a life-changing fishing experience and long-lasting angling memories.
Bluefin Tuna Identification
Bluefin Tuna are the largest members of their family, often surpassing 1,000 pounds! As such, they’re almost immediately recognizable. Plus, they have two more features that help you differentiate them from other Tuna species. Bluefin Tuna have much smaller pectoral fins than their relatives and they have the highest gill raker count among all Tunas. Even though their name suggests otherwise, Bluefin Tuna don’t necessarily have blue fins. The upper part of their bodies is usually dark blue or black, whereas the lower part is silvery or white. Meanwhile, their finlets are yellow.
Bluefin Tuna Habitat
Bluefin Tuna are a highly migratory species inhabiting temperate waters. You’ll find them in the Pacific and the Atlantic, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea. They travel long distances and are no strangers to almost all parts of the world. Pacific Bluefin Tuna are considered to have the biggest geographic range of all Tuna. Bluefins never frequent inshore waters and almost exclusively live offshore. While they regularly dive deep, Bluefin Tuna usually swim near the surface.
How to Catch Bluefin Tuna
Fishing for Bluefin Tuna is the same as angling for other Tuna species. It mainly revolves around chumming and trolling. Go for chumming if you want to lure Bluefin Tuna your way and have them congregate in the spot of your choosing. High-speed trolling, however, has proven to be the most effective angling method, as Bluefin Tuna seem to be attracted to the noise and chase. You can choose herring, mackerel, and even smaller Tuna fish for bait. Once hooked, Bluefin Tuna won’t go down without a fight. They’re hard-fighting and strong opponents.
Top Bluefin Tuna Locations
Considering that Bluefin Tuna move throughout the year, you can find them almost everywhere. These fisheries, however, are among the most productive Bluefin Tuna fishing spots in the world:
Bonefish
The inshore kingdom has many royals, but Bonefish rule the flats. These speedsters are the ultimate fly fishing catches in the Bahamas, Belize, and elsewhere.
Bonefish Identification
As the name suggests, Bonefish have a lot of tiny bones, making them undesirable table fare. They are, however, pretty beautiful creatures and very desirable game fish. They have elongated, slender bodies covered in blue, green, and silver colors. You’ll sometimes hear anglers calling them “grey ghosts.” They earned this nickname because of this unique blend of hazy blue, ashy, and silvery hues that allows Bonefish to stay unnoticed in the shallows. Another distinctive feature is their speed. These beauties can reach speeds of up to 40 mph, making ghosting their superpower yet again.
Bonefish Habitat
The flats are a Bonefish’s playground. These species don’t just survive in extremely shallow waters but they actually feel at home in waters that are only 6 inches deep. Typically, you’ll locate them in crystal clear waters less than a foot deep. They prefer tropical and subtropical climates, so you can find them anywhere from South Africa to Hawaii. The Bahamas and Florida, however, are considered to boast some of the best bonefishing grounds.
How to Catch Bonefish
Sly and elusive, these fish offer everything anglers want in their rivals. They’re also noise-sensitive, which means you have to cast at least 6 feet away from them and make sure the boat doesn’t spook them. For this reason, anglers usually distract them by chumming, before sneaking up on them by wading and fly fishing. Shrimps and crabs are their kryptonite, so make sure you use them when chumming.
Top Bonefish Locations
You can find Bonefish in the Seychelles, Cuba, and Mexico, but the Bahamas, Florida, and Belize are unsurpassed destinations. Here are some of the best starting points for kicking off your fly fishing adventure in these places:
Bonito
Distantly related to Tuna and Mackerel, Bonito are small but quick, and promise plenty of fun when fishing and at the dinner table.
Bonito Identification
Pacific and Atlantic Bonito look alike but, as their names suggest, they don’t cohabitate in the same waters. Both have cigar-shaped bodies decorated with black stripes. Atlantic Bonito are usually blue-green with grey undertones around their bellies, whereas Pacific Bonito are mostly dark blue on top and silvery on the bottom. Pacific Bonito are also distinguished from their other family members by the lack of teeth on their tongues – yes, you read that correctly!
Bonito Habitat
Atlantic Bonito feel at home anywhere from Europe to Nova Scotia and down to Argentina. They also meander the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. However, the Mediterranean and Black Seas are where the hottest bite takes place. Pacific Bonito have a smaller range, showing up between Alaska and Baja California, with San Diego as the ultimate hotspot. Bonito are migratory species usually spotted in schools while swimming near the surface.
How to Catch Bonito
Your approach will be the same whether you’re fishing for Atlantic or Pacific Bonito. Bonito fishing starts with trolling at or near the surface, complemented by casting and jigging. The fish usually fall for squids and anchovies but won’t skip on smaller pelagic creatures as well. Anglers mostly employ heavier tackle when fishing for Bonito. However, if you’re up for a challenge, go for light tackle. Get ready for powerful strikes, swift runs, and unpredictable moves.
Top Bonito Locations
In North America, Bonito are found in tropical areas and warm waters. Unsurprisingly, the same goes for the other fisheries, so you’ll catch them in warmer waters around Portugal, Spain, and Italy. The following locations are among the best Bonito fishing spots around:
Cobia
Cobia are highly prized sport fish due to their admirable fighting abilities and excellent food properties.
Cobia Identification
Cobia are fairly easy to identify. They’re usually two-colored with dark brown tops and white bellies. They can also have a third color – a silver or bronze line on the side. Their bodies are elongated and their heads are flat. Anglers sometimes mix Cobia up with Sharks due to their similar sizes and body shapes – plus, it’s not uncommon for Cobia to be accidental catches when fishing for Sharks and vice versa.
Cobia Habitat
Cobia are primarily an inshore and nearshore fish species, inhabiting depths of up to 60 feet. They prefer shallow inlet waters, but you’ll find them patrolling around nearby reefs and wrecks in search of food, too. Cobia also love various structures, so look for them around buoys, boats, and other floating objects. Be it the US, Canada, Argentina, South Africa, or Japan, you’ll have no trouble locating Cobia. The only waters where you won’t find them are in the Eastern Pacific.
How to Catch Cobia
More often than not, Cobia swim near the surface, and they aren’t afraid of getting close to your boat. This is great news for you as it’ll allow you to spot them quickly and sight cast for them. If you can’t immediately see them, chumming will help attract them your way. Cobia aren’t picky eaters, so a variety of baits and lures work. The most efficient ones are crabs, shrimps, mullet, jigs, soft plastics, and topwater lures.
Top Cobia Locations
Florida is a leading Cobia location. But it isn’t the only place, as we said. Here are just a few Cobia hotspots you should check out if you plan to fish for these creatures:
Flounder
While not the prettiest fish around, Flounder are among the tastiest species out there. Whether you fry, grill, or blacken them, they’re delicious.
