Best Fishing State 2024

Unknownwaters reply :

I am in my early 20s and soon will be having to make some pretty huge life changing decisions regarding what I want my career in, romance, and all sorts of other stuff (talk about a stressful time). One thing I know very little about is good bass fishing states. I currently live in Georgia and find it to be a great overall fishing state. From walleye in deep mountain reserviors to trophy spots,largemouths, and coastal fishing, the only thing it seems to lack is a productive smallmouth bass fishing lake (spots have all but pushed them out of the state because of illegal stockings of the fish). I never really considered living in another state,but the potential job market might take me to other places. So i was just wondering, what other good fishing states are there?

MarkH024 reply :

Northern states will present better smallmouth fishing, northern pike, musky. Fish that you generally wont find in south in abudunce if at all. On the flip side, LMB don't get nearly as big up in the north like they do in the south. By North i'm referring to IL, WI, MN, Michigan and alike states. South is Kentucky and below. I guess it boils down to what are you wanting to target mostly? There is good fishing in any state for the most part, it just depends on what you are going for. Minnesota is a great fishing state along with Wisconsin. I have never really fished Michigan but from what I hear it's a wonderful state too. Plus us Midwesterners have all the Great Lakes at our finger tips which presents a huge array of fishing opportunities.

fishking247 reply :

What type of fishing do you want to do? if you want a good overall state north carolina is boss. coastal stripers, drum, offshore fishing (shark, tuna, etc) then you have some big largemouth, smallmouth and up in the mountains you have great trout fishing.

don't overlook northern fishing for largemouth. i live in southeastern new york (long island) and while we don't get consistent 10-12's if you put your time in you can get quite a few 4-6's. anything above 7 is considered a "trophy" i have heard of a handful of 9's and even a few 10's by me. i have great largemouth fishing here, perch, some walleye and smallies and a few OK trout streams. then you have the atlantic ocean, long island sound, and various bays, harbors and rivers for striped bass, bluefish, porgies, blackfish, sea bass, cod. you also have the sportfishing capital of the world also known as montauk point. More people saltwater fish around here but there is a pretty good freshwater crowd as well.the problem with Long Island, well actually everywhere is more people and more people wishing which means more fishing pressure and the "bucket brigade" keeping every fish from 3"-10lbs

i am in my early 20's as well and while i do love it here, the cost of living is plain ridiculous i can't see myself being here when i am 30

MarkH024 reply :

On 8/11/2012 at 12:32 AM, fishking247 said:

i am in my early 20's as well and while i do love it here, the cost of living is plain ridiculous i can't see myself being here when i am 30

Don't move to IL, or Chicago area. It's just as bad unless you want to live in a trailer park or some awful neighborhood. Property tax, Gas, food, electric...its all through the roof here.

retiredbosn reply :

I've been fortunate enough to live on or near world class fishing all of my life. The New River in WV for smallies, now I'm within an hour of Santee Cooper, Murray and Clarks Hill Resevoir, all of which are known for one specie or another, Cats in Santee, Stripers in Murray and Clarks Hill, LMB in all three. I think the previous poster is right, you can find good fishing no matter where you end up. Example although I lived on the New River I didn't fish it a lot, being local I knew other places that didn't get the pressure and had great fishin. I knew of a small local lake that routinely produced double digit lmb, and in a state where the record is 12lbs that is saying something. So I had the opportunity to catch some really big lmb in a state better known for smallies and native trout. The move here to SC has thrown off my catch rate, I don't know all the areas, but the challenge is learning and exploring all that is available now. Focus on what is most important to you, career or whatever move there, you will find good fishin where ever that may be. BTW I've lived in GA, SC, NC, VA, WV, PA and have found good fishing in all areas. Up north LMB just aren't as big as they are in Dixie, then again states like TN have good numbers and size of all freshwater bass. Then also the ice and winter up north curtails fishing for that period, I have never ice fished, just don't like the cold enough to go out on the ice drill a hole, put up a shelter and start a fire. I think instead of looking at what areas are best, look at what areas you can fish your strengths.

SirSnookalot reply :

Go where the money is.........you can catch fish anyplace.

BASSclary reply :

If I had the chance, (and a stable job), I would without a doubt move to the eastern coast of North Carolina. The fishing is plentiful, and your right there to do some salty stuff as well.

I also really like the lifestyle accompanied by certain areas of the state.

