10 Best Places to go Deep-Sea Fishing in the USA

Traditionally, deep-sea fishing occurs anywhere from 30km to 50km out to sea. With the USA enveloped by two giant oceans and the Gulf of Mexico, it’s home to some of the best deep-sea fishing on earth.

Deep Sea fishing in USA

Heading out to sea and landing a big catch isn’t a walk in the park, however.

Even seasoned anglers make use of fish locators to complement their years of experience.

But with the help of some great local fishing charters, you can land your next trophy catch.

If you’re thinking about your first, or next, fishing charter, here’s our guide to the 10 best places to go deep-sea fishing in the USA.

Table of Contents

1. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

In a historic setting, Cape Cod offers some of the best deep-sea fishing in the United States.

The ease of the location and environment makes Cape Cod an excellent spot for beginner anglers along with seasoned experts.

As you venture east into the Atlantic, the calm waters will welcome you with the chance to also spot migrating whales and porpoises.

Reel in large bluefin tuna, while striped bass come to Cape Cod in the months of May and June.

On land, you’ll have historic lighthouses, pristine beaches, and a lively community making Cape Cod a great place to spend with friends and family.

Thinking about going deep sea fishing in Cape Cod? Check out Adventure with Magellan Deep Sea Fishing Charters.

2. Kona, Hawaii

From far-flung New England, we turn our eye to one of the best deep-sea fishing locations in the Pacific.

Besides great surf and beachside cocktails, Kona is a top spot to venture out and try to land a trophy catch.

The local geography helps to provide ideal conditions with the soaring winds blocked by towering mountains.

The same mountains help create a steep shoreline, bringing deeper waters much closer to shore.

With calm seas, great Hawaiian weather, and year-round fishing, it’s easy to see why Kona is a much-loved angling destination.

The popular catch here includes tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and multiple types of sharks.

One of the best ways to experience deep-sea fishing in Kona is with the experts at Hawai’i Marlin Fishing.

3. The Florida Keys

With a string of coral-filled islands, the Florida Keys covers a stunning 200 km stretch.

Besides providing travelers with a once-in-a-lifetime road trip to Key West, the Florida Keys is a magnificent spot for deep-sea fishing.

Common departure points include the iconic Key West along with Key Largo, the first and longest key in the chain.

Casual and commercial trips exist in great numbers and fishing with crankbait rods is a year-round pastime.

The most sought-after fish in the Keys include permit, tarpon, snook, bonefish, and redfish.

The Florida Keys provides a perfect launch point for those with their own craft, but nothing beats heading further out into the Atlantic Ocean.

Here your potential catch grows to include white marlin, swordfish, and sailfish.

With Key Largo Fishing Adventures go further and enjoy discounted room rates on the Key.

4. Outer Banks, North Carolina

For those that love to pack up and go, Outer Banks is one of the most productive spots for deep-sea fishing in the USA.

Similar to Montauk (listed below) Outer Banks is a haven for saltwater anglers who can enjoy consistent fishing, especially in the summer and autumn months.

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, fish swarm to the region on their way north along the Atlantic Coast.

Come to the Outer Banks in June for blue marlin or white marlin and sailfish in the later summer and early autumn. In the heart of autumn, tuna arrives in great numbers.

For those just starting out, the Outer Banks provides fishing lessons in a variety of outfits. This will give you a head start before your first big trip.

Great for new and seasoned, Rock Solid Fishing provides the epic charters in the Outer Banks.

5. Galveston, Texas

One of the best ways to fish way out in the Gulf of Mexico is to take a deep-sea fishing charter from Galveston, Texas.

The popular holiday town is just an hour away from Houston, providing fun nightlife, fishing piers, and sugar sand beaches to enjoy off the boat.

A 12-hour deep-sea fishing excursion from Galveston, Texas will bring you anywhere from 65km to 130km away from the coast for the chance to catch speckled trout, black drum, and flounder closer to the shore.

The further you head out, the better chance of landing sailfish, king mackerel, cobia, and red snapper.

To experience the best of fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, sign up for a charter with Get Hooked Fishing, based in Galveston.

6. Montauk, New York

While Cape Cod takes much of the attention when it comes to deep-sea fishing on the northeast coast, Montauk remains one of the best offshore fishing spots in America.

The Gulf Stream consistently delivers a parade of opportunities for anglers, with massive schools of fish coming to town between late spring and early autumn.

Along with some great coastal fishing with sharks and cod on offer, there are several deep-sea options to choose from.

Thanks to the deep-sea canyons, enormous beasts are waiting to bite. Local species include giant bluefin tuna, often weighing up to 450kg. Other fish include porgies and blackfish.

Saltwater fishing on kayaks is another popular way to get out and fish around Montauk.

For short half-day trips to overnight adventures, check out your deep sea options at My Joyce Fishing Charters.