{"id":48583,"date":"2025-02-23T14:31:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-23T14:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/?p=48583"},"modified":"2026-02-25T09:52:05","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T09:52:05","slug":"best-us-fishing-states","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/best-us-fishing-states\/","title":{"rendered":"America\u2019s Best Fishing States Index of 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 12<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><p>It&#8217;s no secret that one of America&#8217;s favorite pastimes is fishing. Well, for some it&#8217;s a pastime, for others, it&#8217;s a way of life. And it&#8217;s easy to see why. Some of the most productive fisheries on the planet are right here. Still, when faced with that many fantastic choices, anglers wrestle with the same question: Where to begin? <\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1541\" height=\"1059\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/09\/14144101\/rsz_angler_holding_a_fishing_rod.jpg\" alt=\"Someone's holding and reeling a fishing rod by the water, with a navigational marker and shoreline in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-23479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/09\/14144101\/rsz_angler_holding_a_fishing_rod.jpg 1541w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/09\/14144101\/rsz_angler_holding_a_fishing_rod-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/09\/14144101\/rsz_angler_holding_a_fishing_rod-1024x704.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/09\/14144101\/rsz_angler_holding_a_fishing_rod-768x528.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/09\/14144101\/rsz_angler_holding_a_fishing_rod-1536x1056.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1541px) 100vw, 1541px\" \/><\/figure><p>To answer this question, FishingBooker went on a quest to find out which are the best US fishing states &ndash; for the fourth year in a row. And look out, there are some real changes compared to last year!<\/p><p>We made use of our own data and paired that information with other public fishing-related sources. This helped us better understand which states not only have the most prolific angling but also support and develop their fisheries. In this article, we&#8217;ll explain the methodology behind the research and rank the US&#8217;s states according to their fishing potential. Let&#8217;s get started!<\/p><h2 id=\"key-takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/h2><p>Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, let&rsquo;s go through some key takeaways from our research:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Florida takes the top spot in 2026<\/strong>, climbing from 2nd place last year and reclaiming its position as the best fishing state in the US.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maryland is the biggest winner at the top of the table<\/strong>, jumping from 7th in 2025 (and 11th in 2024) all the way up to <strong>2nd place<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The 2026 top 5 looks very different than in previous years<\/strong>, with North Carolina and South Carolina surging into shared 4th place and Michigan rising from 4th to 3rd.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>There are 3 more newcomers in the top 10 compared to 2025<\/strong>: <br><ul><li>Texas<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Massachusetts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New York<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The states with the biggest ranking gains compared to 2025 are:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Texas (up 23 spots, from 30th to 7th)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Massachusetts (up 13 spots, from 21st to 8th)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New York (up 14 spots, from 23rd to 9th)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Iowa (up 23 spots, from 46th to 23rd)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The states with the biggest ranking drops compared to 2025 are:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Alaska (down 14 spots, from 1st to 15th)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oklahoma (down 19 spots, from 13th to 32nd)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Illinois (down 12 spots, from 15th to 27th)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The top 10 contains:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>6 Atlantic states<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 Great Lakes states<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3 Gulf Coast states<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Coastal access still plays a major role<\/strong>: of the top 25 states, just 3 are landlocked*, while landlocked states make up the majority of the bottom 25.<br>(*Great Lakes states are counted as not landlocked.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>California continues to underperform<\/strong>, ranking just 40th despite having over 800 miles of coastline and access to world-class freshwater and saltwater fisheries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Texas makes a dramatic comeback<\/strong>, climbing to 7th place after ranking just 30th last year &mdash; a result more in line with its reputation as a premier fishing destination with Gulf Coast access, major freshwater lakes, and a packed tournament calendar.<\/li>\n<\/ul><h2 id=\"methodology\">Methodology<\/h2><p>Our extensive research of the US&#8217;s fishing opportunities was based on 17 different criteria. Out of these, five criteria were based on FishingBooker&#8217;s internal data from hundreds of thousands of fishing trips, reviews, and reports, as well as our industry research. The remaining 12 criteria come from publicly available data sources.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Once we established the criteria, we grouped them into four separate categories &ndash; <strong>Anglers&#8217; Interest, Facilities, Financial, <\/strong>and <strong>Geography.