Lund Explorer reply :

On 8/11/2012 at 2:49 PM, SirSnookalot said:

Go where the money is.........you can catch fish anyplace.

Agreed! It's harder to find a place to work/live where the pay is good and the climate is agreeable. Take advantage of what is swimming in your home waters and use your vacations to explore other parts of the country for what they have to offer.

shimmy reply :

obviously depends on what you want. In my opinion, if size of bass is not an issue, go to Minnesota. Easiest place in my opinion to catch 5 and 6 pounders and ridiculous amounts of fish, so many unpressured waters, and rated one of the best places to live.

Sam reply :

Louisiana.

From the gulf to the marsh through the bayous and then the rivers and lakes, Louisiana has it all.

And then there are others:

Florida - What more can you say about a state that has an excellent fishing pedegriee.

Texas - Big state with some big fish.

California - Outstanding fishing for both salt and freshwater species.

However, from a logistics point of view, you can travel all over Louisiana and touch on Texas and Mississippi and go after many species of fish within a two days drive from Venice up to Shreveport and from Lake Charles to Ruston.

When you add into the formula that the food is great; the women beautiful; cajun country breathtaking; the football outstanding; lots of great hunting; and Mardi Gras in the French Quarter, it just does not get better than that.

Remember....Come to Louisiana as you are. Leave different!!!

Bassn Blvd reply :

On 8/11/2012 at 2:49 PM, SirSnookalot said:

Go where the money is.........you can catch fish anyplace.

^^^EXACTLY^^^! If the fish are "too" small up north then downsize your tackle. No other state in the country is better than Florida when it comes to saltwater fishing. We don't have walley, pike or freshwater trout, but we havw snook, tarpon, tuna, bonita, cuda, ladyfish, and a thousand other species.

Captain Obvious reply :

Texas!!!

Why?

Living reasons.

- The money is here and the cost of living is pretty low.

- People are friendly

- Great sports teams

- Big state means lots of room for everyone you don't live on top of each other

- Women are beautiful and there is a lot of them.

- Great food

- To many more....

Fishing Reasons

- We have the most coast on the gulf.

- Year round fishing, something you don't have up north

- Choose your species, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass (yes we have them), strip bass, white bass, black or white crappies, blue gills, several types of catfish ,gar, and trout (in the gulf).

- Again there are just to many reasons to list

Texas is the best fishing state period.

Capt.O

Highhawk1948 reply :

X 2 Sirsnookalot!! Very true.

shootermcbob reply :

On 8/12/2012 at 2:22 AM, Captain Obvious said:

Texas!!!

Why?

Living reasons.

- The money is here and the cost of living is pretty low.

- People are friendly

- Great sports teams

- Big state means lots of room for everyone you don't live on top of each other

- Women are beautiful and there is a lot of them.

- Great food

- To many more....

Fishing Reasons

- We have the most coast on the gulf.

- Year round fishing, something you don't have up north

- Choose your species, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass (yes we have them), strip bass, white bass, black or white crappies, blue gills, several types of catfish ,gar, and trout (in the gulf).

- Again there are just to many reasons to list

Texas is the best fishing state period.

Capt.O

Just ran this past the wife....Texas sounds GREAT to me....she, however, was not impressed the highlighted part above.

HeavyDluxe reply :

If you move somewhere with smaller fish, just lighten up your tackle.

yoyoman reply :

move to where they have fat paychecks not fat bass unless you can find both. the first being a fat paycheck!

mr.mallard reply :

ARKANSAS! its the fishing state. blue ribbon smallmouth streams that arent heavily fished. any type of bass lake you can ask for. world class trout and fly fishing. the mississippi river oxbows are gods country. trophy striper fishing with fish that exceed 40 lbs. trophy walleye fishing with fish that exceed 10 lbs. NO PESKY PIKE OR MUSKY.

Bair reply :

While I love California, I would have to agree with Texas. Everything here is expensive and the bass are super pressured and unless you have a special pond in the mountains. You have to pay to go fishing every time you go out, because they are city lakes, on top of a license. Don't get me wrong, the saltwater fishing is awesome and there are big fish everywhere, they are just harder and more expensive to catch. My vote goes to Texas.

SirSnookalot reply :

When you move to Florida you learn how to land a 50# fish on 10 lb line, not 10# fish on 50 lb line.

oober reply :

Being partial so South Eastern WI, I don't think you can find an area with a more diverse fresh water fishery. Lake Michigan Salmon and trout, travel a few hours south and I believe there is some very good Small mouth on the big lake.