Flounder Identification
We know you’re probably imagining that cute little fella from The Little Mermaid. The reality, however, is that Flounder are an odd-looking fish. These bottom dwellers are Flatfish and, as such, have developed quite unique looks. Besides resembling a doormat, one of a Flounder’s most distinctive features is its eyes – they’re both placed on the same side of the head. Also, their compressed bodies are usually muddy-looking on top, which helps them camouflage.
Flounder Habitat
As floor-dependent fish, it’s obvious that you’ll find Flounder at the very bottom. However, this doesn’t mean they’ll inhabit any part of your fishery. Flounder tend to populate sandy, muddy, and rubble bottoms. Species such as Southern Flounder choose estuaries, bay mouths, and inshore channels as their abode. They feel at home near jetties and bridges as well. Gulf Flounder, meanwhile, hunt in seagrass patches closer to the shore, where sandy bottoms are common.
How to Catch Flounder
There are several methods to land yourself a decent Flounder. First of all, if you aren’t certain that there are Flounder in the area, try drift fishing for them. This will help you cover a good portion of the fishery and lure them out of their hiding spots. Flounder are ambush predators and won’t resist the scent of your bait. So, use minnows, squid, and shrimp, or alternatively go for lures that closely resemble these live baits. Finally, if you’re in Texas or any other state where it’s legal, try Flounder gigging at night!
Top Flounder Locations
Each Flounder species has its own domain. The Gulf of Mexico is home to Gulf and Southern Flounder, whereas the East Coast is associated with Summer Flounder. Meanwhile, California Halibut inhabit the West Coast. With that in mind, here are some top Flounder locations:
Halibut
If you’re after a bottom fishing challenge, meet Halibut. These seafloor giants promise back-breaking action and rod-bending experience.
Halibut Identification
Halibut are often mistaken for Flounder. They’re both flat and doormat-looking. The top of their bodies is dark brown, whereas their bellies are white. Juvenile Halibut also have their eyes on one side, just like Flounder. But unlike Flounder, Halibut are much larger. Halibut are among the largest flatfish in the world. They’re so big that the All-Tackle World Record for Halibut is a 459-pound monster! The most prized Halibut catches are Pacific and Atlantic Halibut. Besides entirely different habitats, you can tell them apart by the shape of their bodies. Pacific Halibut are much more elongated than Atlantic Halibut.
Halibut Habitat
As their names suggest, Pacific and Atlantic Halibut don’t cohabitate. Pacific Halibut rule the coastal waters of Alaska, Russia, and Japan. Meanwhile, Atlantic Halibut feel at home in Iceland, Greenland, and Maine’s fisheries. They both, however, thrive in cold and deep waters. Temperatures between 40°F and 50°F are ideal for them. As for depths, Atlantic Halibut, for example, are almost always found in depths greater than 200 feet. In fact, people located them even in depths up to 3000 feet! So, if you’re after Halibut, look for them deep down on the sandy seafloor.
How to Catch Halibut
First and foremost, you should know that you can’t fish for Halibut any time of the year. In Alaska, Halibut fishing season usually lasts between March and November, whereas this time frame is much shorter in Maine, starting in May and ending in July. When it comes to fishing techniques, bottom fishing, jigging, and chum bag dropping will be your go-to methods for catching Halibut. In other words, your bait presentation always occurs at the bottom. You don’t have to overthink your bait choice as they aren’t picky eaters, but if you have to pick one, go for herring, as they’re Halibut’s favorite food.
Top Halibut Locations
Alaska and Maine are probably the most famous places for Halibut fishing. Besides these two states, California and Canada also offer spectacular Halibut angling. With this in mind, here are the top Halibut locations to get you going:
Mahi Mahi
Mahi Mahi, Dorado, Dolphinfish – this beauty goes by many names and wears the crown of best-dressed game fish.
Mahi Mahi Identification
Mahi Mahi are a sight to behold. With electric green, iridescent blue, vibrant yellow, and cold silvery colors, they’re most certainly dressed to impress. When you pull them out of the water and see their slender and colorful bodies, you won’t have any doubts about which fish you’ve landed. Their fluorescent colors, however, gradually fade when kept out of the water, and they become grey.
Mahi Mahi Habitat
A pelagic species, Mahi Mahi won’t be found in inshore waters. They inhabit the offshore ocean realm and can live in depths greater than 300 feet. They’re especially fond of structures, so you’ll often find them around large ships, oil rigs, and other floating objects. Young Mahi Mahi congregate in schools, whereas adult specimens usually swim alone closer to the surface in search of food.
How to Catch Mahi Mahi
The main thing you should know about Mahi Mahi is that they’re fast swimmers. Naturally, trolling is the name of the game when fishing for them. Deploy outriggers with live bait such as mullet, ballyhoo, and squid, or artificial lures like spoons and jigs, and watch them get excited. Once hooked, they’ll almost immediately go airborne – they’re famous for their acrobatic leaps.
Top Mahi Mahi Locations
You’ll find these gorgeous-looking species in almost all tropical climates with warm temperatures, but these spots are considered to be the most prolific Mahi Mahi fisheries:
Pompano
Tasty and feisty, Pompano is a fish you’ll want to test your skills and palate against time and time again.
Pompano Identification
Whenever Pompano are mentioned, anglers think of Florida Pompano. However, there are also African Pompano. These species look alike but there are slight differences between them, too. African Pompano are the largest fish in the family, reaching 5 feet in length, whereas Florida Pompano are much smaller and almost never top 25 inches. African Pompano are predominantly silver-tinted, whereas Florida Pompano also have gold painted on their bellies and around their fins. They also tend to radiate bright colors as they die away.
Pompano Habitat
Their habitats differ as well. African Pompano prefer deep blue waters to the shallows. Young specimens love the open seas and mostly reside near the surface. Meanwhile, adult African Pompano head for depths of up to 300 feet around reefs and wrecks. Florida Pompano, on the other hand, feel at home in shallow waters and usually inhabit inshore fisheries near sandy beaches. You’ll also find them in brackish bays and estuaries in small schools, which is not the case with the somewhat solitary African Pompano.
How to Catch Pompano
If you’re after African Pompano, hop aboard a charter and slow troll or chum with pilchards, menhaden, and herring to lure them your way. To reach the specimens that hide deep down, employ jigging with large white bucktails. If Florida Pompano are on your mind, casting natural baits such as shrimps and crabs from the bank is your go-to fishing technique. The most productive spots are likely to be bridges, jetties, and piers. Should you want to fish for Florida Pompano from a boat, hit the bay on an early summer morning and jig with a light spinning tackle.
