Top 10 Fishing Destinations for Spring

Spring is dubbed the prime time to head out to the waters and cast a line. The season is a fresh start for anglers and the fish emerging from their winter habitat. Fish prefer to swim in warmer waters, and some of them lay eggs during this time of year. Fish actively feed after hibernation in the spring, making them an easy target for anglers.

Spring breathes new life; this is the beginning of the fishing season in many places and the prime season to cast your line in some areas. 

Here are ten destinations that you can try out on your next spring fishing trip:

1. Panama City Beach, FL

Panama City Beach is located in the middle of the Florida Panhandle and is famous for spring inshore fishing; it is part of the Gulf of Mexico coast, making it an ideal vacation and fishing spot. During spring, fish species such as redfish, black drum, speckled sea trout, and sheepshead are on the move. Anglers are lucky to catch cobia and pompano. Around the spring season, fish travel into the shallows hunting for food and seeking warmer waters.

2. Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth is a port city located on the Piscataqua River in New Hampshire. The place is a historic seaport and a famous tourist destination. Portsmouth is known for its striped bass, and during the spring season, its large varieties travel to the Piscataqua River waterways. Flounder, bluefish, Atlantic pollock, and bluefin tuna are also the top fish anglers caught in the Portsmouth area.

3. Destin, FL

Destin originated as a small fishing village in Okaloosa County, Florida, before becoming famous for its white beachfront and emerald-green waters. Destin offers a world-class fishery for every angler, and spring is one of the best seasons to visit the city. Bottom fishing is perfect for targeting snapper and amberjack. At the same time, fish such as cobia, barracuda, and mackerel are found near the surface.

4. Cape Henlopen, DE

Cape Henlopen in Delaware is another popular spring fishing destination. It situates in the opening of Delaware Bay along the Atlantic Ocean, and its location means excellent angling action. Black drum and flounder begin to hunt for food as the water starts to warm. Striped bass and rockfish are also common targets of anglers in the area. 

5. Virginia Beach, VA

Lying where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, the coastal city of Virginia Beach offers one of a kind spring fishing experience. Virginia Beach is not only a perfect place to relax but also a top location to cast your line. Anglers target bull redfish, bluefish, large-size stripers, kingfish, cobia, and billfish. Virginia Beach's brackish creeks and streams flowing towards the freshwater overflow with fish every spring. 

6. Hammock Coast, SC

The Hammock Coast in the Palmetto State is dubbed one of the best spring fishing spots. It is South Carolina's most gorgeous secret, boasting the breathtaking stretch of beaches between Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Redfish, flounder, and tarpon are available inshore, while seabass, mackerel, amberjack, and cobia are found nearshore. Anglers can also go for deep-sea fishing and go after mahi-mahi, tuna, wahoo, and billfish.

7. Catalina Island, CA

Santa Catalina Island is one of California's Channel Islands and has beaches on the seaward side with silvery-grey sand, mainly because of quartz. During spring, fishing on the island is best for anglers targeting white seabass, calico bass, and California sheepshead. Anglers can fish on the shore, from the surf, or even on a pier, and they will surely score a fish. Yellowtail and tuna are also the prime species caught on the island.

8. Coastal Mississippi

Coastal Mississippi or Mississippi Gulf Coast brags its white sandy shores and winding bayous. The coast situates in southern Mississippi on the Mississippi Sound along the Gulf of Mexico. Spring is an excellent time to fish the Gulf's sought-after fish like speckled trout and redfish. The deeper waters of the coast are filled with kingfish, cobia, and even amberjack. You can hire a fishing charter or just cast your line in the piers, and you'll surely go home with a catch.

9. Fort Myers Beach, FL

The Sunshine State of Florida is known to be one of the best fishing spots globally. Fort Myers Beach is one of the top-tier locations in the state. Cobia, speckled trout and permit make the spring season a lot more fun as they present thrilling angling and a flavorsome feast afterward. Fort Myers Beach is also home to one of the largest tarpon migrations making their way to the Boca Grande Pass.

10. South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island in Texas is known for its pristine water but, at the same time, offers powerful gamefish. South Padre Island is the only place in Texas where anglers can score snook. Inshore fishing in South Padre Island will land anglers such as tarpon. Anglers' spring favorites are the likes of red snapper, amberjacks, and enormous redfish. Massive redfish are a common sight on the island during spring as they move out of the shallows and into the oyster reefs during this season.

Conclusion

Fishing seasonality has a significant impact on one's fishing trip. It is also important to be reminded of the essential fishing equipment needed when heading out the waters. States across the country also have different regulations and require a fishing license for every angler.