In Racine, Wi on the Root river there is a phenomenal fall Salmon run and steel heads most of the winter. Some of these fish pulled out are running close to 40 pounds.

In the spring on Lake Winnebago you have the Walleye and White bass runs. Just insane fishing if you hit it right.

Northern IL, South WI you have the fox chain which has good fishing for more fresh water species.

Head to central WI and you have Petenwell flowage, Castle rock lake. The lakes together I believe are running 17k acres in size approximately.

Head to northern WI, and you have the largest concentration of freshwater lakes in the world.

And if this isn't enough you have the Mississippi, the grandad of rivers, to catch some great cold water cats.

Lund Explorer reply :

Seeing as how we're giving unbiased views of some states, I'll toss Michigan into the fray.

Smallmouth Fishing? Ever heard of Lake St. Clair? Lake Erie? Grand Traverse Bay? Bay De Noc?

Walleye Factory? Saginaw Bay!

The Au Sable & Pere Marquette Rivers? - The holy waters of fly fishing for trout.

The Great Lakes? - World class fishing for King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Lake Trout. In northern Lake Huron and the St. Mary's River - Atlantic & Pink Salmon. Google "Stannard Rock" to see what first class fishing on Lake Superior is all about.

Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Jumbo Perch, and many other species from Detroit to Gogebic County!

Unlike Texas - Few ticks and absolutley no chiggers, fire ants, scorpions, or water moccasins!

You can fish at high noon twelve months out of the year. They make ice shanties with heaters to keep you warm in the winter, but they haven't figured out how to install AC on a bass boat!

The Mitten - Home of the 2 Special "K's" - Kevin VanDam & Kate Upton!

Northwoods Angler reply :

Biased to New England. There are so many smaller lakes and ponds all throughout New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine that hold 10# LMB all day, but they are super stingy at what you throw at them given the climate. Water conditions vary so greatly it makes it a task to catch the big one. You will catch 3-5 lbs all day, Besides there is nowhere more beautiful to fish in general. You get sick of fishing for LMB we also have smallies, pike, trout, and if that doesn't work either, head for the coast for the best striper fishing anywhere.

Of course as stated, the cost of living up here is ridiculous, but usually the pay rate goes with it.

roadwarrior reply :

On 8/11/2012 at 12:28 AM, MarkH024 said:

Northern states will present better smallmouth fishing, northern pike, musky. Fish that you generally wont find in south in abudunce if at all.

The World Record Smallmouth and #2 were caught at Dale Hollow. Smallmouth in the Mid South tend to be significantly

larger than those in norther waters. In the north, numbers of fish can be HUGE which is certainly an advantage, but most

of the monsters are Rebels!

Sam Fisher reply :

Florida

MarkH024 reply :

On 8/13/2012 at 1:04 AM, roadwarrior said:

The World Record Smallmouth and #2 were caught at Dale Hollow. Smallmouth in the Mid South tend to be significantly

larger than those in norther waters. In the north, numbers of fish can be HUGE which is certainly an advantage, but most

of the monsters are Rebels!

I didn't reference size of fish at all.

SoFlaBassAddict reply :

I'd like to think I live in that state...

No, we don't have smallmouth, or walleye, etc etc. Killer Largemouth fishing all year long throughout the state.. Killer Saltwater fishing all year long. Takes an hour and a half to run the boat to the Bahamas on a bad weather day. Lobster season jut started. Fish are feeding aggressively everywhere. Options, options, options. Couldn't be happier. My deep freezer is very, very full right now. Fresh Lobster on the grill for dinner tonight!

Oh, and real Cuban Coffee. Yessir!

Austinz33 reply :

Go where the most job oppurtunitys are, not where the best fishing is. Their is usually somewhere nearby which you can fish.