Top Pompano Locations
As the name suggests, Florida Pompano are all the rage in the Sunshine State. African Pompano aren’t as popular as Florida Pompano, but you can also find them in the US as well as in tropical waters across Asia, Australia, and Africa. The following areas are top Pompano fishing locations you should check out:
Red Snapper
Testy, feisty, good-looking, and seasonal, Red Snappers are the most sought–after fish in the Gulf of Mexico.
Red Snapper Identification
As their name suggests, Red Snappers boast a whole spectrum of red colors. The upper part of their bodies is covered in scarlet, brick red, and pink hues – and even their irises are red! They also have a distinctive triangular snout and pointed anal fin. While it’s not uncommon to come across a 20-pounder monster, you’ll most likely end up with an average 6 lb Red Snapper.
Red Snapper Habitat
Red Snappers are bottom dwellers. They patrol the seafloor at depths between 50 and 400 feet. Young Reds prefer sandy bottoms and shallower waters, while rocky bottoms and deeper waters are reserved for bigger specimens. So, if you want to score a trophy Red Snapper, check out deeper patches around reefs and wrecks. Red Snappers feel at home in the Gulf of Mexico but they aren’t strangers to the Atlantic Coast either. Check out this list of spots for inspiration on where to catch your next one!
How to Catch Red Snapper
The best Red Snapper fishing action happens around 30 miles from shore, around reefs and wrecks. This means you’ll need a charter boat to reach their whereabouts. Since they’re seafloor lovers, you’ll mainly practice bottom fishing, but you can also try slow-pitch jigging. As for what baits and lures work best, Red Snappers fall for squid, shrimp, crabs, worms, and cut fish. They’re opportunistic feeders, so they’ll gulp your bait as long as you serve it near the bottom.
Top Red Snapper Locations
Having in mind that the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Coast are their headquarters, your biggest chances of catching brag-worthy Red Snappers are from these locations:
Redfish
Red Drum, better known as Redfish, are stubborn rivals that make passionate inshore anglers tick.
Redfish Identification
Despite their name, Redfish aren’t really red. Bronze, copper, and gold hues dominate the upper part of their bodies, while white covers their bellies. Besides the different shades of brown, Redfish have an easily recognizable black dot (or dots) on their tail. This tell-tale sign – often known as an “eyespot” – will help you identify them without any difficulties.
Redfish Habitat
Redfish are an inshore species that inhabit estuaries and brackish waters in the Gulf of Mexico and on the Atlantic Coast. They tolerate a wide range of salinity levels and water temperatures, so don’t be surprised if you spot them in freshwater environments as well. Larger specimens usually head for deeper waters, whereas smaller fish frequent areas around piers and jetties.
How to Catch Redfish
Mastering the art of fishing for Redfish takes time. This is because you can pursue Redfish in many spots with a range of methods, baits, and lures. For example, you can cast from shore, wade, or fish from a charter. You can practice fly fishing or try sight casting using anything from crabs, shrimps, and menhaden to spoons, surface plugs, and jigs. So, mix and match until you hit the right combo.
Top Redfish Locations
While you can target Redfish almost everywhere along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, some places are more prolific than others. Here are several Redfish fishing hotspots to get you going:
Sailfish
Sailfish are awe-striking and jaw-dropping, so it’s no wonder every angler wants to test their skills against them.
Sailfish Identification
The scenario in which you mistake your Sailfish catch for another Billfish is non-existent. With their sail-like dorsal fins, Sailfish are clearly distinguished from Swordfish, Spearfish, and Marlin. Their dorsal fins are impressively large and cobalt blue, usually decorated with dark patches. The upper part of their body is dark blue, whereas their bellies are silvery-white. Sailfish can reach 120 inches in length and top 200 pounds in weight. The average catch, however, will be closer to 60 pounds.
Sailfish Habitat
Sailfish are a pelagic species. This means that the open seas are their realm, and you’ll pursue them in offshore fisheries. They tend to frequent nearshore waters in search of food as well, but they primarily live in the deep blue waters. Sailfish have a preference for warm and temperate waters. They feel at home in waters measuring between 70 and 83°F. They sometimes team up with other Sailfish to hunt, so don’t be surprised if you spot more than one Sailfish on your trip.
How to Catch Sailfish
While Sailfish fishing is mostly geared toward seasoned anglers, first-timers can also try their luck at landing smaller specimens. Experienced anglers can try fly fishing, whereas beginners should start with spinning or baitcasting on light tackle. But before you clash with these titans, you can troll with strip bait or whole ballyhoo to lure Sailfish your way. Sailfish feed on the surface, so you won’t have too much trouble locating them. Once you hook one, prepare for screaming reels and sore backs because Sailfish won’t go down without a fight and some acrobatic leaps.
Top Sailfish Locations
The great news is that you can find Sailfish in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. But Costa Rica, Mexico, and Florida are the ultimate Sailfish fishing destinations. Here are some prolific hotspots in these locations:
Scup (Porgy)
Scup (Porgy) Identification
Scup are slow-growing and long-living fish. They range between 12 and 14 inches in size but can reach up to 20 inches over a lifespan of 20 years! They rarely outweigh 2 pounds, although the world record catch topped the 4-pound mark. Scup are also pretty good-looking with dusky-brown bodies and silvery undertones. Last but not least, Scup are incredibly tasty. They’re much bonier than some other bottom fish, but their meat is delicious.
Scup (Porgy) Habitat
These fish are nearshore creatures that love to meander around the rocky bottoms. However, every spring, they migrate inshore to spawn and populate areas around jetties and piers. Scup don’t like water temperatures that are too cold, and so inhabit fisheries over 45°F. They’ll spend the entire spring and summer closer to the shore before moving further from the coast again in winter. The prime time to fish for them is from May to October, when you’ll find them anywhere between Cape Cod and Cape Hatteras.
How to Catch Scup (Porgy)
In spring and summer, you can shore fish for Scup around jetties and piers, while in fall and winter, you can go drifting, bottom fishing, and jigging from a charter boat. Scup aren’t picky eaters, so you don’t have to overthink your bait and lures. They’ll fall for squid, clams, small plastics, metal jigs, and more. More often than not, Scup end up as bycatch when targeting Black Seabass, Fluke, and Stripers. Your chances of landing Scup are high, so use these targets as a way to experiment with your technique. Mix and match your angling approaches until you find a combo that works well and makes you tick.
Top Scup (Porgy) Locations
Scup almost exclusively stick to the Atlantic waters between Massachusetts and South Carolina. With that in mind, here are several locations for you to check out:
Sheepshead
If you’re after a fascinating and strange-looking fish, look no further than Sheepshead.
