Fishing Updates

The diversity of California in terms of geography, climate, culture and region is well known but the Golden State offers a wide array of fishing experiences for the enthusiastic angler as well. From clear mountain streams and lakes in the High Sierra to Pacific deep sea fishing off the southern coast, fishermen of all stripes are going to find it all on their California fishing vacation. Pick from welcoming California romantic getaways in one of the state’s mountain hideaways or beach rentals that are just yards away from the beach and during particular times of the year, can be had for a song.

When you are planning your California fishing vacation, you will probably want to check out the Fishing Network which provides information on almost anything you need to know about California’s freshwater and deep sea fishing for the time of the year and region you are planning to visit. This site is a free resource and requires no registration unless you want to post to the forum. You will learn a few things from your fellow anglers and even have a chance to win a free t-shirt if you have tips to share.

An outstanding online resource is The Outpost Mall, which provides information on all kinds of fishing in California, including coastal and deep sea charters. And yet another fishing site you will want to visit is the California Department of Fish and Game in order to secure any essential licenses or permits.

One of the more fun and friendly forms of fishing, predominantly in Southern California, is pier fishing. It is a technique to catch those tasty saltwater fish without having to charter a boat and go far out to sea. In fact, it is amazing how many distinctive species of fish one can catch from some of the piers of a picturesque bed and breakfast in SoCal. Two piers worth mentioning are Goleta near Santa Barbara and San Diego’s famous Balboa and Newport Piers. At Goleta, fishermen have reported catching over thirty different species that include halibut, bass, rockfish and even sharks. Balboa of course is one of the most well-known spots in San Diego for couples seeking a romantic rendezvous though there are a few fish to be snagged here. Newport is thought more of an “angler’s pier,” where most tourists basically go to snag dinner.

Tahoe is another world entirely. Up in the Sierra Nevada, straddling the California-Nevada state line about an hour northeast of Sacramento, is the highest alpine lake in the continental U.S. at an elevation of 6000 feet. Fly fishing in the Truckee River, which drains Lake Tahoe, is excellent and if you choose to visit in the winter, you may very well want to try your luck at ice fishing as well. There are magnificent cabin rentals all throughout this area with spectacular views and amenities to cook up all that fish you lay claim to.

In addition to California’s mountain lakes and streams and pier fishing, there are numerous charter boat services that will be delighted to take you out to the fishing grounds connecting the SoCal shore and Catalina Island, a few of which start out as low as $35 a person.

James Harden is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on bed breakfasts and things to do.

Fishing Fishing, Leisure Activities, sports and recreation

Deep sea fishing is one thing, but when you are sailing out of exotic Kailua Kona or Waikiki Hawaii, fishing species that include mahi mahi, yellowfin and marlin, you are in for some real sport, because fish in the waters off Kailua Kona do not reel in easily. With an abundance of beach rentals that include all the amenities, you will be able to prepare your prize in your own kitchen, cooked to your own liking after your day on the water.

In addition to numerous Hawaii rentals in the area, there are a lot of excellent boat charters with experienced skippers and guides who are more than delighted to take you out to sea to catch the big fish. But while the excellent deep sea fishing may wind up being the high point of your Hawaii vacation, it is not all that the Waikiki area has to offer. Although the beach itself is fairly short, it is one of the most surfer friendly places in the world. The extensive, rolling breaks characteristic of Waikiki make it amazing for longboarding as well as tandem surfing and is particularly suitable for beginners just learning how to ride the waves.

Waikiki has always been a bit exclusive. Before the arrival of Europeans, it was reserved for Hawaiian royalty. In the Polynesian language, waikiki translates as “spouting fresh water” after the streams and springs that once flowed into the surrounding wetlands. Of course, it was not long before Europeans discovered it. The first resort was established in 1893 where one of the first guests to stay there was author Robert Louis Stevenson, author of “Treasure Island” and “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” Today, high rises and and beach vacation rentals surround the beach, so you may have to go a bit further afield if you are looking for more excluded beach rentals.

Romantic getaways are much easier to find on the Big Island around Kailua-Kona but before you head off to that location, you will want to visit some of the scenic and historic parks, reserves and other sites around Waikiki. For example, there is Kapiolani Regional Park, the oldest public park in the Aloha State and home of the Honolulu Zoo and a popular concert venue as well. Military history buffs will enjoy the Fort DeRussy Military Reservation. Although still an active U.S. Army Base, it is open to the public and is the home of the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii.

If you enjoy golf, you will unquestionably want to play a round at the Makaha Resort Golf Club in Waianae. This resort, on the west shore of Oahu less than an hour from Honolulu, offers the best of the New and the Old Hawaii. Only half a mile from the historic 600 year old Kaneaki Heiau Temple, the resort presents a variety of interests aside from golf that range from tennis and aerobics to native Hawaiian cuisine, music and even Polynesian language instruction.

James Harden is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on beach rentals and things to do.

Fishing Fishing, Leisure Activities