Select a state to find fishing and boating information:
Get A Fishing License
Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.
Register A Boat
Register your boat today. Learn how to register your vessel, boating laws and more.
Home > Learn to Fish & Boat > How To Fish > How to Catch Fish > How to Find Fishing Spots
Understanding where to head out on the water is as important to your fishing success as knowing how to fish! Whether you are staying close to home or on an out-of-town adventure, learn how to find fish to ensure the most productive outing!
Regardless of the type of fishing you enjoy, knowing how to find a good fishing spot is key. And the best way to locate the perfect place is by doing some research in advance. Start by going online and check out fishing forums in the area, local fishing associations, city and town tourism guides, or other resources on fishing hot spots. Once you identify some ideal fishing spots, be sure to follow local regulations in effect, for example, for licenses, permits, catch rates, and more.
No matter what you read online about how to find fishing spots, it is always helpful to get some personal input from seasoned area anglers. First, make sure you know what type of fish you want to catch. Then stop by the local bait shop and ask the workers for their favorite fishing spots for the species. You can also call up a fishing guide and see if they will share their knowledge on how to find a good fishing spot. Or simply stop by a location you are considering fishing and see if people are catching successfully.
When it comes to finding your favorite fishing spots, a little knowledge can go a long way. And one option for knowing how to find fish is to use a special tool called a fishfinder. This technology allows you to use sonar to find fish in the area – with varying levels of detail – and their depth. Depending on the capability of the fishfinder, you may also be able to download maps, save logs, and access other features.
The largemouth bass is the most popular freshwater game fish in the U.S. Learn more about how you can identify a largemouth bass, where to catch it and what bait and lures to use.
Do you like this content? Subscribe to our Newsletter and get all the information you need to learn, plan, and equip for your next fishing and boating adventure.
NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
Sign-up to receive our monthly newsletter with interesting blogs about fishing and boating. Get fishing tips and tricks and read personal stories from anglers who live and breathe fishing and boating. Learn new fishing skills, boating resources, fishing etiquette, conservation and more.
Please complete the following fields to subscribe to our newsletter.
SUBSCRIBERS PREFERENCES
What information would you like?