Sheepshead Identification
Believe us when we tell you that the chances of you mistaking Sheepshead for some other fish species are non-existent. These tricky fellas are so unique that you’ll instantly be able to identify them. First of all, they’re known as “Convict Fish” due to their vertical black and white stripes. Secondly, their dorsal fin consists of a dozen of sharp spines. Finally, the moment you see their eerie human-like teeth, you’ll have no doubt that you’ve reeled in a Sheepshead.
Sheepshead Habitat
Sheepshead inhabit the Gulf and Atlantic’s inshore and nearshore waters. They particularly enjoy hiding in various structures, so look for them around reefs, wrecks, docks, and piers. But, for the best results, fish for Sheepshead near jetties. They simply can’t resist these areas and all the holes they can check out in search of food. Strong currents don’t suit them, so Sheepshead will be on the protected side of those jetties.
How to Catch Sheepshead
Sheepshead’s reputation precedes them. These convicts are also perceived as tricksters and thieves because they’re known to steal your bait without you even noticing. Their favorite food are crustaceans, so live or dead shrimp works wonders but they won’t refuse crabs, clams, or oysters, either. You can also chum for Sheepshead, but if you decide to cast your bait, let it sit for a while to entice the bite.
Top Sheepshead Locations
The Gulf Coast boasts a great number of Sheepshead spots, and Florida is said to have the highest concentration of these fish. Along with Florida, take a look at these Sheepshead hotspots, too:
Snook
The Common Snook is a highly prized inshore game fish in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.
Snook Identification
Snook are unique-looking fish. Identifying them can even be as simple as recognizing their black lateral line. This high-contrasting line is hard to go unnoticed as it runs from the top of their gills to the end of their tails, and it stands out against their silvery bodies. Snook have divided dorsal fins and yellowish pelvic fins. They also have large mouths with protruding lower jaws, making their teeth visible.
Snook Habitat
Snook are an inshore fish species that inhabit the warm inshore waters of Florida, Texas, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and more. In other words, they love shallow coastal waters with temperatures above 60°F, along with fast-moving tides. But, at the same time, Snook want cover. So, you’ll also see them in mangroves, brackish waters, tributaries, and even the far reaches of rivers.
How to Catch Snook
A Snook’s diet consists of both freshwater and saltwater creatures. However, shrimps are their number one choice. Along with shrimps, you can try mullet, menhaden, or pilchards as bait. As for artificial lures, plastic worm tails and feather jigs yield decent results. Snook are wise predators, often waiting for the current to bring prey their way. When it comes to popular Snook fishing techniques, fly fishing ranks high in angling circles. Anglers love to go night fishing for Snook, too.
Top Snook Locations
You can target Snook anywhere in the Gulf and the Caribbean. But, having in mind that Florida and Texas are the ultimate Snook fishing destinations, here are the main hotspots in those two states:
Striped Bass
Striped Bass go by many names (Stripers, Rockfish, Linesiders), but one thing is certain – they’re the brag-worthy trophy catches.
Striped Bass Identification
Striped Bass are sometimes confused with Hybrid Bass. But there’s a trick to easily tell them apart. Just pay attention to their stripes. Striped Bass usually have around eight horizontal stripes on each side of their bodies. These stripes come in regular patterns and are equally distributed along their bodies, which isn’t the case with Hybrid Bass.
Striped Bass Habitat
Striped Bass are both freshwater and saltwater fish. Freshwater Stripers usually live in dams, but they can also be found in open waters. Saltwater Stripers love estuaries and tributaries. They like brackish waters with a lot of underwater vegetation to provide cover while they’re ambushing their prey – think patches with abundant forage.
How to Catch Striped Bass
You won’t catch Striped Bass by only sticking to one angling approach. You have to try out various baits, lures, and techniques until you figure out what works best. Some methods, however, are proven to be productive. Trolling, drifting, chumming, and topwater fishing, for example, are quite effective. Pair one of those with herring, bloodworms, sandworms, or even parachute jigs, and the chances of a Striper gracing the end of your line will be high.
Top Striped Bass Locations
Be it the East Coast, the South, or the West Coast, you’re in for a treat when fishing for Stripers. These are just some of the top Striped Bass fishing locations:
Swordfish
Intimidating, awe-inspiring, Hulk-strong, and lightning-fast – Swordfish are the challengers you’ve been waiting to test your skills against.
Swordfish Identification
Swordfish can grow to unbelievable proportions, with the world record catch weighing over 1,180 pounds! The average Swordfish, however, will usually weigh around 100 pounds. Also, male specimens are much smaller and almost never exceed 200 pounds which females easily top. Swordfish are much bigger and bulkier than their cousins, Sailfish, with more cylindrical bodies as well. Adult Swordfish don’t have teeth and scales, which contributes to their smooth and sleek surface. Swordfish also have notably long bills and unwavering dorsal fins.
Swordfish Habitat
Swordfish are solitary creatures that spend their lives wandering through the ocean’s depths. Their sharp vision allows Swordfish to see clearly even when they’re deep down in extremely dark places. There are records of Swordfish going as deep as 9,500 feet! This doesn’t mean that Swordfish don’t visit the surface, though. You can spot them at the top when feeding, although this is usually at night. They inhabit different waters throughout the world, but the Pacific Ocean is home to the largest specimens. Meanwhile, the smallest Swordfish are in the Mediterranean.
How to Catch Swordfish
Regardless of how much skill and experience you have, Swordfish fishing requires a lot of luck, too. The fish simply may not bite if they’re not feeding at that moment. Tricking them into biting works better at night as they normally prefer nighttime conditions for eating. However, many anglers seem to prefer a challenge, so many opt for daytime Swordfishing instead. Drifting natural baits such as mullet and herring or bigger fish like Spanish mackerel is known to yield results. Use sinkers to drop your bait as much as possible and grab the attention of those fish residing deep down. Once a Swordfish bites, strap into a fighting chair and prepare for the most powerful tug-of-war you’ve ever experienced.
Top Swordfish Locations
Swordfish live in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, meaning you won’t lack locations to try your luck at reeling them your way. Here are the top fishing spots you can start your Swordfish adventure from:
Tarpon
Tarpon, rightfully nicknamed “Silver Kings,” are true inshore royals with their unmatched beauty and strength.
Tarpon Identification
It’s impossible to mistake a Tarpon for another inshore game fish. The moment you see their silver armor and shiny scales, you’ll be starstruck, and you’ll know you’re in the presence of royalty. They also grow to impressive sizes, with some remarkable specimens reaching up to 300 pounds! If you’re lucky enough to cross paths with one of these warriors, you’ll immediately recognize them by their spectacular jumps and acrobatic leaps.
