by Tom Bastek
Last updated: 2:00 AM ET, Tue April 21, 2015
Photos courtesy of their respective resorts and businesses
Summer is the season when the sport of fishing comes into its own. And though there are places you can fish year round (ice fishing in Minnesota, anyone?), there is just something about the warm sun beating down on your face, the cracking open of a cold beer, and taking in the beauty of nature around you. There you are, daydreaming the day away, all the while hoping that you will have more than a fish story to bring home with you. With that in mind as our inspiration, here are four great fishing trips you should take this summer.
Fly Fishing
The Lodge at Palisades Creek knows its fishing so well that they were voted an "Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge." Located in Irwin, Idaho at the South Fork of the Snake River, they provide guided fishing tours in one of the best trout destinations on the planet. Fish for Yellowstone Cutthroat, Rainbow and Brown Trout while on a guided tour, or go off on your own. Guided tours include tours for two, lunch, and flies from $540 per day. Accommodations are available at the lodge after May 1, and are either in their main lodge, which sleeps eight, or in one of their nine cabins. They have a restaurant on site which prepares local cuisine, and they have everything you could possibly need to rent in their fly shop.
Billfishing
Guatemala is known as one of the best places to go Billfishing in the world. Whether it is Sailfish, Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Slammer Dorado, or tuna, you can get it there. One of the most renowned and decorated companies in the area is Guatemalan Billfishing Adventures. They offer all-inclusive packages that include three days of fishing, four nights of accommodations, all meals, ground transfers, non-alcoholic drinks, and free Wi-Fi. The rates run from just over $5,000 for two people all the way down to just over $3,000 for five people. Just an FYI, they don't allow you to take any of these fish home; they are strictly catch and release.
Partyboat Fishing
Sometimes you just want to go out with a bunch of folks, drink some beer, catch some fish, and not pay a lot of money to do it. That is exactly where party boat fishing comes in. And there is no better place to do it than in the Florida Keys. There are a bunch of great party boats in the keys, but Robbie's of Islamorada is one of the best. They go out three times a day with morning, afternoon, and night charters, and they bring everything you need in terms of bait, tackle, and fishing licenses. You provide your own beverages and food and you are on your way for around $40. When you get back to the dock, the mates will clean and filet your fish for you, and if you want to eat it right there, the Hungry Tarpon restaurant will even cook it up for you. This is the only way to fish.
Spear Fishing
While hanging out in the Florida Keys, you might as well take advantage of the crystal clear waters and try your hand at spear fishing. The folks at Dive Duck Key who work out of Hawk's Cay offer a $150 for one person, $225 for two, fully equipped, speargun fishing trip. They go out twice a day and spearguns are provided. The tour is four hours and concentrates on safety and protecting our natural habitats. They do not fish for numbers, they fish for their dinner. You will as well. All of the gear and licenses are covered by the crew but if you have your own equipment, there is a discount for bringing it.
So whether you are interested in the sport of fishing, or going out to get your dinner, there are plenty of options out there. Make this the summer that you kick back and relax, all while trying your hand at possibly catching your meal for the night. Bet you'll have a reel good time!
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