For sport fishing, the strongest island destinations deliver one or more of three things: accessible blue water for billfish and tuna, productive shallow flats for bonefish/permit/tarpon, or a deep local charter culture. The Bahamas are the most versatile all-round choice, while Cabo and Costa Rica lead for high-energy offshore fishing.
Best choice by fishing mood
- Best all-rounder: Bahamas — shallow flats and nearby blue water let a group mix bonefishing with offshore days. The Abacos are particularly known for big game and summer tournaments.
- Best flats-fishing trip: Bahamas — the country is consistently regarded as a premier choice for bonefish, with Belize a strong mainland-adjacent alternative.
- Best marlin-focused trip: Cabo San Lucas — renowned for marlin and supported by a catch-and-release culture.
- Best for sailfish numbers: Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, particularly around Quepos, where a major tournament reported 2,840 sailfish and marlin releases across four days by 67 teams.
- Best quick trip from Miami: Bimini or Key West.
- Best luxury expedition: Seychelles — choose it for remote flats, GT fishing and serious blue-water potential.
- Best resort-and-fishing combination: Mauritius or St Lucia. St Lucia’s deep water sits close to the island, enabling offshore big-game fishing within a short run.
| Island / island group | Country / region | Signature fishing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bahamas | Caribbean | Bonefish on the flats; blue marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo and sailfish offshore | The best all-round island fishing trip |
| Abaco Islands | Bahamas | Blue marlin, bonefish and permit | Anglers who want tournaments, flats and family-friendly island time |
| Bimini | Bahamas | Marlin, tuna, wahoo, sailfish and reef species | Quick-access big-game fishing from South Florida |
| Key West & the Florida Keys | Florida, USA | Tarpon, permit, bonefish, sailfish, tuna and mahi-mahi | Mixed flats and offshore fishing with easy U.S. logistics |
| Cabo San Lucas | Baja California Sur, Mexico | Striped and blue marlin, tuna, dorado and wahoo | Dedicated offshore anglers and bucket-list marlin trips |
| Costa Rica’s Pacific islands | Costa Rica | Sailfish, marlin, dorado, tuna, roosterfish and snapper | Big numbers, varied species and eco-lodge fishing holidays |
| Isla Mujeres | Mexico, Caribbean | Sailfish, tuna, mahi-mahi and reef fish | Winter sailfish trips with a relaxed Caribbean base |
| St Lucia | Caribbean | Marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo and sailfish | Big-game fishing close to shore, plus a romantic resort holiday |
| Seychelles | Indian Ocean | Giant trevally, dogtooth tuna, sailfish, bonefish and remote flats fishing | Serious anglers seeking a remote, premium expedition |
| Mauritius | Indian Ocean | Blue and black marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo and dorado | Blue-water anglers who want resorts and a polished Indian Ocean trip |