<\/strong><\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"459\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/24104406\/Criteria-2026.png\" alt=\"Table lists criteria and weights for evaluating the best US fishing states by Anglers' Interest, Facilities, Financial, and Geography. Weights range from one to 1.5. All fish species names are capitalized.\" class=\"wp-image-130259\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/24104406\/Criteria-2026.png 864w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/24104406\/Criteria-2026-300x159.png 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/24104406\/Criteria-2026-768x408.png 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/24104406\/Criteria-2026-150x80.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/figure><p>Using the accumulated data, each of the states received a score of between 1 and 10 for each criterion.&nbsp;Some of the criteria were considered of special significance and were given additional weight in the calculations. The maximum possible score a state could get was 225 points. Once the scores were calculated and weighted, we summed them up. Then, we got the ultimate list of US states with their fishing potential ranked from best to worst.<\/p><p>Now we&#8217;ll cover the top 10 fishing states on the list. First, we&rsquo;ll highlight what makes each state great. Then, we&rsquo;ll explain the research categories where they stand out. Without further ado, here they are &#8211; the best US states to fish in 2026!<\/p><h2 id=\"top-10-fishing-states-in-the-us\">Top 10 Fishing States in the US<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20125928\/Best-Fishing-States-2026_Artboard-10-copy-16.jpg\" alt=\"A U.S. map highlights the best US fishing states for 2026, showing the top ten: Florida, Maryland, Michigan, and more. Fish species like Bass and Trout are featured in these states.\" class=\"wp-image-130192\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20125928\/Best-Fishing-States-2026_Artboard-10-copy-16.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20125928\/Best-Fishing-States-2026_Artboard-10-copy-16-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20125928\/Best-Fishing-States-2026_Artboard-10-copy-16-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20125928\/Best-Fishing-States-2026_Artboard-10-copy-16-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Position<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>State<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Points<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">1<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Florida<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">123<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Maryland<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">122.5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">3<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Michigan<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">119.5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\" rowspan=\"2\">4<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">North Carolina<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\" rowspan=\"2\">115.5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">South Carolina<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">6<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Louisiana<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">113<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">7<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Texas<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">112<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">8<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Massachusetts<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">111.5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">9<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">New York<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">110<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">10<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Wisconsin<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">109<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure><h3 id=\"1-florida\">1. Florida<\/h3><h3 id=\"123-points\">123 points<\/h3><p>After finishing second last year, <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/state\/us\/FL?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=48583\">Florida<\/a> takes the top spot in 2026. As a result, it cements its status as the undisputed saltwater fishing capital of the US. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, the Sunshine State offers over 8,400 miles of coastline. Moreover, its warm, clear waters hold an unmatched variety of game fish. <\/p><p>Florida&rsquo;s 2026 rise is driven by exceptionally strong angler interest. In fact, the state earned one of the highest <strong>Anglers&rsquo; Interest<\/strong> scores in the country (46 out of 55). This reflects its year-round demand and global reputation. Additionally, solid <strong>Facilities<\/strong> results supported its climb. At the same time, its long coastline and diverse fisheries boosted its <strong>Geography<\/strong> score.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2022\/06\/14141159\/Florida-game-fish-Swordfish.jpg\" alt=\"A woman and two men holding their catch, a large Swordfish\" class=\"wp-image-37591\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2022\/06\/14141159\/Florida-game-fish-Swordfish.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2022\/06\/14141159\/Florida-game-fish-Swordfish-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2022\/06\/14141159\/Florida-game-fish-Swordfish-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>However, financial accessibility was Florida&rsquo;s weakest point. Higher trip costs and overall expenses lowered its <strong>Financial<\/strong> score. As a result, the state didn&rsquo;t dominate every category. Even so, Florida&rsquo;s popularity, accessibility, and fishing diversity more than made up for it. Ultimately, that strength secured the number-one ranking.