While kids may think of fishing as a boring day parked on the edge of a lake or river, waiting (and waiting) for something to tug on the line, guided sport fishing brings the thrill of the big catch to the entire family. It’s an exhilarating chance to spend a day on a boat under the guidance of an expert angler, and hopefully reel in an enormous catch for dinner.

Women and kids are flocking to fishing in recent years, partly because guided fishing brings all of the excitement without having to do any of the unpleasant tasks such as baiting the hook or processing the fish later. It’s the perfect balance of physical and fun for families to bond and spend a day on the water.

According to the 2022 Special Report on Fishing, in 2021, 52.4 million Americans ages 6 and over from across the country took to the nation’s waterways to enjoy recreational fishing.

Depending on the location, you may be eating your catch for dinner, or taking it home with you for later. Either way, it’s the freshest catch you’ll ever taste, and there’s the satisfaction of knowing you caught it yourselves while creating lifetime memories with your family.

Image: Waterfall Resort fishing. Photo by Jill Dutton

Alaska

Alaska is the ultimate destination for families who love fishing. With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and some of the best salmon fishing in the world, Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Guided fishing trips can take families to remote rivers and streams, where they can catch salmon and other species in a breathtaking setting.

Anglers flock to two Alaska resorts for fishing each season, and for good reason. Both are family-friendly, yet each offers a unique vibe. At Steamboat Bay Fishing Club, take a seaplane ride from Ketchikan where you’ll stay in this small luxury resort that hosts 16 guests in the main lodge or reserve The Residence for a private guesthouse experience. You’ll enjoy chef-prepared meals, made to order. Or take a seaplane to Prince of Whales Island to stay in one of the rustic cabins, suites, townhomes, or lodge rooms at Waterfall Resort, where diners enjoy the panoramic views of the Ulloa Channel from the dining room. Whichever you choose, you’ll spend each day on the boat fishing, watching for whales, bald eagles, and other sea life, and catching King and Coho salmon, lingcod, halibut, and more. The fish is processed and flash-frozen each day for you to take home at the end of the trip. It’s the adventure of a lifetime for the entire family.

Image: Crabbing in Oregon. Photo by Jill Dutton

Oregon

With its stunning scenery and abundant waterways, Oregon is the perfect place for families to bond and catch some fish. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, guided fishing tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of the state and connect with nature. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, families will have the chance to learn new techniques, try different fishing methods, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Discover the variety of Oregon’s waterways on a fishing, crabbing, or clamming excursion with  All About Adventure Excursions. Whether fishing for freshwater trout, or halibut in the ocean, the Oregon waterways offer year-round fishing for the family.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife also offers free family fishing events throughout the year.

Image: Loreto Sea and Land Tours

Loreto, BCS

Loreto, located in Baja California Sur, Mexico is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. With its warm waters and abundant marine life, Loreto offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the world. Guided fishing trips in Loreto give you the chance to explore the diverse fishing grounds, from the deep sea to the calm bays, and catch a variety of species such as Marlin, Tuna, Dorado, and more. With experienced local guides and modern fishing equipment, you’re sure to have a thrilling and successful fishing adventure in Loreto. Come and discover why this place is considered one of the top destinations for sport fishing.

Charter a day with Loreto Sea and Land Tours to hook your next big catch.

Image: Xtreme Strike Guide Service

Arkansas

Hot Springs, Arkansas is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering a variety of waterways to explore, including the Ouachita River, Lake Hamilton, and Lake Catherine. If you’re looking for a more guided and personalized fishing experience, you may want to consider a guided fishing tour in the area. These tours provide an experienced guide who knows the best fishing spots, techniques, and gear to help you catch more fish and have a successful fishing trip. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, guided fishing in Hot Springs, Arkansas is an exciting and fun adventure that’s not to be missed.

Try one of these guided fishing providers:

Family Fishing Trips has guided fishing on Lake Ouachita.

Xtreme Strike Guide Service is another fishing charter on Lake Ouachita.

There’s also David Cochran Lake Ouachita Striped Bass Fishing Guide.

You can find more information on fishing in Hot Springs here.

Hot Springs was also recently selected to host the 2026 Bass Fishing World Championship on Lake Hamilton!

North Dakota

At the largest natural body of water in North Dakota, professionals and first-time anglers alike enjoy fishing in the “perch capital of the world” at Devils Lake. There’s plenty of walleye, northern pike, and white bass to be caught there, and local guide group Perch Patrol provides the gear, lodging at the newly-finished Woodland Resorts, and expertise to show travelers the ins and outs of ice fishing at Devils Lake.

