You don't have to sleep with the fishes to catch the big one. But
you might have to put yourself in the right locale under the
tutelage of a seasoned guide. Head to these fishing holes and you
won't have to tell any fish stories - your catch will do the
talking.
- Becca Hensley
County Mayo, Ireland
Catch of the Day: Atlantic salmon
Seek salmon from the shores of the Lough Corrib and the River Cong
with Ashford Castle's professional gillie at your side. Touted as
the best fishing in
Ireland, the waters lining this
thirteenth-century-castle hotel, once the sporting estate of the
Guinness family, swell with salmon, a situation that peaks around
early July. Ashford Castle is located about 30 minutes from Galway
city and 90 minutes from Shannon Airport. Fly-fishing packages
(including room) from $1,033. (800) 346-7007, www.ashford.ie
Nantucket,
Massachusetts
Catch of the Day: lobster
Hop aboard the Wauwinet Lady, and under the supervision of captain
Rob McMullen, learn to bait and pull up lobster traps, to
distinguish males from females, and to properly band claws.
Afterward, meet executive chef David Daniels (of the Wauwinet's
Topper's Restaurant) on deck to hand over your catch of the day for
him to prepare. Open May to October; rooms from $260; boat trips
are free for guests of the inn and those dining at Topper's
Restaurant. (800) 426-8718, www.wauwinet.com
Bimini Island, Bahamas
Catch of the Day: bonefish
Follow the fiercest fish on the flats with renowned guide Fred
"Eagle Eyes" Rolle. Crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches
will inspire you to lounge a little, but the rod-bending action of
bonefishing will keep you on your toes. Located just 48 miles off
the shore of South Florida, Bimini Bay Resort and Casino also
offers plenty of postfishing fun. Suites from $250; fishing, $300
for a half day. (242) 347-2900, www.biminibayresort.com
St. Michaels,
Maryland
Catch of the Day: striped bass
Besides
massages, Five Gables Inn and Spa (about two hours south of
Baltimore) also offers a chance to rendezvous with rockfish (as
locals call them) in the waters of the
Chesapeake Bay. Board the
Huntress, which uses tandem rigs to simulate a two-bait fish. When
a striper hits, hold on - they can weigh more than 50 pounds. $625
for two nights and a fishing excursion for two. (877) 466-0100,
www.fivegables.com
Bermuda
Catch of the Day: blue marlin
Sunbathers love the pink-sand beaches of this 21-mile-long island,
but fishermen know that its warm waters harbor a horde of hearty
sea creatures. That's why the island hosts the annual Big Game
Classic (www.bermudabiggameclassic.com) in July, a three-day
big-fish team event. Blue marlin are plentiful, and anxious anglers
can access them with the help of a guide like skipper Russell Young
and his 43-foot vessel, Sea Wolfe. A half-day excursion, $850.
(484) 266-0233, www.sportfishbermuda.com
La Riviera Maya, Mexico
Catch of the Day: blue marlin
Spend the morning in search of the great billfish when you set sail in La Pez, Paraiso de la Bonita’s own fishing vessel. Not feeling overly serious? Consider bringing along the hotel’s Champagne butler to keep your flutes filled while you worry about the more important task of baiting your hook. Rooms from $695; fishing, $480 for a half day. (866) 751-9175, www.paraisodelabonita.com
Santa Fe, New Mexico Catch of the Day: rainbow troutBe charmed by the centrally located Inn on the Alameda in the evening, but spend your day with the good people of the
Santa Fe Guiding Company, who provide your fly-fishing gear, licenses, transportation, and lunch in order to aid and abet you as you lure rainbow trout to your line from the pristine rivers of northern New
Mexico. Three-night fly-fishing package for two from $1,200; available May through September. (888) 984-2121, www.innonthealameda.com