<\/p><p>So, if you&rsquo;re looking for saltwater fishing on the US mainland, Florida sets the benchmark. For example, anglers can target inshore favorites like Redfish, Tarpon, and Snook. Meanwhile, offshore waters hold King Mackerel, Grouper, Snapper, and Sailfish. All in all, Florida delivers unforgettable action year-round.<\/p><h3 id=\"2-maryland\">2. Maryland<\/h3><h3 id=\"122-5-points\">122.5 points<\/h3><p>Few states benefit from a natural resource as impactful as the Chesapeake Bay. In 2026, it played a key role in Maryland&rsquo;s rise. As a result, the state climbed all the way to 2nd place. With roughly a fifth of the state covered by water, Maryland offers outstanding opportunities for both saltwater and freshwater anglers.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/state\/us\/MD?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=48583\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/state\/us\/MD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Maryland<\/a> posted a strong 37.5 out of 55 in <strong>Anglers&rsquo; Interest<\/strong>, reflecting consistent demand and widespread appeal among anglers. Its <strong>Geography<\/strong> score of 22.5 points highlights the state&rsquo;s exceptional access to bays, rivers, tidal systems, and nearshore Atlantic waters. A solid showing in the <strong>Financial<\/strong> category (46.5 out of 85) also played a key role in Maryland&rsquo;s rise. It helped it stand out as a comparatively cost-balanced destination.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1210\" height=\"806\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/06\/14152400\/Solomons-MD-1.jpg\" alt=\"A sailboat moored near some houses in Solomons Island, Maryland.\" class=\"wp-image-8653\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/06\/14152400\/Solomons-MD-1.jpg 1210w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/06\/14152400\/Solomons-MD-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/06\/14152400\/Solomons-MD-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/06\/14152400\/Solomons-MD-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1210px) 100vw, 1210px\" \/><\/figure><p>However, Maryland fell short in <strong>Facilities<\/strong>. It scored just 16 out of 40. As a result, it trailed several top contenders and couldn&rsquo;t challenge for the number-one spot. Even so, strong angler interest helped to keep the gap modest. Additionally, favorable geography and solid financial accessibility strengthened its position. Together, these factors secured Maryland 2nd place in 2026.<\/p><p>Maryland is one of the top destinations for Striped Bass fishing on the East Coast. In addition, anglers can target Black Seabass, Flounder, Tautog, Mackerel, Cobia, and Black Drum. Offshore, Tuna and White Marlin are the main prize. Meanwhile, the state&rsquo;s rivers, lakes, and creeks hold Catfish, Perch, and Bass.<\/p><h3 id=\"3-michigan\">3. Michigan<\/h3><h3 id=\"119-5-points\">119.5 points<\/h3><p>Freshwater fishing remains <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/state\/us\/MI?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=48583\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/state\/us\/MI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Michigan&rsquo;s<\/a> great strength. In 2026, it helped the state climb to 3rd place overall. With access to four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan stands out nationwide. As a result, it remains the epicenter of freshwater fishing in the US.<\/p><p>This advantage is clear in the numbers. Michigan earned the highest <strong>Geography<\/strong> score in the rankings, with 34.5 points. This is thanks to its unmatched access to massive lakes, inland waters, and connected rivers. In fact, more than 40% of the state is covered by water, spanning over 40,000 square miles. As a result, anglers can fish the Great Lakes, explore more than 11,000 inland lakes, or choose from around 3,000 rivers.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/03\/14134107\/Best-US-Fishing-States-Michigan-River-Trek-Guide-Service.jpg\" alt=\"A child and an elderly man sitting on a fishing boat in Michigan, holding a Coho Salmon, with a misty river and autumn foliage in the background\" class=\"wp-image-48592\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/03\/14134107\/Best-US-Fishing-States-Michigan-River-Trek-Guide-Service.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/03\/14134107\/Best-US-Fishing-States-Michigan-River-Trek-Guide-Service-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/03\/14134107\/Best-US-Fishing-States-Michigan-River-Trek-Guide-Service-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/03\/14134107\/Best-US-Fishing-States-Michigan-River-Trek-Guide-Service-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>Infrastructure and affordability further strengthened Michigan&rsquo;s performance. The state earned 18 out of 40 points in <strong>Facilities<\/strong>. This reflects solid access and reliable on-the-water services. Meanwhile, a 44 out of 85 <strong>Financial<\/strong> score kept it competitive, particularly considering rising costs elsewhere. <strong>Anglers&rsquo; Interest<\/strong> was more modest at 23 out of 55. This suggests Michigan&rsquo;s fishing quality outshines its national hype, especially compared to coastal states.<\/p><p>Even so, Michigan&rsquo;s scale and freshwater variety are hard to match. From Walleye, Trout, and Salmon to Bass, Northern Pike, and Muskellunge, the options are extensive. Additionally, the state is a top destination for ice fishing. Taken together, these strengths explain Michigan&rsquo;s high spot in the 2026 rankings.<\/p><h3 id=\"4-north-carolina\">4. North Carolina<\/h3><h3 id=\"115-5-points\">115.5 points<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/state\/us\/NC?