Perch Patrol will also host thousands of anglers from January 26-28 for the 39th annual Ice Fishing Tournament. The ideal ice fishing season lasts between mid-December and late March. Anglers can either fly directly into Devils Lake Regional Airport or fly into Fargo, Bismarck, or Grand Forks and drive less than three hours to Devils Lake

Image: Tennessee fishing

Tennessee

Northeast Tennessee is a true fisherman’s paradise, with its numerous lakes, rivers, and streams. From the gorgeous Watauga River to the sprawling Douglas Lake, the region is home to some of the most diverse and abundant fisheries in the state. Whether you are an experienced angler or a novice, guided fishing trips offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore the beauty and excitement of Tennessee outdoors. With a knowledgeable guide at your side, you can target your favorite species and enjoy the thrill of the catch. Take a guided fishing trip in Northeast Tennessee and discover the best that this beautiful region has to offer.

Here is a guided fly-fishing that takes place in Johnson City in Northeast Tennessee on the Watauga River or the South Holston River: Tennessee fly fishing guides – The High Country Angler.

Image: Captain David Jensen of the charter boat GOTCHA filets that day’s catch for guests to enjoy at dinner. Photo by Jill Dutton

Florida Keys

The exciting world of guided fishing awaits at Hawks Cay Resort in the stunning Florida Keys! Get ready to embark on an unforgettable fishing adventure with expert guides, who will take you to the best spots in the area and provide you with the gear and expertise you need to catch a variety of exotic fish species. Whether you are an experienced angler or a first-time fisherman, Hawks Cay guides will cater to your needs and make sure you have a fun and successful day on the water. With access to the pristine waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay, you are sure to be amazed by the variety of fish species that call this area home. So grab your rod and reel and let’s go fishing!

Charter a day of fishing with GOTCHA.

Image: Bonjour Quebec / Facebook

Quebec, Canada

With some of Canada’s best fishing opportunities, there is an abundance of fishing guides in the region. Quebec is the perfect destination to enjoy a day of fishing while savoring the wildlife and scenery. Set your hook for walleye, trout, perch, salmon, and more.

• While the province has great fishing throughout, for something more “off the beaten path,” try Abitibi-Temiscamingue.
• For something more accessible from Montreal or Quebec City, the Lanaudiere and Mauricie regions would be good options. 

Image: Lori Utley with La Veta Anglers

Colorado

The laid-back atmosphere situated in the rustic mountainous area of Spanish Peaks  Country is the perfect place for a day of fishing with the family. Enjoy rivers, lakes, and streams where you’ll find both cold and warm water fish such as cutthroat trout, brown trout, black crappie, channel catfish, rainbow trout, tiger muskies, and more.

Some top fishing spots include Lathrop State Park, Wahatoya Lake and Daigre Reservoir, Blue Lake and Bear Lake, Monument Lake, North Lake, Trinidad Lake State Park, Bosque Del Oso State Wildlife Area, and Lily Lake

La Veta Anglers is a full-service fishing guide for Southern Colorado.

In Trinidad, there’s  Fishers Peak Outfitters. 

Image: Lake Crescent Lodge / Facebook

Washington

Olympic National Park is home to Lake Crescent Lodge, a destination considered to be one of the best places to fish in the Pacific Northwest — with possibly the most unique lake in the Olympic Peninsula area.  Lake Crescent is a cold, clear, glacially-carved lake, that owes its existence to ice. Its azure depths, which plummet to 624 feet, were gouged by huge ice sheets thousands of years ago. As the ice retreated, it left behind a steep valley that filled with the clear blue waters of Lake Crescent. The lake’s waters have very little nitrogen. This limits the growth of phytoplankton, tiny plants (like algae) that float in lake waters. Without them, the water stays clear.

In some places, you might see as far down as 60 feet. Clarity and reflecting light give Lake Crescent its stunning blue-green color. Its protected waters are home to fish like the Beardslee and Crescenti trout, two types of fish found nowhere else in the world. Fish over 20” are not uncommon and there is a healthy population of mid-size fish as well

Family activities at Lake Crescent Lodge include Guided Fishing excursions, Pontoon Boat Tours,  Kayak Tours, hiking to waterfalls, and nearby Sol Duc Hot Springs.