Tarpon Habitat
As the kings of the inshore, Tarpon rule coastal waters, such as flats and estuaries. You’ll also find them in lagoons, mangroves, and passes between islands. Tarpon feel comfortable in shallow waters with warm temperatures, so they call places such as Florida, Texas, South Carolina, Costa Rica, Belize, and West Africa home.
How to Catch Tarpon
Tarpon are ultimate sport fish for a number of reasons: hard-fighting abilities and good escaping tactics being the top two. Live bait like mullet works better than artificial lures, and some anglers use them by free lining. Professionals opt for fly fishing, however. All Tarpon pursuers advise you to “bow to the King.” This means that you should drop your rod tip when Tarpon go airborne, or you’ll end up empty-handed and with a broken line. Last but not least, Tarpon are heavily regulated, so make sure you’re familiar with the latest rules and regulations surrounding your hunt.
Top Tarpon Locations
Tarpon love tropical waters, so it comes as no surprise that you can find them anywhere from South Carolina to Africa. Here are the top Tarpon locations to inspire your next fishing vacation:
Wahoo
Fast and furious, Wahoo are popular big game fish boasting power to be reckoned with.
Wahoo Identification
Wahoo are close relatives of King Mackerel, so naturally, they look like cousins. They’re both slender and have cigar-shaped bodies. Wahoo, however, are easily distinguished by their stripes and mouths. They have between 20 and 30 vertical lines known as “tiger stripes.” Besides these clearly visible stripes, Wahoo are famous for their duck-like mouths with a moving upper jaw.
Wahoo Habitat
Wahoo are pelagic fish, meaning they’re migratory creatures. They inhabit bluewater depths and nearshore areas around reefs and wrecks. More often than not, you’ll see them navigating the far offshore fisheries alone. They’re solitary beings but you might see them swimming along with another Wahoo, however, you won’t notice them gathering in large schools. They prefer tropical temperatures, so the Bahamas, Hawaii, and Mexico are some of the best Wahoo fishing hotspots.
How to Catch Wahoo
Wahoo are incredibly swift – among the fastest fish species in the ocean – and can reach up to 50 miles per hour. This speed means that trolling is the name of the game when fishing for Wahoo. Gear up with whole-rigged Spanish mackerel, squid, or ballyhoo, and troll the surface at high speed in the early morning for the best results. Indicators of Wahoo being present in the area are water temperatures around 75°F and structures that provide feeding opportunities.
Top Wahoo Locations
Wahoo inhabit warm waters worldwide. Be it the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific Ocean, or the Mediterranean Sea, Wahoo shine bright. These are just some of the best Wahoo fishing locations:
Yellowfin Tuna
Picture-perfect, opponent-worthy, and delicious, Yellowfin Tuna are among the most pursued game fish in the world.
Yellowfin Tuna Identification
Yellowfin Tuna are a vibrant and colorful fish. As such, they’re probably the most embellished members of the Tuna family. Their backs are usually covered in metallic blue colors, whereas their bellies are silvery or white. Their bellies can sometimes be decorated with a row of pale white spots, too. Yellow shines bright on their fins and finlets, while golden hues glow on the stripe that stretches from their eyes to their tail. They’re more slender than their blue-finned cousins, and their bodies aren’t as cylindrical as Bluefins’. Yellowfin Tuna grow fast and can quickly become 300 lb trophies.
Yellowfin Tuna Habitat
Besides being the most attractive Tuna in both looks and game fish qualities, Yellowfin Tuna are also the most tropical of all Tuna species. They thrive in warm waters and won’t shy away from visiting shallower waters if the temperatures are just right. For this reason, summer is the best season to go after Yellowfin Tuna in most regions. When they’re not frequenting coastal areas, they patrol the ocean depths. Yellowfin Tuna are also a migratory fish, and you’ll find them anywhere from South Africa to Hawaii.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna
Trolling, bait fishing, and chumming are the three most successful fishing techniques for outsmarting Yellowfin Tuna. The most effective trolling is usually fast-paced with small fish or squid. Bait casting is the most productive with live anchovies or sardines, while chumming gives the best results with chunks of bait. Anglers also claim that chumming works wonders at night. Once you lure Yellowfin Tuna your way, the real action hits. They’ll fight until you’re both exhausted. So, prepare for a sore back and a long duel with these sea giants.
Top Yellowfin Tuna Locations
Mexico, Costa Rica, Hawaii, California, Louisiana, and North Carolina – you can’t go wrong with any of these destinations if you want to go Yellowfin Tuna fishing. Anyway, here are the specific top Yellowfin Tuna locations:
Freshwater Fish Species
Freshwater fish species have a reputation for being elusive. But this is only true to a certain extent. When you understand their eating habits or hiding corners, for example, those freshwater trophies become readily available. So, here are some essential pieces of information about how to recognize, find, and fish for the most sought-after freshwater fish species.
Bullhead
Whether a Black, Brown, or Yellow Bullhead, these Catfish are delicious and fairly easy to catch.
Bullhead Identification
Despite their names, Black, Brown, and Yellow Bullheads are similar in color. When they’re young, they’re all dark but, as they grow older and bigger, you’ll see them bathing in bronze, golden, and olive-like hues – but they still resemble each other a lot! All three species have upward-pointing barbels and scaleless bodies. What may help you distinguish them, however, are their tails and the shape of their bodies. Blacks are usually much chubbier than Browns and Yellows. And, while Blacks and Browns have square tails, Yellows’ are more rounded.
Bullhead Habitat
The different habitats of these fish might also help you differentiate between them, as they don’t enjoy the same water conditions. Brown Bullheads, for example, prefer slow-moving river sections with soft bottoms. They aren’t big fans of cool and see-through waters, either. Yellow Bullheads, on the other hand, populate clear ponds and creeks with rocky bottoms. Brown Bullheads, meanwhile, can withstand environments with low oxygen, so you’ll find them in deep and large lakes and rivers, often buried in the mud at the bottom.
How to Catch Bullhead
Mostly pursued for their food qualities, Bullheads aren’t the biggest nor greatest sportfish you’ll ever meet. Bullhead fishing doesn’t require you to have experience or specialized equipment. You can fish for them with various baits, including homemade dough and stinkbait. If you prefer live bait, go for worms, minnows, and frogs. Bullheads are nocturnal creatures, so your chances of landing a Black, Brown, or Yellow Bullhead are higger during dim-light conditions. Lastly, if you’re fishing for them in flowing waters, look for them around the mouths of rivers, streams, or creeks.
Top Bullhead Locations
Bullhead are native to the eastern part of the US, but you can also find them in the south and north. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular Bullhead fishing spots in North America:
Burbot
The Lawyer, Bubbot, Mariah, Loche, Coney-fish, Eelpout… Burbot are fish of many names. Freshwater Cod, however, is possibly the most common one.