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=48583\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/state\/us\/NC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">North Carolina<\/a> delivers one of the biggest comebacks in the 2026 rankings. After finishing 17th last year, the Tar Heel State made a huge jump. In 2026, it surged to 4th place. This rise was fueled by growing angler demand and steady results across several categories.<\/p><p>Most importantly, angler interest drove the leap. North Carolina earned 47 out of 55 points in <strong>Anglers&rsquo; Interest<\/strong> &#8211; the highest score in the category. This reflects its strong appeal in both saltwater and freshwater fisheries. In addition, solid infrastructure supported the climb. The state scored 24 out of 40 in <strong>Facilities<\/strong>, backed by a thriving charter scene and broad public access.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/04\/14145939\/Outer-Banks-Bluefin-Tuna-Fishing-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"A happy angler holding a Bluefin Tuna caught out of Hatteras, NC\" class=\"wp-image-14109\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/04\/14145939\/Outer-Banks-Bluefin-Tuna-Fishing-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/04\/14145939\/Outer-Banks-Bluefin-Tuna-Fishing-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/04\/14145939\/Outer-Banks-Bluefin-Tuna-Fishing-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/04\/14145939\/Outer-Banks-Bluefin-Tuna-Fishing-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/04\/14145939\/Outer-Banks-Bluefin-Tuna-Fishing-2048x1366.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>Meanwhile, North Carolina remained competitive on affordability, earning 31 out of 85 points in <strong>Financial<\/strong>. That score kept it in line with other top-ranking states. However, <strong>Geography<\/strong> was its weakest category at just 13.5 points. This reflects its smaller water footprint compared to the very top contenders, which boast broader coverage or standout natural features.<\/p><p>Even so, North Carolina&rsquo;s breadth of fishing opportunities more than made up for that limitation. Along the coast, anglers can target Redfish, Flounder, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Tuna. Offshore, on the other hand, waters are known for billfish action. Inland, the state offers excellent Bass, Catfish, and Trout fishing &#8211; a combination that fueled its dramatic rise back into the top tier in 2026.<\/p><h3 id=\"4-south-carolina\">4. South Carolina<\/h3><h3 id=\"115-5-points\">115.5 points<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/state\/us\/SC?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=48583\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/state\/us\/SC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">South Carolina<\/a> continues its steady climb in the rankings, finishing 4th overall in 2026 after placing 11th last year. Rather than relying on a single standout factor, the Palmetto State&rsquo;s strong showing was built on broad appeal and reliable infrastructure, especially along its productive coastline.<\/p><p>Interest from anglers remained one of South Carolina&rsquo;s biggest strengths. The state earned 46 out of 55 points in <strong>Anglers&rsquo; Interest<\/strong>, signaling sustained popularity for its inshore and nearshore fisheries. That demand is met by capable, if not dominant, infrastructure, with 22 out of 40 points in <strong>Facilities<\/strong> supporting a busy charter scene and widespread coastal access.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/04\/14133939\/South-Carolina-Redfish.jpg\" alt=\"A bearded angler in sunglasses and a hat, kneeling on the bow of his boat, holding a Redfish he caught inshore fishing in South Carolina, with the blurred waters and skies in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-49097\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/04\/14133939\/South-Carolina-Redfish.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/04\/14133939\/South-Carolina-Redfish-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/04\/14133939\/South-Carolina-Redfish-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/04\/14133939\/South-Carolina-Redfish-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>Cost and physical layout played a more limited role. South Carolina posted 38.5 out of 85 points in the <strong>Financial<\/strong> category, placing it closer to the middle of the field in terms of affordability. Its <strong>Geography<\/strong> score of 9 points reflects a smaller footprint and fewer large-scale water systems compared to other states at the top of the rankings.<\/p><p>What ultimately keeps South Carolina competitive is the quality of its fishing. Shallow-water action for Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, and Flounder defines much of the coast, while nearshore and offshore waters produce King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Snapper, and Billfish.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 id=\"6-louisiana\">6. Louisiana<\/h3><h3 id=\"113-points\">113 points<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/state\/us\/LA?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=48583\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/state\/us\/LA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Louisiana<\/a> moves back into the top 10 in 2026, finishing 6th overall after ranking 13th last year. The state&rsquo;s return was fueled by its natural advantages and strong value for anglers, particularly in its extensive inshore waters.<\/p><p><strong>Geography<\/strong> played a major role in Louisiana&rsquo;s performance. The state earned 22.5 points in this category, reflecting its vast network of marshes, bayous, deltas, and nearshore Gulf waters that support one of the most productive inshore fisheries in the country. And lets not forget the mighty Mississippi River. Louisiana also delivered a strong showing in <strong>Financial<\/strong>, scoring 45 out of 85 points, which helped position it as one of the more cost-effective options among high-ranking states.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"769\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2021\/11\/14142432\/Louisiana-Speckled-Trout.jpg\" alt=\"An angler holding a big Speckled Trout he caught while fishing in Louisiana.