5dollarsplash reply :

I'd agree with those who say find the fat paycheck. After that though to give a good recommendation, I'd need to know how you feel about saber-tooth spotted bass(Muskie). If you enjoy toothy buggers like pike and muskie, and maybe hunting whitetail, I'd recommend my fair state of Wisconsin. If your just after fat bass, stay south, as our winters don't let them get to the sizes you see down there.

ww2farmer reply :

Well being a New Yorker, I will say NY. Not only do we have tons of great bass waters like Erie, Champlain, Oneida, 1000 Island's, Black Lake, Ontario, The Finger Lakes, and many many small bass factorys that you have never heard of, but, with the exception on NYC, the state is pretty quite and peacefull. Our "big" cities like Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse are small and freindly, great fishing is never more than 20 mins away from just about anywhere, and if you get tired of bass fishing, we have world class fishing in many of the same waters for just about every fish that swims in North America

beast reply :

You can find quality fishing pretty much anywhere you go, you just have to look around. It really depends on what style of fishing you like. I have fished in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Colorado and they all have great fishing. I currently fish Michigan and Northern Indiana which has a wide variety of fishing. There is great fishing around here for many species including largemouth, smallmouth, walleye, pike, musky, steelhead, trout, and panfish. There are many small natural lakes around here and also some rivers and creeks, but the main attraction here is Lake Michigan.

tomustang reply :

On 8/12/2012 at 9:38 AM, mr.mallard said:

ARKANSAS! its the fishing state.

Umm, sure..

Fishing Rhino reply :

Figuratively speaking, I prefer to fish in the state of grace, which means under divine influence. Or, at least seeming to be guided by divine influence. Those days are rare, but when you have one, it's tough to beat that fishing anywhere else.

Bass_Fanatic reply :

Louisiana

LMB fishing is just ridiculous. I have already had numerous days of over 100 fish this year including one day of 300+ by myself. I have had a 5 fish bag that weighed in just short of 35lbs. There is a body of water every 20 minutes and they are all full of bass! Look at where the Elite series is going...Red River, LA Delta, Toledo Bend. I would argue that Toledo Bend is the best bass fishing lake in America.

You can also drive down to Venice or Grand Isle and catch a 100 fish limit of Specs and 20 redfish on any given day. Oh, and go a little further into the gulf and catch Dolphin fish and Tuna.

And if noodling is your thing, come on! I know quite a few places that you can get your hands on a GIANT catfish lol.

SirSnookalot reply :

Agreed about LA., excellent fishing state.

Bassn Blvd reply :

On 8/14/2012 at 12:50 PM, SirSnookalot said:

Agreed about LA., excellent fishing state.

But dont they do VooDoo in La? Fishing can be hard enough at times. I don't need a VooDoo curse ontop of it.

RobertBG reply :

On 8/12/2012 at 7:01 PM, Lund Explorer said:

Seeing as how we're giving unbiased views of some states, I'll toss Michigan into the fray.

Smallmouth Fishing? Ever heard of Lake St. Clair? Lake Erie? Grand Traverse Bay? Bay De Noc?

Walleye Factory? Saginaw Bay!

The Au Sable & Pere Marquette Rivers? - The holy waters of fly fishing for trout.

The Great Lakes? - World class fishing for King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Lake Trout. In northern Lake Huron and the St. Mary's River - Atlantic & Pink Salmon. Google "Stannard Rock" to see what first class fishing on Lake Superior is all about.

Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Jumbo Perch, and many other species from Detroit to Gogebic County!

Unlike Texas - Few ticks and absolutley no chiggers, fire ants, scorpions, or water moccasins!

You can fish at high noon twelve months out of the year. They make ice shanties with heaters to keep you warm in the winter, but they haven't figured out how to install AC on a bass boat!

The Mitten - Home of the 2 Special "K's" - Kevin VanDam & Kate Upton!

I've lived a lot of places and MI is my favorite.I spent summers growing up a big blue lake near muskegon and in time my family will be moving back because I cant think of a better place to raise my child.

All in all MI has more fishing then I can do in a lifetime and the cost of living is great for what you get.............The downside is finding a job that pays,but they can be had

Lund Explorer reply :

On 8/14/2012 at 7:39 PM, RobertBG said:

I've lived a lot of places and MI is my favorite.I spent summers growing up a big blue lake near muskegon and in time my family will be moving back because I cant think of a better place to raise my child.

All in all MI has more fishing then I can do in a lifetime and the cost of living is great for what you get.............The downside is finding a job that pays,but they can be had

I'm not sure what these guys are paying, but they were on the news last night. Still here and growing!

http://muskegon.wzzm13.com/news/news/72458-made-michigan-motiv-bowling

Fishing Rhino reply :

OK, I'll toss Massachusetts into the fray. Smallmouth and largemouth bass, panfish, walleye pickerel, northern pike, striped bass, bluefish, fluke, codfish, tuna, including bluefin, swordfish, halibut, quahogs, steamer clams, bay and sea scallops, white perch in fresh and salt water, scup, mackerel, bonita, mahi mahi (dolphin, not to be confused with the porpoise), marlin, and the list goes on, and on, heck, I'll throw lobster and several species of crabs into the mix as well.

dale.m reply :

All around its gotta be NC. We have everything from mountain fly fishing, costal deep sea fishing, and everything in between! I personally love living right in the piedmont area because its only a 2 hour drive to the mountains and a 3 hour drive to the coast! Plus...the bass fishing in the piedmont is amazing!

