"Reel" Fun with Fido! 8 Dog-Friendly Fishing Vacation Destinations

Posted by Erin Ballinger

Fishing with your dog has many benefits. It’s a chance for both of you to spend quality time in the great outdoors, either by yourselves or with the whole family. If Fido’s a water dog, he’ll get to splash and play (as long as he doesn’t disturb the fish), and you might even hook your next meal! These destinations offer anglers the opportunity to catch an array of different fish in beautiful surroundings with their furry best friends.

1. San Diego, CA

He’s serious about fishing. Photo by @Cbd_samthedog

In addition to being one of the most dog-friendly cities in America, San Diego is one of the best destinations for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Watch the sunrise on Coronado Dog Beach, then fish with Fido for California sheephead, white sea bass and halibut around Point Loma and La Jolla Cove. Book a charter trip offshore, like this pup-friendly Airbnb Experience at H&M Landing, to reel in mahi, tuna or marlin. San Diego’s fishing is stellar year-round, so you have flexibility for when you want to travel.

Stay with your dog at this beachfront, two-bedroom condo located next to the Original Dog Beach. The pet-friendly vacation rental is located just steps away from off-leash fun on one of the best dog beaches on the west coast. The kitchen is fully equipped, and there’s a grill in the enclosed backyard where you can cook what you caught. Fish tacos, anyone? Nightly rates start at $217, and there is no additional pet fee.

2. Lewes, DE

Catch of the day. Photo by @Lindseygambacorta

Delaware beaches are great for family vacations, and Lewes is no exception. It’s less crowded than most of the other nearby towns, so you can enjoy ocean fishing with your furry friend in relatively peaceful surroundings. Head to Cape Henlopen State Park, where Fido can join you for on-shore fishing, or opt for a guided charter. The pros at Katydid Sportfishing and Delaware Family Fishing know all the spots where the flounder, tuna and marlin bite on the high seas. The area also has freshwater and bay fishing locations nearby. While you’re in town, take a stroll down to Fisherman’s Wharf for a pint and some fish and chips with your canine at Irish Eyes.

While in Lewes, stay at one of the many dog-friendly Airbnb vacation rental properties nearby, like The Homestead B&B in the town of Rehoboth Beach. Nightly rates start at $250.

3. Key West, FL

Capt. Oliver knows where to find all the big fish! Photo by @Soulshineadventures

Key West is a world-class fishing destination for dog-loving anglers. The reefs and shipwrecks in these waters are home to hundreds of fish species. Whether you choose to go deep-sea fishing or flat fishing in the shallow Key West “flats,” pet-friendly tours and fishing charters are available for all experience levels. Meridian Charters offers dog-friendly lobster hunts, and Soul Shine Charters Key West has a canine captain named Oliver whose expertise will help you reel in snapper, Atlantic tarpon, grouper, barracuda, spotted sea trout or even sharks! It’s easy to work up a big appetite fishing all day, so refuel at Geiger Key Marina & Fish Camp. There’s covered outdoor seating along the marina, and the restaurant has a dog menu and ice-cold water for your pup. While you’re in town, explore the Key West Aquarium with your well-behaved, leashed pooch and try a Key West Cooler cocktail while listening to a local band at Smokin’ Tuna Saloon.

Book a room at Old Town Manor for comfy accommodations, complimentary organic breakfast served in the lush garden courtyard, and a convenient location just steps from Duval Street. Old Town Manor welcomes one pet of any size for an additional fee of $50 per stay, and a second pet for an additional $25 per stay. Nightly rates start at $175.

4. Anacortes, WA

“My dinner depends on that stick?” Photo by @Dpecosky

The Pacific Northwest is one of the premier fishing vacation destinations in the United States. Located on the island of Fidalgo halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, the cold waters of Anacortes are full of Pacific salmon, rockfish, lingcod and Dungeness crab. Brag about your catch over a couple of beers on the patio with your pup at Bastion Brewing Company.

Sleep with a sea view at Anacortes Ship Harbor Inn, which welcomes two dogs of any size for an additional fee of $35 per stay. Nightly rates start at $105.

5. Garden City, ID

Tongues out if you like fishing! Photo by @_tonmana

Fish for cutthroat trout, mountain whitefish, and lake and rainbow trout at Bear Lake State Park in Idaho. The pet-friendly state park offers year-round fishing and even ice fishing in the winter. Other activities include camping, hiking, biking and birdwatching. Go into town to relax with Fido on Telaya Wine Co.’s patio overlooking the Idaho River, where you can enjoy a wine tasting and find the perfect bottle to pair with your fish dinner. Garden City’s a perfect fishing destination for people who want to unwind outside and do something fun with their dogs.

If you’re not a camper, book this dog-friendly hillside Airbnb in Garden City that offers amazing views of Bear Lake. The private deck, equipped with a propane grill, is the perfect place to end a long day with a freshly caught dinner. Nightly rates start at $146.

6. Plymouth, MA

Salty dog. Photo by @Petsitting_in_berlin

Located on the historic and beautiful Cape Cod peninsula, Plymouth offers anglers an awesome opportunity to reel in the big one in the backdrop of the filming location of the movie “Jaws.” Cast your line in the deep sea on one of Plymouth’s many fishing charters like Captain John Boats, which is pet-friendly, to catch sharks, striped bass, blue fish and tuna. While on dry land, be sure to visit Plymouth Rock with your pooch at Pilgrim Memorial State Park.

Stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Plymouth, where two pets of any size are accepted for an additional fee of $35 per pet, per night. Nightly rates start at $123.

7. Galveston, TX

Hanging on the beach. Photo by @Bleuthewoof

Galveston is one of the best dog-friendly fishing vacation destinations in the South. Freshwater and saltwater fish abound, including blacktip and bull sharks, drum, stingrays, red snapper and croaker. Try your luck reeling one in with your pooch at Galveston Island State Park. Or, book a trip out with Get Hooked Charters for deep sea, blue water and bay fishing in addition to shark-hunting excursions. Your guide will teach you some new fishing techniques and give you information about the area. In addition to being a great fishing locale, Galveston is also home to dog-friendly beaches like East Beach and Stewart Beach Park, so Fido can have some fun in the sun.

Stay on the bay with a fenced-in yard for dogs at this waterfront Jamaica Beach vacation rental. You can even fish from the deck with the underwater fishing lights turned on at night! Bikes and kayaks are also provided. Nightly rates start at $261.

8. Steamboat Springs, CO

Fishing is fly! Photo by @Silly_tillydog

Pack your waders and head to Steamboat Springs with your dog. This Colorado town has a history of fly fishing which dates all the way back to when the first residents, the Ute Indians, fished these waters. Try your luck catching local trout at the Yampa River, which runs through town, or at one of the many popular streams and lakes along the Fishhook Lake, Lost Lake and Lake Elmo Trail. Be sure to sample Colorado craft beers with Fido after a long day in the river at Storm Peak Brewing Co.

Camp at Big Creek Lakes Campground, where you can also go fishing. Nightly rates start at $10.

Have you ever gone on a fishing trip with Fido? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by @avidmax.