Burbot Identification
Burbot aren’t attractive, that’s for sure. Their appearance is best described as a crossover between Bullhead, Cod, and Eel. These slender and slimy creatures are mostly pursued for their meat rather than their sport fish qualities and looks. They aren’t strong swimmers either, so they’ve had to perfect their camouflaging skills. Burbots’ bodies see a blend of yellow and brown hues and spots, which helps them fit seamlessly into their environment. They weigh 8 pounds on average but are known to exceed 25 pounds.
Burbot Habitat
The Burbot’s habitat choice is quite interesting. These freshwater Cod species not only survive in extremely low temperatures but also feel at home in frigid waters. Fisheries with temperatures of 35°F are tailor-made for Burbot. They also prefer deeper bodies of water, so northern lakes and glacial rivers in Alaska are their ideal abode. Burbot also require icy conditions to spawn in the winter months. It’s not surprising, then, that Burbot are excellent ice fishing targets.
How to Catch Burbot
Besides ice fishing around February, you can fish for Burbot in spring. March is often considered the prime time for targeting these Freshwater Cod, especially during the daytime. Otherwise, your chances of landing Burbot are higher in the evening and at night when they come closer to the shore. While not the strongest game fish out there, Burbot are vicious predators. They’ll attack your bait in the blink of an eye. Mullet, frozen smelt, chicken liver, salmon roe, worms, and even spoons can do the trick. Just make sure to jig and stir up some sediment with your bait to grab a Burbot’s attention.
Top Burbot Locations
Burbot are common in North America, Europe, and Asia. However, they aren’t considered desirable game fish everywhere. More often than not, they’re bycatches of Lake Trout. But if you want to specifically target Burbot, check out these locations:
Carp
There are many Carp species but one usually comes to mind whenever Carp are mentioned – the Common Carp.
Carp Identification
Everyone knows what a Goldfish looks like. They’re, in fact, a species of Carp. So, think of Carp as 100 lb Goldfish! You’ll easily recognize these oversized Goldfish by their yellow, gold, and brown hues, and clearly visible round bellies. Besides their thick bodies, Carp are tick-lipped, resembling Catfish. And, last but not least, you’ll quickly notice their elongated dorsal fin, big scales, and barbels, which will help you differentiate them from other similar-looking species.
Carp Habitat
Native to Asia and Europe, Carp were introduced to North America in the 19th century. Regardless of the continent, Carp are a freshwater species that love structure. In other words, their favorite hideouts are full of dense underwater vegetation. They dwell near the bottom, so you’ll find them close to soft bottoms and sandy shorelines. Carp prefer large turbid waters but they don’t mind small rivers and lakes, either.
How to Catch Carp
Before you head off to catch Carp, it’s useful to know that they primarily feed on plants, so they aren’t fierce predators and won’t be as motivated to gulp your fish bait as some other species. This, however, doesn’t mean that a hungry Carp won’t bite the worms or maggots you serve them for breakfast or dinner. They also fall for soft plastics and jig heads. Spinning is considered to be the most effective method to reel in Carp, while many adrenaline-seekers swear by bowfishing.
Top Carp Locations
Since they originally came from Europe and Asia, they feel at home in the UK, Spain, and Thailand. But the US isn’t lagging far behind with hotspots either. These are the best Carp fishing locations worldwide:
Catfish
Black, Blue, Brown, White, Yellow, Channel, Flathead… There are many Catfish. But Blue, Channel, and Flathead are the most popular species.
Catfish Identification
Each species of Catfish has its own distinctive features, but identifying your catch as a Catfish is fairly easy. These fish are famous for their whisker-like feelers (hence the cat reference), which are better known as barbels. They can have up to eight barbels located around the nose and mouth. Large and tough mouths are another trait of Catfish. Add stout, heavy, and cylindrical bodies without scales to that, and you’ll have no difficulties in recognizing a Catfish when you see one.
Catfish Habitat
Catfish are so widespread that the only continent where you won’t find them is Antarctica. Be it clear or murky waters, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, rivers, or streams, Catfish will thrive. They do, however, prefer hard bottoms over soft ones. Some species, such as Flathead Catfish, often head for the depths, so you’ll find them in big rivers and lakes. They hide in tailraces below dams, too. Blue and Channel Catfish tend to choose spots with swift currents.
How to Catch Catfish
You’ve probably heard that Catfish love stink bait. And this is true for species such as Channel Catfish. They won’t be able to resist the smell of liver and cheese. Other members of the Catfish family, like Blue Catfish, for example, prefer live or cut shad. As for fishing techniques, noodling is probably the most interesting one (although outlawed in many states), while drift and still fishing yield the best results. Many anglers opt for night hunting trips as this is when Catfish move closer to the shore in search of food.
Top Catfish Locations
While you can find Catfish in almost every freshwater body across the world, some fisheries are better than others. The following lakes and rivers fight it out for the claim to the top Catfish fishing destination:
Crappie
Crappie are favorite targets for kids and beginners, but seasoned anglers also take every opportunity to reel them in.
Crappie Identification
There are two types of Crappie – Black and White. Interestingly enough, despite their names, they’re similar in color. Both share olive-hued and bronze bodies decorated with black spots. The spots, however, are what will help you differentiate them. A White Crappie’s spots are arranged in several vertical bands, whereas the spots on a Black Crappie don’t follow a clear pattern. To make a further distinction between the two, look at their dorsal fin spikes – Black Crappie have seven or eight, while White Crappie have six.
Crappie Habitat
While it’s not uncommon to find them in the same bodies of water, Black and White Crappies prefer different habitats. Black Crappie, for example, thrive in clearer and deeper waters with cooler temperatures. Meanwhile, White Crappies seek turbid and shallower environments, and can tolerate warmer temperatures. Also, unlike Black Crappie that opt for thick underwater vegetation, White Crappie tend to head for muddy and sandy bottoms in slow-flowing waters.
How to Catch Crappie
Now that you know where to look for each Crappie, it won’t be too difficult to land one because they aren’t too picky. Their diet is diverse, and they’ll fall for anything from worms to spinnerbaits and jigs. Minnows, however, are their kryptonite. The most popular Crappie fishing methods are casting, jig fishing, and trolling. And remember – Crappie form schools, so where’s one, there’s more!
Top Crappie Locations
Crappie are primarily associated with North America. These are the best locations to kick off your Crappie fishing journey:
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
There are a dozen varieties of Trout but Rainbow Trout (Steelhead) rank high on the freshwater game fish list.
