Tips For Finding Great Local Fishing Spots

By Debbie Hanson

Nov 22, 2016

Want to find a few great local fishing spots near you? Read these helpful tips, learn how to locate the best spots close to home, and catch more fish!

Your rods are rigged and your bait bucket is full, now all you need to do is find a few great local fishing spots. Don't worry, it's not hard, and you don't have to rely on specific details from other anglers (they prefer to keep information about great spots to themselves). Just use these easy tips to find productive fishing spots on your own -- no intensive questioning of other anglers is required. 

•  Inquire with your state fish and wildlife agency. In addition to providing information on fishing licenses and regulations, state agencies can provide you with a list of local fishing spots in your area. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, for example, publishes a list of freshwater sites and forecasts for each region. 

•  Use the places to fish & boat map at TakeMeFishing.org. This interactive map can help you find great local fishing spots in your area, and throughout the United States. Just read the how to use the places to fish & boat map instructions to learn the steps for finding waterways that contain specific fish species or places of interest. 

•  Stop at the local tackle shop where you purchased your fishing gear to see if they have suggestions. Your neighborhood tackle shop wants you to keep fishing, so they will more than likely be happy to give you a few tips or pointers on where to go. Besides, since anglers are walking in and out of their doors every day, tackle shops get plenty of information about who happens to be catching fish and where they are being caught.

By using these helpful tips, you can put together your own personal list of great local fishing spots. Have fun with the research process, check the state fishing regulations, and make sure you have a current fishing license. Before you know it, you'll be the one that wants to dodge questions about where you've been fishing.
Debbie Hanson
Debbie Hanson
Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.