Luxury and fishing might not often be two words you’d expect to see in a sentence together, but if you’re as much a fan of the outdoor pursuit as you are a five-star getaway, then you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of ways to combine them. And, if you’re an enthusiast who is eager to make fishing the central focus of your 2021 holiday or trip, then there are plenty of amazing destinations that will offer you the best of both worlds.
Before you book , you’ll want to make sure you’re well equipped with the right gear for your trip type – head over to our good friends at Fishing Refined for some of the best surf reels on the market (handpicked by resident fishing expert Dale from FishingRefined.com), as well as a selection of other fishing essentials that promise to make for smooth sailing and an even better angling experience, wherever you choose to head.
Whether you’re a pro angler or a complete novice, there’s a luxury fishing break out there for you. Check out our top destinations for the year ahead.
Finland
Finland is truly an angler’s paradise, with the sport having been part of the culture and lifestyle for many years now. It’s estimated that as many as one in three Finnish natives actively fish, so it’s a great place to go to learn from the best. And, with many operators offering luxury tours of the country, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking yours. Most will take you on a journey around the country’s picturesque lakes or out into the Baltic sea, so you can be certain of beautiful scenery throughout your break.
Belize
Fancy somewhere a little warmer? Belize is our top pick. This tiny Central American country is home to one of the best reefs in the world, and with its plethora of marine life, has become a hotspot for luxury fishing breaks, too.
Anglers visit in search of the Bonefish, which is found patrolling the local waters here. There are plenty of boats that will take you out to the best fishing spots, complete with a knowledgeable guide, and you can rent these easily right off any beach.
The icing on the cake is Belize’s sugary white sand beaches, which are perfect for relaxing on after a busy day at sea. If five-star R and R in all forms is what floats your boat, then look no further.
The Bahamas
Continuing on with the sunnier theme, the Caribbean offers unrivalled fishing experiences on just about every island. The Bahamas is home to some of the best, with Swain’s Cay Lodge a top pick. Another great spot for bone fishing as well as deep sea and reef fishing, the lodge caters to anglers of all types – from occasional dabblers to seasoned pros.
Even better, you don’t have to go out on a boat to indulge in the sport, with a wadeable flat located just off the beach and easily reachable from your rustic island cottage.
With a unique position on the Mangrove Cay, from here you’ll have quick access to the South Bight and the famous Middle Bight. The lodge provides knowledgeable guides for the duration of your stay who will ensure that you get the best from the experience and will take you just outside the Andros Barrier Reef where you’ll find larger game fish such as tuna, wahoo and billfish.
Alaska
For a truly memorable trip that is likely to be unlike any other you have ever taken, head to America’s frontier. Whilst it is certainly the polar opposite of sunny Florida, which is another of the nation’s hotspots (and definitely a lot hotter!), it’s an unforgettable experience that every angler should have at least once.
Awash with fabulous luxury fishing resorts and lodges that make for the perfect base for stays of all lengths, boat rentals will take you out into the Gulf of Alaska for up to five days at a time.
Despite the options here, accommodation spaces tend to be pretty limited – so book well in advance if fishing Alaska is on your bucket list and you can’t wait to tick it off. Be sure to take some warm attire, because you’re going to need it!
Blackberry Farm, Tennessee
Fancy a trip to America’s deep south? It doesn’t get much better than Tennessee. Blackberry Farm is renowned for its world class, luxury fishing resorts and is the perfect pick for keen fly-fishers.
The Blackberry Farm lodge, which opened its doors back in 2001, caters to all skill levels and abilities, and its Smoky Mountains location affords it easy access to more than 1,000 miles of rivers and streams. The best time to visit is in the autumn, when you’re mostly likely to reel in a brown trout – but the float trips offered in the summer months make it another great time to go.
From sunny hotspots and crystalline waters to cold locations with all together icier conditions, there’s a luxury fishing destination to suit all tastes and abilities for 2021 – and after a year of cancelled holidays and getaways that were never to be, the year ahead offers the perfect opportunity to make up for lost time.