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead) Identification
Rainbow Trout and Steelhead are the same species even though they don’t look identical and they don’t inhabit the same bodies of water. Rainbows are freshwater fish, whereas Steelies are sea-run Rainbow Trout. So, basically, Steelhead are anadromous fish. Steelies are usually more slender and silvery in color than Rainbows. And more often than not, they don’t have the visible pink stripe that Rainbows have.
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead) Habitat
Rainbow Trout do well in both large lakes and fast-flowing streams. They seek water temperatures between 55°F and 65°F with a lot of cover. Steelhead that spend a portion of their lives in saltwater will come to freshwater to spawn, whereas fish that were introduced to lakes will live in freshwater before it’s time for them to move to the tributaries for the spawning season. Spawning-run Steelhead tend to congregate around structures and hide behind rocks.
How to Catch Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Your chances of landing Trout are highest in spring and fall. This is the time of the year when they eagerly feed on the hatches to either fill up their empty stomachs after a long winter or prepare for it. They’re obsessed with insects such as mayflies but they won’t refuse small fish such as minnows, either. You can also experiment with artificial lures like spoons and spinners as long as they resemble the live bait Trout would normally go for. The most popular fishing method for catching Rainbows is fly fishing.
Top Rainbow Trout (Steelhead) Locations
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead) are so widespread that it’s impossible to list all the locations where you can find them. But we can share several renowned fisheries with you and give you a starting point for getting familiar with Trout fishing:
Lake Trout
Mackinaw, Lake Char, Touladi, Togue, and Grey Trout are just some of the names anglers use to refer to Lake Trout – a true prized freshwater game fish.
Lake Trout Identification
Even though we call them Lake Trout, this species is actually a Char. Like Char, Lake Trout can be massive, exceeding 70 pounds. The official world record was a 72 lb Lake Trout caught in Great Bear Lake. Your average catch, however, is likely to be closer to 30 pounds. Larger and heavier specimens have bloated white bellies, while smaller and lighter fish will be more elongated. All Lake Trout have bright grey bodies dotted with white spots.
Lake Trout Habitat
Lake Trout aren’t easily accessible. They reside in deep waters of large lakes and rivers. Lake Trout also prefer cold depths to warm shallows. This doesn’t mean that you’ll never be able to spot them near banks, though. They frequent patches around shorelines in spring while the water temperatures are still cold enough for them. That being said, they rarely inhabit brackish waters.
How to Catch Lake Trout
You have a variety of angling methods at your disposal when pursuing Lake Trout. If you’re targeting them from land, shore casting and fly fishing with spinners and flies around rocky shorelines or tributaries in spring gives the best results. If you’re fishing for Lake Trout from a charter boat, then slow-trolling with large spoons is the name of the game. You can even go ice fishing for them in winter, and you’ll quickly lure them your way if you treat them to live or dead bait such as minnow or smelt.
Top Lake Trout Locations
Native Lake Trout are northerners. They primarily live in Canada, with Ontario playing home to the largest Lake Trout populations. You’ll also find them in northern parts of the US, as well as in some parts of Europe and Asia. The following locations are some ultimate Lake Trout fishing spots:
Largemouth Bass
Acrobatic jumps, unpredictable moves, and enviable fighting skills – Largemouth Bass have sportfish qualities every angler dreams about.
Largemouth Bass Identification
Besides signature moves that make them top tournament targets, you’ll easily recognize Largemouth Bass by their elongated bodies and, of course, large mouths. While their coloration may vary, you won’t sweat too much before you identify them. Their backs are usually a blend of green and brown hues, while their bellies are predominantly white. A broad dark stripe stretches along the midline of their bodies and noticeably separates the upper and lower parts. And, as you might have guessed, they’re also bigger than their Smallmouth relatives. Largemouth Bass can easily reach two digits in size and weight.
Largemouth Bass Habitat
Largemouth Bass thrive in different environments. You’ll find them everywhere, from creeks and canals to big rivers and lakes. Don’t be surprised if you notice them in both murky and clear waters, too. This, however, doesn’t mean you’ll end up with a Largemouth Bass whenever you cast your line. They’re very good at hiding. Largemouth Bass usually lurk among thick vegetation, making it harder for you to spot them and lure them your way.
How to Catch Largemouth Bass
Besides knowing where to look for Largemouth Bass, you must understand their habits in order to catch them. First of all, they’re seasonal creatures. Spring and fall are the prime times to go after them as they’ll be preoccupied with spawning and food. In other words, they’ll readily gulp anything you throw at them. Be it live bait such as shad, shiners, crayfish, snakes, and frogs, or lures like spinnerbaits and crankbaits, Largemouth Bass will jump at them. They also prefer low-light conditions when hunting, so go fishing for them during dawn or dusk for better results. When it comes to fishing techniques, fly fishing ranks high in angling circles.
Top Largemouth Bass Locations
Largemouth Bass are native to the eastern part of the country and some parts of Canada and Mexico. They’re insanely popular fish in the South as well. The following locations are just several of many prolific Largemouth Bass fishing spots:
Peacock Bass
Native to South America, Peacock Bass were introduced to Florida, where they quickly captured the hearts of local freshwater anglers.
Peacock Bass Identification
Although they’re neither Black nor Temperate Bass members, we still call Peacocks “Bass.” They actually belong to the Cichlid and Tilapia family. There are different subspecies in this family, but Butterfly Peacock Bass are the superstars. They’re easily recognizable thanks to several distinguishing features. Their most prominent traits are the humps on their heads and the crimson-red irises in their eyes. Their exotic appearance is completed with dark dots and vibrant yellow, green, and orange colors that decorate their bodies.
Peacock Bass Habitat
Peacock Bass are native to the Amazon and Orinoco River basins in South America, but they found a home in Florida in the ’80s. The South Florida canals, in particular, are Peacock Bass playgrounds. Their prime hiding spots are deep canal ends with thick vegetation. You’ll also find Peacock Bass around different structures, such as fallen trees and banks with shoreline cover. They inhabit moderately warm waters but cannot tolerate temperatures above 60°F. That means you’ll also locate them in shaded areas.
How to Catch Peacock Bass
Peacock Bass are ferocious and aggressive fish, so prepare for a good battle. They won’t go down without a fight. They’ll destroy your bait before you even realize what’s happened! They love shad but if you don’t have live bait, they’ll go for spoons, jigs, and streamer flies, too. Interestingly, they won’t fall for plastic worms. They’re best targeted with light spinning and fly fishing gear. You can catch Peacock Bass year-round, but spring and summer are the prime times to fish for them.
Top Peacock Bass Locations
If you want to test your skills against Peacock Bass, Florida offers premier angling opportunities. However, Central and South America aren’t lagging far behind either. These are the best spots for a Peacock Bass fishing adventure:
Salmon
Fighting skills, picture-perfect qualities, and excellent table fare – Salmon have it all!
