The Big Fish Bucket List

News & Tips: The Big Fish Bucket List

6 Fishing Trips Every Angler Should Take in Their Lifetime

 Big Fish 3
If you’ve dreamed of majestic scenery, screaming drag, and fish stories to last a lifetime—this list is for you.

1. Prince Edward Island Giant Bluefin Tuna


If you’ve got a thing for catching big fish, and I mean BIG fish, this is the trip for you. Besides being one of the most beautiful areas of Canada, Prince Edward Island is also known as the giant bluefin tuna capital of the world. These titans can exceed 10 feet in length and weigh over a thousand pounds. Bring your muscles, as fish this size can take hours to wrestle to the boat. Charter operators who can put you on fish include Bruce Brothers, PEI Tuna Charters, Land ’n Sea Tuna Charters and Tony’s Tuna Fishing.

2. Atlantic Canada Sharks


Staying in Atlantic Canada, if tuna isn’t your thing, how about a fish that eats giant tuna? Canada’s Maritimes has some of the best multi-species shark fishing anywhere in the world. These predators can also reach a thousand pounds—just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water. Charter boats to look into include Blue Shark Fishing Charters in Nova Scotia and St. Andrews Sport Fishing in New Brunswick.

3. Lake Trout in the Northwest Territories


Great Bear Lake in Canada’s Northwest Territories is one of the biggest lakes in the world. Its deep, cold waters also produce some of the largest lake trout anywhere. Some specimens reach over 70 years of age and tip the scales at over 70 pounds. Plummers Arctic Lodges is one of the premier operators in the north, having produced some record catches. Side trips for Arctic char and grayling are available as well.

4. Peacock Bass in the Amazon

 Peacock Bass
While they may not be the heaviest fish around, ferocious strikes, beautiful coloring and an exotic habitat earned peacock bass a spot on the list.


Undoubtedly the most exotic trip on this list is fishing for colorful peacock bass in the Amazon River watershed of Brazil. You will see some of the most remote areas left on the planet, and experience unforgettable fishing in the jungles of South America. Peacock bass come in a variety of species and colors, with some weighing over 20 pounds. Although they’re the smallest fish on this list, their strikes are the most ferocious, especially on topwater lures. Imagine a cinder block being dropped in the water from the treetops. Outfitters such as Acute Angling and Adventure Travel Alliance can make all the arrangements for you.

5. Giant Blue Marlin in Hawaii


What can be better than a dream vacation in paradise with your spouse and kids? How about catching a giant blue marlin while you’re there? Hawaii’s beautiful islands are surrounded by deep, blue ocean, teeming with big game fish species such as blue marlin. These giants typically range between 80 and 300 pounds, but can get as large as 1,600 pounds.  They also put up a fight you won’t ever forget. Sportfish Hawaii promotes fishing in the 50th state and works with over 20 different charter boats across the Hawaiian Islands to find a trip to suit any angler.

6. Tarpon in Florida


The Sunshine State has some of the best and most diverse fishing found anywhere in North America.  The species that tops many anglers’ wish lists is the mighty leaping tarpon. These “silver kings” migrate each year along Florida’s coasts, and good fishing can be had from the Keys and on up both coastlines. The Boca Grande area near Fort Myers, however, is world renowned—not just for numbers but the size of fish as well. They can grow to 8 feet in length and over 200 pounds. Operators such as A Tadd More Charters and Ladyfish Charters can put you on these aerial acrobats.

Don’t just dream about these trips. While none of them are inexpensive, they are  achievable  for many anglers, and a quality booking agent such as Adventure Travel Alliance or Butch Manasse Outdoor Adventures will work within your budget to help you realize your dream.


What angling adventures are on your Bucket List? Let us know.