\" class=\"wp-image-32842\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2021\/11\/14142432\/Louisiana-Speckled-Trout.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2021\/11\/14142432\/Louisiana-Speckled-Trout-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2021\/11\/14142432\/Louisiana-Speckled-Trout-768x577.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>Angler demand remained steady rather than explosive, with Louisiana posting 33.5 out of 55 points in <strong>Anglers&rsquo; Interest<\/strong>. <strong>Facilities<\/strong> proved to be the main constraint, where the state scored 12 out of 40 points, trailing several other top-10 contenders in terms of infrastructure density and charter availability.<\/p><p>Even so, Louisiana&rsquo;s fishing quality continues to do the heavy lifting. The state is renowned for its Redfish and Speckled Trout fisheries, particularly in the Mississippi River Delta and coastal marshes, while nearshore waters also produce Flounder, Sheepshead, and Black Drum.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 id=\"7-texas\">7. Texas<\/h3><h3 id=\"112-points\">112 points<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/state\/us\/tx?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=48583\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/state\/us\/tx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Texas<\/a> delivers one of the most dramatic reversals in the 2026 rankings. After finishing just 30th last year, the Lone Star State surged to 7th place, driven primarily by elite infrastructure and strong, broad-based angler demand.<\/p><p>That strength is most visible in <strong>Facilities<\/strong>, where Texas posted 29 out of 40 points, the highest score in the country. A dense network of marinas, ramps, and charter operations along the Gulf Coast, paired with extensive inland access, gave the state a clear edge. Angler demand followed closely behind, with Texas earning 38.5 out of 55 points in <strong>Anglers&rsquo; Interest<\/strong>, reflecting its appeal across both saltwater and freshwater fisheries.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/12\/01153538\/Reel-Good-Style-South-Padre-Island-Texas.jpg\" alt=\"A photo of three anglers posing on a charter boat in South Padre Island in Texas holding Redfish and Speckled Trout they caught during their winter fishing trip\" class=\"wp-image-59967\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/12\/01153538\/Reel-Good-Style-South-Padre-Island-Texas.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/12\/01153538\/Reel-Good-Style-South-Padre-Island-Texas-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/12\/01153538\/Reel-Good-Style-South-Padre-Island-Texas-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/12\/01153538\/Reel-Good-Style-South-Padre-Island-Texas-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>Other categories proved more limiting. Texas scored 37 out of 85 in the <strong>Financial<\/strong> category, indicating higher costs compared to many other top-10 states, while <strong>Geography<\/strong> lagged behind with 7.5 points, as the state lacks the concentrated water coverage or uniquely dominant systems seen in higher-ranked contenders.<\/p><p>Even so, Texas offers exceptional fishing variety. Coastal anglers can target Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and King Mackerel, while offshore waters produce Snapper, Tuna, and billfish. Inland, the state&rsquo;s lakes and reservoirs are famous for trophy Largemouth Bass fishing &#8211; a combination that powered Texas&rsquo; return to the top tier in 2026.<\/p><h3 id=\"8-massachusetts\">8. Massachusetts<\/h3><h3 id=\"111-5-points\">111.5 points<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/state\/us\/ma?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=48583\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/state\/us\/ma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Massachusetts<\/a> makes a quiet but significant leap into the top 10 in 2026, climbing to 8th place after sitting well outside this group in previous years. The state&rsquo;s rise wasn&rsquo;t driven by a single breakout metric, but by steady improvement across multiple areas, particularly when it comes to value and access.<\/p><p>One of Massachusetts&rsquo; biggest advantages this year was financial accessibility. With 45 out of 85 points in the <strong>Financial<\/strong> category, the state stood out as a comparatively cost-effective option among high-ranking coastal destinations. That was complemented by solid infrastructure, as Massachusetts earned 19 out of 40 points in <strong>Facilities<\/strong>, supported by a dense network of harbors, marinas, and charter operations along its rugged coastline.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2021\/05\/15134328\/striped-bass-massachusetts-new.jpg\" alt=\"Two people on a boat each hold a large Striped Bass, smiling at the camera while fishing in Massachusetts, with water and shoreline in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-126757\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2021\/05\/15134328\/striped-bass-massachusetts-new.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2021\/05\/15134328\/striped-bass-massachusetts-new-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2021\/05\/15134328\/striped-bass-massachusetts-new-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2021\/05\/15134328\/striped-bass-massachusetts-new-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>Geographic conditions also played an important role. Massachusetts posted 24 points in <strong>Geography<\/strong>, benefiting from a long Atlantic coastline, productive nearshore waters, and easy access to offshore fishing grounds. <strong>Anglers&rsquo; Interest<\/strong> was more measured, with the state scoring 23.5 out of 55, suggesting that its fishing quality continues to outpace its national visibility.