Salmon Identification
First of all, you should know that there are seven Pacific (Chinook, Coho, Chum, Sockeye, Pink, Masu, and Amago) and one Atlantic Salmon. Their silvery bodies look alike before spawning, but each variety starts displaying distinctive features once they enter their spawning phase. Sockeyes’ bodies turn bright red and their heads olive-green. Meanwhile, Pink Salmon develop a hump in front of the dorsal fin, while a Coho’s jaw will transform into a hooked snout. Male Atlantic Salmon may even resemble Brown Trout!
Salmon Habitat
Salmon are anadromous fish. This means that you can find them both in saltwater and freshwater environments. In other words, Salmon inhabit oceans, bays, rivers, and lakes during different stages of their lives. While they may hide in holes, deeper pools, and open waters most of their lives, they’ll head toward tributaries to spawn. Some species like Kokanee (a landlocked form of Sockeye Salmon) spend their entire lives inland.
How to Catch Salmon
There isn’t a single recipe for landing Salmon. You can lure them your way with anything from flies, worms, and fish eggs to spoons and spinners. The same goes for fishing techniques – be it trolling, fly fishing, plunking, or mooching, Salmon will eventually show up. What you should take into consideration, however, is matching your bait with the fishery and angling method. In other words, don’t use flies for mooching when herring give better results. Mooching is also usually reserved for saltwater fishing.
Top Salmon Locations
America, Europe, Iceland, Japan, Russia… Salmon are everywhere! But what are the top Salmon fishing locations? Here are several hotspots you shouldn’t skip out on if you plan to fish for Salmon:
Smallmouth Bass
A favorite among freshwater anglers across North America, Smallmouth Bass guarantee action-packed fishing trips.
Smallmouth Bass Identification
While their name suggests otherwise, Smallmouth Bass aren’t small. They’re the second-largest members of their family. Trophy catches effortlessly top the 5-pound mark. Your everyday Smallies, however, weigh between 2 and 3 pounds on average. These fish are more robust and rounded than Largemouth Bass and can clearly be told apart by their connected dorsal fins and shorter upper jaws. Plus, their bodies are much darker in color than their cousins, while their bellies aren’t normally white.
Smallmouth Bass Habitat
Smallmouth Bass cohabitate with Largemouth Bass. However, they aren’t as widespread as their larger relatives are. You won’t find them in every stream and pond. Rather, they prefer crystal clear waters to murky ones and aren’t as tolerant to warm temperatures as Largemouths. Smallmouth Bass thrive in colder and deeper bodies of water. Another thing that sets them apart is that Smallies tend to head for gravel and rocky bottoms instead of underwater vegetation.
How to Catch Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass are great fighters. They’re known for their stubbornness and relentlessness. When hooked, they almost immediately go airborne and put up a show for you with their explosive jumps. So, we recommend arming up with light to medium spinning gear. As for bait, you won’t go wrong with crayfish and crayfish-imitating crankbaits. Last but not least, when you’re casting, aim for boulders and fallen trees in rivers or rocky shorelines in lakes. Smallies tend to meander these patches in search of food, especially in spring and fall.
Top Smallmouth Bass Locations
Canada, America, Japan, Russia, England, and Europe are all home to impressive Smallmouth Bass specimens. But Smallies are all the rage in North America, and these are some of the hotspots you should check out:
Sturgeon
If you’re on a quest to find the largest freshwater fish, look no further than Sturgeon.
Sturgeon Identification
Mistaking a Sturgeon for another species is impossible. They’re so unique that you’ll identify them in an instant. First and foremost, Sturgeons are gigantic. White Sturgeon, for example, can easily top 1,000 pounds. The average Sturgeon, however, revolves around the 100-pound mark, which is still pretty impressive. Sturgeons are also recognizable for their snout-like mouths and whiskers-like barbles below them. Finally, you’ll know you have a Sturgeon at the end of your line when you see their 10+ feet long bodies painted with white spots on the top and stripes on the sides.
Sturgeon Habitat
Sturgeon primarily inhabit the estuaries and bays of large rivers, but some species also live in the ocean and lakes. Atlantic Sturgeon, for example, thrive in the ocean on the East Coast before returning to the estuaries and rivers to spawn. Lake Sturgeon, on the other hand, spend their entire lives in the Great Lakes. White Sturgeon, the most targeted species in the Sturgeon family, are commonly found in rivers in the west of North America. Regardless of the species, Sturgeon head for deeper waters during low tide or hide in deep holes below dams.
How to Catch Sturgeon
Fishing for Sturgeon means being well-equipped for your target. This includes matching your tackle with the current water conditions and the anticipated size of your catch. In other words, gear up with heavy tackle, and don’t forget 80 lb test lines and 9/0 barbless hooks. Sturgeon are known for being strong and fast, so prepare for a real clash with these titans. Lastly, get familiar with the rules surrounding your Sturgeon hunt. Sturgeon fishing is heavily regulated, and these species are almost always catch-and-release-only.
Top Sturgeon Locations
You’ll find Sturgeon in different fisheries depending on the exact species you want to target. White and Lake Sturgeon, however, are the most popular targets, especially in North America. With that in mind, here are the top Sturgeon fishing spots to get you started:
Walleye
The fact that almost 10 places in the US compete for the title of “Walleye Capital of the World” shows just how popular Walleye are.
Walleye Identification
Walleye are mean-looking fish. Their sharp teeth and large, glossy eyes contribute to their reputation of being scary. Their long, cylindrical bodies with dark green and gold hues bring about an even more intimidating appearance. As a member of the Perch family, you’d expect them to be rather small. However, Walleye are the largest fish in the Perch family. Some of the biggest specimens ever caught were 20-pounders that exceeded 30 inches in length!
Walleye Habitat
Walleye can survive in different environments as they quickly adapt to temperature changes and food availability. However, they thrive in open waters, so the best habitats for Walleye are large lakes and reservoirs. In large lakes, you’ll most likely find them in areas where bait fish congregate. If you’re fishing in a smaller body of water, Walleye will head for cover, so look for them around various structures like sunken trees or weeds.
How to Catch Walleye
Walleye are among the most challenging freshwater rivals you can face. You’ll probably have to mix and match many angling approaches and baits before you find your winning combo. Experiment with jigging, still casting, drift fishing, and trolling. Apply the same experimental approach with baits and lures, and try your luck with alewives, leeches, minnows, worms, and crankbaits. Also, switch from daytime angling to nighttime fishing, and you may outsmart these wily fish.
Top Walleye Locations
Walleye are native to lakes and rivers across the US and Canada, and they’re extremely popular game fish in both regions. Here are some of the top Walleye fishing locations there:
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