10 of the Best Saltwater Fishing Sites

Most anglers tend to fish locally for much of the time, at sites just a stone's throw from home - but nonetheless, almost everyone has dreams of travelling to some far-off destination to enjoy the ultimate fishing trip. Read on to find out more about 10 of the world's best saltwater fishing sites:

1. Malindi, Kenya

Anglers have a realistic chance of accomplishing the rare feat of a billfish fantasy slam here. This means catching five different billfish species such as shortbill spearfish, striped marlin, blue marlin, sailfish, black marlin and swordfish. Although billfish feed here all year round, the best time to come is January and February - the summer months in this hemisphere. Many reliable, experienced crews are available to hire for offshore charters. Closer to the shore, giant trevally and other reef fishes are prevalent.

2. Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, Canada

The world record for the heaviest bluefin tuna ever caught - weighing a massive 1,496lbs - was achieved in these waters in 1979. The chances of catching a Bluefin of this magnitude are higher off the Canadian Maritimes than at any other location in the world. You're also likely to have a challenge on your hands, so fishing vessels are often equipped with fighting chairs. The fishing season runs from August through to mid-October. The best sites are commonly near to ports and land, often less than a mile out.

3. Belize

Fish all year round off the coast of Belize, where there are massive numbers of tarpon, permit and bonefish. In terms of numbers, Belize is hard to beat - schools of up to 100 bonefish are a frequent sight. Plenty of action is also promised, as the bonefish is known to be an aggressive species. There are many lodges and resorts catering for anglers and guides are available in every vessel imaginable, ranging from small pangeros to top-of-the-range flats skiffs. Fish from midsummer to late autumn if you're looking to catch the bigger tarpon.

4. Panama

With its rocky headlands and reefs, the rugged coastline is an amazingly productive environment for schools of tuna, particularly around Hannibal Bank and Zane Grey Bank. Predators lurking close to shore include roosterfish, massive cubera snapper, large sierra, bluefin trevally and other game fish. This tourist-friendly country is served by several airlines and fishing excursions are available all year round, although expect some very wet conditions during the autumnal rainy season.

5. Bermuda

Frequently hosting the global World Cup Blue Marlin Championship - eight times over a period of 27 years - Bermuda is a top spot for large blue marlin. The largest blue ever caught there weighed in at 1,352lbs. There are also plenty of white marlin, yellowfin tuna and wahoo. Peak time for catching the bigger fish is between June and August. Served by many airlines, Bermuda boasts amazing beaches, a plethora of diving opportunities, golf and plenty of top-class restaurants.

6. The Bahamas

With a large area of flats and the promise of huge bonefish, the Bahamas are a popular destination. March through to June is the best time of year for fishing, as the weather may not be suitable in late summer and early autumn. Grand Bahamas flats, Long Island, Abaco and the shallows around Andros are awash with fish, including bones, permit and sometimes tarpon. An array of resorts and fishing lodges cater for anglers, while guides are available to take you to big schools of fish, whether you're fishing with spinning gear or a fly rod.

7. Louisiana and Mississippi Marshes

The shallow water habitat creates vast coastal marshes from Louisiana to Mississippi which is an ideal habitat for red drum - a favourite game fish for fly-rod fishing. The other species include seatrout and black drum but it's the hard-fighting red drum that remains the main target, especially as individual specimens weighing up to 35lb are commonplace. Fishing is available all year round, although April through to December is thought to be the best period, as the weather is less erratic.

8. Phuket, Thailand

When you're intent on fishing for marlin, Phuket is well worth a visit - the waters are also a great spot for sea bass, tuna and queenfish. The best time to go is between July and October, when although this popular destination may be more crowded, it offers the best fishing opportunities. If you're seeking a challenge, head to Similan Islands and the local reefs where you will find Barracuda, yellowfin tuna, skipjack and wahoo. It's also a beautiful place to stay, with some interesting resorts and plenty to do apart from fishing, such as sightseeing and soaking up the sun.

9. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The biggest catches are mahi-mahi and marlin. The area is easily accessed through San Jose Del Cabo International Airport and you can charter a boat or rent your own. The best time for fishing is between July and December, when the weather isn't too cold. Fishing permits are very easy to obtain and you can buy one for as long as you require - from a day to a year. Cabo is a popular holiday destination and there's plenty to do in your spare time such as golf, shopping and sightseeing.

10. Iceland

Iceland is a good all-year-round fishing destination. Known as the land of fire and ice, it boasts rivers teeming with Arctic char, salmon and trout. Take a boat trip off the coast and fish for giant cod and halibut. Experience exciting fishing action for pollock, catfish and wolf fish in the sub-Arctic waters. Fishing trips can be combined with whale watching tours, which are ever more popular. Many of the farms take bed and breakfast guests, with the coastal ones often providing small boats if the weather is suitable.

Wherever you're going fishing, make sure you always have the best storage equipment. Solent Plastics' reely good fishing storage boxes, such as our range of airtight plastic storage boxes and trunks, are suitable for marine use. Tight lines!