Unknownwaters reply :

wow I never realized how great the fishing could be in other parts of the country. Guess I just assumed all the good fishing was in the south because of the warmer climate. Definitely not my top priority as far as places I could potentially live, but it makes me feel better knowing that I could find great fishing just about anywhere I go. Thanks for the advice

shootermcbob reply :

This probably doesnt matter to you now, but I know that as I get older, that southern warmer climate looks more and more appealing. Just something to keep in mind.

Bassn Blvd reply :

On 8/16/2012 at 9:14 AM, shootermcbob said:

This probably doesnt matter to you now, but I know that as I get older, that southern warmer climate looks more and more appealing. Just something to keep in mind.

NO! Florida sux, STAY OUT! Fishing is horrible and we have Zombies.

NoBassPro reply :

What I would like to know is what fishing opportunities are in eastern Montana or Nebraska. Because, honestly, I have seen more water in the desert areas of our country than I remember seeing in those two places.

grimlin reply :

On 8/12/2012 at 2:22 AM, Captain Obvious said:

Texas!!!

Why?

Living reasons.

- The money is here and the cost of living is pretty low.

- People are friendly

- Great sports teams

- Big state means lots of room for everyone you don't live on top of each other

- Women are beautiful and there is a lot of them.

- Great food

- To many more....

Fishing Reasons

- We have the most coast on the gulf.

- Year round fishing, something you don't have up north

- Choose your species, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass (yes we have them), strip bass, white bass, black or white crappies, blue gills, several types of catfish ,gar, and trout (in the gulf).

- Again there are just to many reasons to list

Texas is the best fishing state period.

Capt.O

Whoa there's smallmouths in Texas?

new2BC4bass reply :

On 8/16/2012 at 9:14 AM, shootermcbob said:

This probably doesnt matter to you now, but I know that as I get older, that southern warmer climate looks more and more appealing. Just something to keep in mind.

X2!!!!! Getting so I can't stand the cold.

Also to those who say all places have good fishing if you look hard enough, maybe you could tell me where the good fishing is in my area....besides the Delaware River. I grew up fishing lakes, not moving water. Plus I would need a fairly specialized boat for the Delaware since I know no one with private access to the river. Public access point (singular) near me sucks for fishing. Nearest lake is 30 minutes away and heavily pressured any place you can get to it from shore. Although I now have a 12'6" Porta-Bote, I don't as yet have a motor for it so it isn't like I am going to head too far down the lake since I am no longer a spring chicken.

I've reached the point of deciding it is time to start researching fishing opportunities in the 45 minute to hour or more driving range. The drive will be worth it to me if I can actually catch a few fish....be they LMB, SMB, perch, pickerel, crappies, catfish, etc. I enjoy casting, but catching a fish now and then can't be asking too much!

There are suppose to be a few decent trout streams in the area. Something I never did when living further north. The streams I know of after a stocking look like Black Friday. My one trip to Pulaski, NY for steelhead was enough for me to know I can't stand that type of fishing.

Look for the big money is good advice unless you would like to do more than live to work. Almost 28 years ago I took a good paying job in NJ when the plant I worked at in Southern NY closed its doors. Problem is the 70% increase in pay wasn't enough to compensate for the 300% more in housing costs which I wasn't aware of at the time I took the job. True, my fault for not checking into it first. I also had to give up hunting along with fishing. Couldn't get permission to hunt. Quit fishing after 2 years of trying since it was so bad. Isn't any better now, but at least now I know of a couple more lakes to fish at. Fishing still sucks, tho.

Wish when I lost my job I could have had the time (and means) to research living areas. I don't need big money to be happy. All I need is enough to pay bills and have some left over for enjoying the pleasures of life such as hunting and fishing and the occasional vacation. I would be much happier than I am now. I think you would be too. Make enough money to live in reasonable comfort as long as it allows you to also participate in other activities you enjoy. Then take the time to do those activities. Hopefully with a loved one with similar interests. It is more rewarding that way.

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