Featured
Going on a family fishing trip can be an awful lot of fun. But where should you go with your brood? That’s the big question we attempt to answer in this post. We run through some of the top family fishing destinations in the world where you can reel in trout and then relax together at the end of the day.
UK Family-Friendly Fishing Destinations
Let’s start with some UK destinations. After that, we’ll run through places that are further away.
Lake Windermere, Cumbria
Lake Windermere is a great place to start if you’re only just beginning your fishing adventure. Not only is it England’s biggest lake, but it is also well-served by the nearby town and there are plenty of companies operating in the area that can take you on fishing trips.
Lake Windermere’s most attractive feature is the sheer range of fish you can find lurking below its gently lapping waves. Char, brown trout and rainbow trout all swim in its waters.
Once you finish fishing, you can head to the local town for a bite to eat, or stroll along the bank. The choice is yours.
The River Tweed, Northumberland
The River Tweed is another option for families who want to get out into nature and leave all their troubles behind. The famous waterway actually runs all the way to Scotland, but also carves a path through many of the most rural places in England.
It’s a good spot for salmon fishing. However, since these fish can be quite vigorous, it is probably only suitable for older kids.
You could combine a River Tweed trip with a tour of the northeast of England and southern Scotland. There’s so much to see, including the stunning city of Edinburgh with all its statues and grand architecture.
The Bristol Channel
Heading south, the Bristol Channel is another spot you might want to explore. While it isn’t quite as deserted as Northumberland, it is still an opportunity to get out into nature while remaining close to major cities.
The Bristol Channel is an excellent place to find pollock, ray, flatfish and cod. Most of the water is seawater, meaning you get a different array of fish from what would be available inland.
Kids also love the area because of its beachside attractions and opportunities to explore nature. Take cliffside walks, visit the beaches, and explore the wildlife, which is in abundance in this part of the world. After you finish for the day, go to Bristol where you’ll find a selection of bohemian dining options to keep your tastebuds satisfied.
The River Wye
The River Wye is one of Britain’s most popular rivers and attracts thousands of anglers every year. What makes it special is the sheer range of species on offer to catch, including grayling, salmon and brown trout. In fact, there are so many different types of fish in these waters that you’ll want to take all your fly fishing flies.
But it’s not just the abundance of wildlife on offer that makes the destination so attractive; it’s also the beautiful scenery. Walking along the banks of the river feels like being sent back in time, allowing you and your kids to absorb the bucolic beauty of your surroundings.
Global Destinations
While the UK has some excellent fishing destinations for families, there are plenty of places overseas to explore, too, so start saving now.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the only countries in the world not to have a formal army. But that’s not what makes it so attractive for fishing. Instead, it’s the inshore and offshore fishing it offers.
While you can fish in designated parts of the country, most families join fishing tours organised by local companies. Many frequent the famous Osa Peninsula, which is one of the most biologically diverse parts of the planet. Here, fleets of boards moor inshore and offshore, allowing keen anglers to catch sailfish, dorado, yellowfin tuna, and groupers.
You can also combine fishing trips with whale and dolphin watching. These species swim in giant pods in this location, making it an excellent place to snap photographs you’ll remember for a lifetime.
There are also numerous other opportunities for family fun in the area. You could visit a chocolate farm, go panning for gold, or horseback riding through nature.
Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are another well-known fishing destination, offering stunning opportunities to catch rare species. Most families head to the resorts on Duck Key. The establishments in this area have family rooms that make life so much more convenient for parents.
The reason for heading to this part of the Florida Keys is the backcountry (untamed wilderness). Here, you can find numerous species, including groupers, snappers, king mackerel and many others. If you hire a boat, there’s also a nearby marina where you can dock it and return later.
Los Cabos, Mexico
Lastly, you might also want to take a trip to Los Cabos, perhaps the most exotic fishing destination on this list. It’s close to California’s Baja peninsula and provides exceptional Pacific Ocean fishing opportunities.
Granted, getting there is a hassle. But once you arrive at the Sea of Cortez, you’ll find facilities and environments that let you have top-quality fishing experiences.
The region, for instance, is among the most biologically diverse on the planet. That means that you can find more fish here than almost anywhere else. Anglers report reeling in marlin, mahi, and tune.
Most anglers who go to the area use ATVs or small pangas to get around. Larger boats let you get offshore and explore the waters more deeply.
You can also hire fishing boats in Cabo San Lucas or watch fishing tournaments, like the Charter Boat Classic, unfold.
After you finish fishing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the area, including golf, scuba diving and ATV hire. Cultural events run year-round. You can also access the U.S. quickly at the same time since the region is so close to the California border.
