The Best Warm Water Fishing Spots in the United States

Written by Kristen Rogers
July 14, 2018

Last Updated on January 13, 2022 by Boatsetter Team

Looking to get in a bit of saltwater fishing and enjoy the warm sun, wind, and water? If so, then the US is replete with fishing options, most of which are located around the southern coast, although some hotspots can be found on the southern West Coast. Here is our pick for the best spots to fish, along with our highlighted fleet in that area.

Key West, Florida

We’ll start with the Florida Keys. Key West is listed here, but really, you can go just about anywhere in the island chain and enjoy incredible fishing. Whether you’re looking for tarpon or marlin, tuna or dolphinfish, you’ll find plenty of options here. You can also enjoy fishing in the shallows, or venture out into the deeper waters for a bit more fun. Key West Fleet

The Outer Banks

Head to North Carolina during the late spring through the beginning of summer, and then again in the fall, and you’ll have access to a broad range of trophy fish species. Among the most common are tuna (fall), red drum, sailfish, and wahoo to name just a few. Head to the Carolinas and embark out on one of our Outer Banks fishing fleet options.

Hawaii

This one should come as no surprise – Hawaii is one of the best places in the world for warm water fishing. However, if you really want the most adventure, head to Kona. You’ll find tuna, mahi-mahi and ono here, as well as some very deep water fishing possibilities (think 6,000 feet down just outside the harbor). Sail by volcanos, surf the waves and dive deep into the warm water adventures Hawaii has to offer.

Miami, Florida

Miami might be more synonymous with nightlife and luxury real estate than with fishing, but the fact remains that some of the most productive waters in the world lie just off the city’s beaches. You’ll find great fishing here year-round, with tuna, sailfish, and dolphin being some of the most common species. Explore all of the marine life that the city has to offer on one of the Miami fleet.

Venice, Louisiana

Head into the Gulf of Mexico and up to Venice, Louisiana to enjoy another great warm water fishing spot. You’ll discover wahoo here, but also yellowfin tuna and amberjack if you prefer those fish. Check out Boatsetters Louisiana options.

San Diego, California

Out on the West Coast, you’ll find that San Diego can offer some great warm water fishing throughout the year. You can catch spotted bay bass, halibut, tuna, calico bass, and more. The West Coast really is the best coast for boating.

Galveston, Texas

Texas has no shortage of great fishing areas to explore, but the waters around Galveston deserve special mention. That’s thanks in large part to the sheer number of underwater structures, ranging from oyster reefs to oil derricks. Some of the most common species to find here include red snapper, wahoo, redfish, flounder, speckled trout and black drum to name just a few. Galveston Fleet

Panama City Beach, Florida

Set on Florida’s Forgotten Coast, Panama City Beach has a reputation as more of a spring break destination than a great fishing area. However, the city has easy access to trophy-fish bearing waters. You can enjoy catching redfish, mackerel, tuna, cobia, blue marlin and more. Panama City Beach

As you can see, the US is replete with excellent warm water fishing destinations – these are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Whatever species you prefer, there’s somewhere in the United States to catch it.


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