By: Marcia Abramson
I found that Sportfishing Worldwide affiliated with SGH, the custom golf vacation planner, also has some wonderful travel destinations on at least three continents for anglers.
North central Florida's Panhandle was the locale for my first deep-sea fishing foray and it was very exciting to reel in six red snappers.
They may have had a total weight of four pounds and were candidates for the "catch and release."
Florida's west or Gulf Coast is often called a "Fisherman's Paradise," according to Sportfishing Worldwide. They claim that world-class Tarpon fishing, flat fishing for Snook, Redfish and Sea Trout make this an ideal spot for the fishing buff. Pompano, Permit, Shark, Lady Fish, Jack's, Tuna, Dorado, and Grouper are just some of the plethora of fish to be found in these waters. Sportfishing has both deluxe and bed and breakfast fishing packages for two days fishing with three nights starting at $615 which includes accommodations, all meals in the deluxe package, breakfast only for B&B package, fishing license, use of fly-fishing and spinning equipment, all taxes and guided fishing. These accommodations are on a secluded canal on Lake Tarpon where you can learn the special techniques in casting, locating fish, fly patterns, and fly tying for successful fly-fishing. They are near some great museums in the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg. The Dali Museum in Tampa and the Holocaust Museum in St. Pete are outstanding attractions for the non-angling spouse to visit.
Tampa has picturesque docks that were once the main source of natural sponges in the world and bring back memories of the Greek Islands where sponge once again reigns supreme. This is the place for delicious authentic Greek Mousaka.
Other fine warm weather fishing destinations are in Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, Mexico's Los Cabos, Cancun, Cozamel and Islas Mujeres.
Eco tourists discovered Belize's rainforests, pristine azure waters and one of the world's largest living coral reefs with loads of Permit fish, Tarpon, and Snook and possibly Barracuda and Snapper. This is ideal country for year-round water sports including scuba diving, kayaking and snorkeling, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, rare wild life and exquisite flora including extraordinary orchids.
Crocodile Bay Lodge in Costa Rica offers surf fishing, estuary, inshore and offshore fishing where the catch can be Sailfish, Marlin, Dorado, Wahoo, Yellow Tail, Blue Fin Trevally and many more varieties of sea life. Additionally, I found the birds in this tropical wonderland to be absolutely breathtaking. What a beautiful country! Panama is noted for its superb Blue Water Fishing. You are in time for the black Marlin season, which started in mid-December and runs through April. The Pacific Sail fish are plentiful from April through July and the Striped Marlin abounds in mid-March through May. It's open season for Grouper, Tuna, Snapper Amberjack and Mackerel whenever you choose to throw in the bait.
I am familiar with Mexico's great year-round fishing in the western Caribbean waters off Cancun, Cozamel and Isla Mujeres. Bonefish and many species of Snapper are just there for the rod. On the Pacific Coast, the Sea of Cortez is just teaming with more than 850 identifiable fish. It holds the title as one of the world's most plentiful fishing grounds. It is also the breeding and birthplace for many different types of whales.
Now for the colder regions, there is Alaska and Canada with wonderful Pacific salmon of all varieties from sea-bright Sockeye, Pink to Silver Salmon in the ocean and streams for the travel adventurer and fishing aficionado. Rainbow Trout can also be found in the clear pristine streams and provide great sport for the dedicated angler.
Seclusion is the name of the game in the Yukon Territory of Canada. I am told that the sky can be filled with a million stars with a possible sighting of the Aura Borealis (The Northern Lights) in the Far North. Sportfishing Worldwide provides accommodations on the Continental Divide; five days fishing and five nights goes for $4,495 plus Canadian Government Tax, with use of all rods, reels, lures and flies, overnight stays in outpost cabins, backpacking and overnight gear.
Since I prefer to travel light, I'll take warm weather fishing and leave the cold to the Eskimos.
Your local travel agent can supply additional information or you can call Sportfishing Worldwide toll-free 1-800-638-7405.
Copyright by Marcia AbramsonE-mail: mascribe@aol.com