<\/p><p>From Cape Cod to the North Shore, Massachusetts offers highly productive fishing for Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke, and Tautog, while offshore waters produce Tuna and Sharks.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 id=\"9-new-york\">9. New York<\/h3><h3 id=\"110-points\">110 points<\/h3><p>For the past two years, <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/state\/us\/NY?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=48583\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New York<\/a> sat well outside the top 20, making its appearance at 9th place in 2026 one of the more notable shifts in this year&rsquo;s rankings. That jump wasn&rsquo;t driven by surging popularity, but by exceptional value and solid access across a wide range of fisheries.<\/p><p>New York stood out financially, posting 53.5 out of 85 points in the <strong>Financial<\/strong> category &#8211; one of the strongest results nationwide. Reliable infrastructure also played a role, with the state earning 20 out of 40 points in <strong>Facilities<\/strong>, supported by extensive marina coverage and launch access across coastal and inland waters.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/06\/17140644\/New-York-Saltwater-State-Fish-Striped-Bass-1.jpg\" alt=\"A happy angler holding a trophy-sized Striped Bass, one of the two New York State Fish\" class=\"wp-image-72827\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/06\/17140644\/New-York-Saltwater-State-Fish-Striped-Bass-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/06\/17140644\/New-York-Saltwater-State-Fish-Striped-Bass-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/06\/17140644\/New-York-Saltwater-State-Fish-Striped-Bass-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2019\/06\/17140644\/New-York-Saltwater-State-Fish-Striped-Bass-1-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p><strong>Angler Interest<\/strong> was more restrained, reflected in a 21.5 out of 50 score, while <strong>Geography<\/strong> (15 points) captured the state&rsquo;s dispersed fishing landscape rather than dominance by a single system. Instead of concentrating its strengths in one area, New York spreads them across multiple regions.<\/p><p>That spread is what gives New York its edge. From Striped Bass and Bluefish along the Atlantic coast and Long Island Sound to freshwater fishing in the Great Lakes, Finger Lakes, and Adirondacks, the state offers remarkable variety.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 id=\"10-wisconsin\">10. Wisconsin<\/h3><h3 id=\"109-points\">109 points<\/h3><p>Freshwater fishing continues to define <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/state\/us\/WI?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=48583\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/state\/us\/WI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wisconsin&rsquo;s<\/a> place in the top 10, even though the Badger State slipped from 5th last year to 10th in 2026. With access to Lake Superior to the north and Lake Michigan to the east, along with thousands of inland lakes and rivers, Wisconsin remains one of the most reliable freshwater fishing destinations in the US.<\/p><p>Rather than dominating any single category, Wisconsin once again posted solid, well-balanced results. The state earned 26 out of 55 points in <strong>Anglers&rsquo; Interest<\/strong>, reflecting steady demand among freshwater anglers. Access and infrastructure remained dependable, with 21 out of 40 points in <strong>Facilities<\/strong>, supported by a broad spread of launch sites and charter operations.&nbsp;<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/07\/25104137\/Walleye-Wisconsin-Multi-Species-4.jpg\" alt=\"A person in a blue shirt and red hat is holding a Walleye. clearly enjoying their Minocqua fishing trip. They're sitting in a boat with gear visible in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-121588\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/07\/25104137\/Walleye-Wisconsin-Multi-Species-4.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/07\/25104137\/Walleye-Wisconsin-Multi-Species-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/07\/25104137\/Walleye-Wisconsin-Multi-Species-4-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/07\/25104137\/Walleye-Wisconsin-Multi-Species-4-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo courtesy of AJ Hauser<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><p>Wisconsin&rsquo;s strongest numerical showing came in the <strong>Financial<\/strong> category, where it scored 45.5 out of 85, reinforcing its reputation as a destination that delivers quality fishing with a reasonable price tag. A <strong>Geography<\/strong> score of 16.5 points reflected strong, though less dominant, water coverage compared to some higher-ranked states.<\/p><p>On the water, Wisconsin continues to deliver. Anglers can target Walleye, Trout, Salmon, Northern Pike, Bass, and Perch across the state, with Coho Salmon and Rainbow Trout standing out as favorites. When winter arrives, Wisconsin&rsquo;s ice fishing scene comes into its own, offering Crappie, Lake Trout, Yellow Perch, and more. <\/p><h2 id=\"the-full-ranking\">The Full Ranking<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"130195\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20131943\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-01.jpg\" alt=\"Here's a ranked list of the best US fishing states for 2026, with Florida on top, then Maryland and Michigan, plus more spots where anglers can reel in Bass, Trout, Catfish, and Salmon.\" class=\"wp-image-130195\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20131943\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-01.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20131943\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-01-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20131943\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-01-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20131943\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-01-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"130198\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20132024\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-02.jpg\" alt=\"Here's a ranked list of the best US fishing states for 2026. Rhode Island's at 11 and Ohio's at 20, with the top ten states highlighted overall. All major Fish and Species' names are capitalized.