Fishing is a fun way to spend time with the family; in fact, it’s no less than a vacation! Now – fishing is all about choosing the right spot. Fortunately, there are many places in the United States that can host everyone including children, women, elderly, etc.
Children can learn what it feels like to catch the first fish or watch the parents get some quiet time surrounded by nature. And, of course, if fishing is not for everyone, there are other things to do at these locations.
So, grab your tackle, hat, raft, sunscreen, and, of course, your camera, and get ready to laugh as we take you through our list of the top five family fishing vacation spots, including the legendary fishing on Douglas Lake.
- Douglas Lake, Tennessee
Fishing on Douglas Lake in Tennessee is easily one of the best fishing spots. This great fishery lake is near the Smoky Mountains and is indeed family orientated. Strikingly, it is recognized as one of the 10 best lakes of the USA for bass fishing and one of the 5 lakes for crappie fishing; in other words, it is a fisherman’s paradise.
Douglas Lake houses a plethora of fish varieties, such as the largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish. If your family is up for a challenge, try out night fishing on a calm summer evening using buzz baits or large spinner baits. Moreover, kids will love the excitement of watching their lines in the moonlight, and who knows, you might even catch one of those elusive Douglas Lake fish.
And, if some age members are not particularly great at fishing enthusiasm, there is still a lot to do. For instance, you have the Smoky Mountains for hiking, wildlife viewing, or simply enjoying the surroundings. Furthermore, you can enjoy excellent accommodations, including camping sites, lakeside cottages, and resorts.
Fishing rentals and guided tours are available at marinas like Mountain Cove and LightHouse, so no need to lug your gear across the country!
If you’re a lake-watching fan – you can turn to Cherokee or Norris Lake; both offer great smallmouth bass fishing if you’re in the mood for a fishing road trip. All in all, the Lake Douglas fishing trip is what you need!
- Hawk’s Cay Resort, Florida Keys
Second on our list is the famous Florida fishing destination, Hawk’s Cay Resort in the Florida Keys. Located on Duck Key, this resort provides guests with some of the best fishing grounds in the area. If you are targeting tarpon, redfish, snook, or the exciting offshore game fish such as sailfish and tunas, you get it all here. The children can also entertain themselves by catching groupers and snappers within the relatively shallow waters of the protected channels.
But when the fishing is slow, or there are no big fish to catch, there are a lot of things to do to keep every member of the family busy. There are five swimming pools available; one of them has the form of a pirate ship – all kids love pirates, don’t they? The other attractions include exploring marine life, attending entertainment shows, scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking at the Hawk’s Cay resort.
The diversification of the type of accommodations offered includes villas and hotel rooms, ensuring that families can select what best fits their preference. Plus, since there are many restaurants nearby you can dine in. It’s a complete package.
- Crystal Coast, North Carolina
North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is an 85-mile stretch of shoreline packed with family-friendly fun. It’s a fishing hotspot where you can target everything from redfish and trout to flounder and cobia. The fishing seasons here are generous, with prime times running from May through November.
If your family isn’t all about fishing, don’t worry – there’s plenty to do. For history buffs, a visit to Fort Macon, a Civil War-era fort, offers a fun mix of education and adventure. The North Carolina Aquarium is another hit with kids, and a boat ride to see the wild horses on the Shackleford Banks is a must.
Lodging options abound, from cozy campgrounds to spacious condos. A favorite family spot is Peppertree Atlantic Beach Resort, which offers mini-golf, tennis, and easy beach access. For those who want to be closer to the action, the Fisherman’s Inn offers convenient dock slips, making it easy to fish and relax.
- Abacos, Bahamas
Last but not least, let’s hop over to the Bahamas, specifically the Abacos. Known for its crystal-clear waters and laid-back island vibes, this spot is perfect for a family fishing getaway. The Abacos are famous for their bonefish, which can be caught in the shallow flats, while the offshore waters boast marlin, wahoo, and mahi-mahi.
But fishing isn’t the only thing to do here. You can spend your days exploring the islands, snorkeling among colorful reefs, or shelling on secluded beaches. The island of Elbow Cay is a highlight, featuring the last candy-striped lighthouse in the world. Talk about an Instagram moment!
Families can stay at resorts like the Firefly Sunset Resort or Hopetown Inn & Marina, both offering a variety of activities and amenities to keep everyone happy. The Abacos are a paradise for both adventure and relaxation, making it a top choice for families who want a fishing trip with a side of island bliss.
- Brookville Lake, Indiana
Brookville Lake offers a serene and family-friendly fishing experience, making it a perfect destination for anglers of all ages. This picturesque lake is known for its exceptional fishing opportunities, particularly for walleye, black crappie, and channel catfish.
Brookville Lake is easily accessible from major cities in Indiana and neighboring states. And the lake’s tranquil setting and surrounding amenities make it an ideal spot for a family vacation.
You can avail a multitude of fishing facilities such as boat rentals (kayaks, boats, canoes). Moreover, there are guided tours if you wish to have a personalized tour.
Apart from that, Brookville lake offers activities for non-fishing family members such as hiking, boating, camping and picnicking. Lastly, there are accommodations available too – You can decide to camp, stay in hotels/motels or opt for vacation rentals as well.
Conclusion
A family-friendly fishing vacation is the perfect way to unwind, reconnect, and create memories that last a lifetime. So, these are the 5 fishing spots you can consider. For us, the top spot is definitely fishing on Douglas Lake.