What a Catch! 10 Great Hotels for Going Fishing

The 114-room Cheeca Lodge was one of the original luxury properties on Islamorada, dating to 1946 and earning plenty of celebrity cachet over the years (high-profile guests have included George W. Bush). The property was rebuilt after a fire gutted its main building in 2009, and it now has bright, spacious rooms with tropical-luxe decor and massive bathrooms. The lush grounds are especially pretty at night, with Tiki-torch-lit paths. But the hotel's beach is manmade -- there's even a rock ledge on the water's edge. There’s a private fishing pier on the property and guests can rent fishing rods for free. You're bound to have a fun time since Islamorada advertises itself as the “sport fishing capital of the world.”

The Ocean Coral & Turquesa is an expansive 585-room resort in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Contemporary rooms have red accents and whimsical touches along with amenities such as balconies, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. On-site activities include a kids' club, scuba diving, tennis, and many non-motorized water sports. The spacious beach and four outdoor pools offer plenty of space to relax. But what draws many to the resort is that it's a family-friendly spot near the fishing and diving hub of Puerto Morelos. The town has snorkel and sport fishing boats, while private yachts make their home in the man-made harbor just south of town. The concierge team at the hotel can help arrange day trips and adventure excursions around the Yucatan Peninsula.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is a five-pearl full-service resort in the mountains above Northstar-at-Tahoe ski resort. Along with luxe rooms, a huge spa, and fine dining, the Ritz-Carlton offers multiple recreational activities for all seasons-- including multiple outdoor pools and whirlpools that are open year-round. Sawmill Lake, located just 5 minutes from the hotel, is a secluded, private 10-acre reservoir stocked with hundreds of bright fighting Rainbow Trout, and is reserved for Catch-and-Release Fly Fishing only. Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters offers fully outfitted guide trips, lessons, and classes for all ability levels on the lake.

The 40-room Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is a less formal, more accessible alternative to the more famous Ashford Castle to the east. It has a riverfront location amid the wild, unspoiled beauty of Connemara and decor that's alternately homey and elegant. It's more of a manor house than a castle, but the main structure dates to the 18th century and both the building and the estate are steeped in history. The 450-acre grounds offer a range of activities, including beautiful hikes, woodcock shooting, and fishing. The large river, of which the property owns exclusive fishing rights, offers some of the best fly fishing in Ireland. The hotel has a fishing manager that can set up having experienced guides conduct tutorials for guests.

This 98-villa property is ideally located in downtown Cabo San Lucas. It's within walking distance of the marina, and guests are only a few minutes from local shopping and cuisine, as well as fishing and water activities, such as sailing and surfing. The resort, which sits in between beautiful natural rock formations, has sweeping views from nearly every angle, including from the private balconies off each villa. Aside from the beautiful, modern rooms and stunning views, perks of this resort include an on-site spa, three restaurants, a fitness center, and three lovely pools that feature a swim-up bar, water slide, and two whirlpools. Guests looking to cast a line (or sail, surf, and swim) can walk down to the marina -- and it’s a short 12-minute walk to a major fishing fleet.

The 78-room Lighthouse Inn at Aransas Bay is in a wonderful location right on the water in old Rockport, a fishing hot spot. Rooms are classic with comforters instead of duvets, and tube TVs -- and offer decent amenities such as microwaves and mini-fridges. Balconies are the most appealing feature here, with two rocking chairs each that face either the bay or the pool and gardens. This inn is full of scenic places to relax, including the big outdoor swimming pool surrounded by tropical landscaping. You can head to the dock that juts out into the bay and wait for a bite, or arrange for a guided fishing excursion.

A small, isolated, time-share-style hotel with big, beautiful suites, a marina, a friendly staff that zips around on golf carts, and managers that greet returning guests like family -- Old Bahama Bay feels more yacht club than resort. The area is considered a world-class destination for fishing and diving, and the hotel has amenities accordingly suited, such as fantastic fishing charters from the marina for fly, deep sea, and bone fishing. Once you come back with your catches, ranging from tuna to snapper, the on-site restaurant will cook your fish.

Built in 1891, The Harbor View Hotel was one of Edgartown's first luxury properties, and has an excellent location within walking distance of Main Street, but removed from the tourist season noise. The expansive 114-room property offers stunning harbor views, a seasonal outdoor pool, delicious on-site dining options, and beach-chic rooms with modern amenities. The beautiful beach extends for 7 miles and the Wasque Point area is a popular fishing spot for bluefish and striped bass. Sailing adventures, fishing trips, and water shuttles are also available, but they require a fee.

Owners Jan and Sandra opened this romantic hideaway in 2001, and today it has 16 rooms (many cabana-style units with thatched roofs) and one mansion for families and groups. The room decor is a mix of Belizean and Guatemalan textiles and furnishings, and the ambiance is unpretentious (the owners call the vibe "barefoot elegance"). The property is surrounded by palms and located six miles north of San Pedro, so guests will need to take boats to and from town. The pool overlooks the ocean and the white sand beach has a swimming pier. If you're looking to be more active, take advantage of the free kayaks and snorkel gear, or the professional dive shop on-site. The concierge can also arrange fishing excursions, including fly fishing, reef fishing, and deep sea fishing.

Nonantum Resort occupies two buildings: the historic Carriage House Inn, with Victorian-style rooms and the Portside Lodge, which features bright rooms decorated with paisley prints. A popular wedding spot, the hotel is on a beautiful piece of land overlooking the water, but visitors are given a limited window to enjoy the resort -- the hotel closes for four months during the off-season. During the summer, families enjoy the kids' club, the small pool, and the kayak and bicycle rentals. The waterfront hotel also offers a range of activities on the water, such as sailing cruises, yacht rentals ,and deep sea fishing charters to name a few. And if you get tired of fish, there are boat tours for those famous Maine lobster; you'll learn special techniques in order to master the art of catching lobster.


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