\" class=\"wp-image-130198\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20132024\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-02.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20132024\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-02-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20132024\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-02-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20132024\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-02-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"130201\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20132056\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-04.jpg\" alt=\"A ranked list shows the best US fishing states for 2026. Arkansas's at 21, Connecticut's at 22, and Missouri and Washington are tied at 29. All fish or species' names use capitals.\" class=\"wp-image-130201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20132056\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-04.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20132056\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-04-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20132056\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-04-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20132056\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-04-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"130204\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20132109\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-05.jpg\" alt=\"A ranked list of the best US Fishing States in 2026, with Indiana at 31 and California at 40 out of 40.\" class=\"wp-image-130204\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20132109\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-05.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20132109\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-05-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20132109\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-05-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20132109\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-05-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"130207\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20132124\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-06.jpg\" alt=\"A ranked list of the best U.S. fishing states puts South Dakota at forty-one and Kansas at fifty for top fishing destinations in 2026.\" class=\"wp-image-130207\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20132124\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-06.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20132124\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-06-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20132124\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-06-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2025\/02\/20132124\/Best-Fishing-States-2026-06-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure><p>Finding the very best states to fish in the US is no small feat, and a significant amount of research went into this ranking. Now that you&#8217;ve got this list to inspire you, which state is your first bucket list destination?<\/p><p><strong><em>Sources:<\/em><\/strong><em> FishingBooker, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Outdoor Foundation \/ Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, Statista, World Population View, Marinas.com, Bait Shops Near Me, Explore Census Data &#8211; Census Bureau, Wikipedia, Hooked in Fishing, American Sportfishing Association, Hey It&rsquo;s Free, United States Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Fish &amp; Wildlife Service<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It&#8217;s no secret that one of America&#8217;s favorite pastimes is fishing. Well, for some it&#8217;s a pastime, for others, it&#8217;s a way of life. And it&#8217;s easy to see why. Some of the most productive fisheries on the planet are right here. Still, when faced with that many fantastic choices, anglers wrestle with the same [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":48587,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1472],"tags":[430,358,727,340,412,374,545,355],"class_list":["post-48583","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-where-to-fish","tag-alaska","tag-beginners-advice","tag-delaware","tag-florida","tag-hawaii","tag-listicle","tag-michigan","tag-travel-advice"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>America\u2019s Best Fishing States Index of 2026 - FishingBooker Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/best-us-fishing-states\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"America\u2019s Best Fishing States Index of 2026\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Find out which states lead the way in fishing with our guide to the best US fishing states and their top fishing spots.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/best-us-fishing-states\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"FishingBooker Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/FishingBooker\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-02-23T14:31:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-25T09:52:05+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/03\/14134111\/Best-US-Fishing-States-Florida-Captain-Chris-Fishing-Charters.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"768\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Andriana\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Andriana\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"17 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"America\u2019s Best Fishing States Index of 2026 - 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