Great Fishing Places for Timeshare Vacations

With many of the activities at timeshare resorts focused on beaches, theme parks, golf, skiing and onsite amenities, sometimes fishing gets lost in the shuffle of top activities you can do on vacation. But fishing can be a great way to relax and disconnect while away from home.

In 2019, over 50 million people went fishing in the United States, and this figure lifted to almost 55 million people last year as people looked for more outdoor pursuits during the height of the COVID pandemic. Compared to the nearly 18 million people that play tennis and the 25 million people who play golf each year, fishing dominates when it comes to an outdoor hobby.

So why does it seem like timeshare resorts focus so much on other activities?

Bluegreen Seems to Get It

Well at least one developer seems to get it. Bluegreen Vacations has a marketing agreement with Bass Pro Shop which began over 20 years ago and allows Bluegreen to market their vacation club program directly to Bass Pro Shop customers. About 9 percent of Bluegreen’s sales in 2018 came from Bass Pro Shop, of which BPS gets a cut as well as annual fees for allowing Bluegreen into their stores. It appears this is a lucrative arrangement for both companies.

The irony is that, as resorts focus on building more amenities such as water parks and rock walls, fishing seems to be a rather cost-effective way to provide entertainment to its customers.

Most avid fishermen and women (yes, about 36 percent of anglers are women), like to bring their own lines with them. Therefore, it seems like resorts just need to put programs together or establish agreements with local companies in order to add value to their guests’ vacation experiences.

Top Fishing Destinations

Let’s take a look at some of the leading fishing spots in North America (in alphabetical order) which also feature top timeshare accommodations. Fans of the warmer destinations can visit at any time, but you can also start planning now for when the weather warms up at the more northern locations.

Remember to check the limits, seasons and licensing requirements at your destination of choice. Licenses can usually be purchased online through state fish and wildlife department websites.

The resorts shown below are the most popular in their respective areas based on the customer offers placed through our online platform.

Branson

Table Rock Lake provides sensational fishing and scenic fun rolled into one experience. Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Crappie and Catfish stand out, with bass available year-round depending on your tolerance to fish during the colder months.

The lake is a meandering maze of inlets with over 750 miles of shoreline, so it might be best to hire a charter or guide if you are not familiar with the area. If you want to head out on your own, boat rentals are available at Table Rock State Park. For a shoreline spot, try Aunts Creek on the James River arm of the lake.

Branson timeshare resorts: Wyndham Branson at The Meadows, Grand Crowne Resort

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Sportfishing is supreme in this self-described “Marlin Capital of the World”, and few would disagree - with Cabo known as a world-famous sportfishing destination. The location at the southern tip of Baja California is a unique spot, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Gulf of California, with casting for Tuna, Snapper, Mahi Mahi and Wahoo joining Marlin as great possibilities.

While heading out into the deep is the preferred option, you can also toss in a line from shore. Try the coastal stretch between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the San Jose del Cabo Estuary or, if you don’t mind heading up a few more miles, up to the East Cape area.

Cabo San Lucas timeshare resorts: Villa del Palmar Cabo San Lucas Beach Resort & Spa, Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort and Spa

Avon/Vail, Colorado

The Eagle River runs through this stunning part of Colorado, with excellent flyfishing in play for Rainbow, Cutthroat, Brown, and Brook Trout. Several anglers are available for hire to take you out and navigate the best places to drop in a line.

Most of the access points are a few miles west of Avon, but there are also spots in the White River National Forest such as Sylvan Lake State Park. Those closer to Vail can try Gore Creek.

Colorado timeshare resorts: Christie Lodge, Marriott's StreamSide Evergreen at Vail

Florida Keys

Amazing fishing can be seen up and down the Keys, from the piers and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park on Key West to Marathon, Islamorada and the charters to head out for more adventurous sport fishing. Look for Bonefish, Snook or Tarpon through to the more challenging offshore Marlin and Sailfish.

For Key West options, you can fish from shore at the Truman Waterfront area, the White Street Pier and off Mallory Square in addition to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.

Key West timeshare resorts: Coconut Mallory Marina and Resort, Galleon Resort

Florida Panhandle

Not only is the coast of the Florida Panhandle known for incredible beaches, but it is also a great fishing destination. Redfish is the popular choice, but there are also Trout, Jacks and Sheepshead to be found as well.

There will always be excellent surf fishing along the coast, but in Destin you can also try Choctawhatchee Bay just north of town. In Panama City Beach, you can head down to St. Andrews State Park to access Saint Andrew Bay and the pass leading out to the Gulf of Mexico. Target Tarpon here for sure.

Florida Panhandle timeshare resorts: Wyndham Vacation Resorts Panama City Beach, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Emerald Grande (Destin)

Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada

A shout out to our northern neighbors highlights the Georgian Bay area north of Toronto. With a focus on Collingwood, this area features both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Salmon, Trout, Walleye, Catfish and Pike.

Fishing charters abound to take you out onto the lake and even out to Lake Huron. To throw in a line from shore, try Wasaga Beach.

Georgian Bay timeshare resorts: Royal Harbour Resort, Living Water Resort

Kona, Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii is often considered the best fishing spot of all the Hawaiian islands, and the waters off Kona are legendary for Pacific Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Black Marlin and Striped Marlin as well as Tuna, Ono and Mahi Mahi.

Offshore charters are available, but for shoreline fishing try Kahalu'u Beach Park, Kona Coast State Park (now known as Kekaha Kai State Park), Old Kona Airport State Beach Park or further up the road at Spencer Beach Park.

Kona timeshare resorts: Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort, Wyndham Royal Sea Cliff

Lake Tahoe

As the largest alpine lake in North America, this outdoor playground is stacked with wonderful fishing options. You will have a chance at Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Mackinaw during the warmer months, with several onshore and offshore charter choices.

The Truckee River at Tahoe City on the west shore of the lake offers up great Trout, while Taylor Creek, Fallen Leaf Lake and Upper Truckee River at South Lake Tahoe provide terrific options as well. You can always sign up for a charter to get out onto the lake and have a guide take you to the best spots.

Lake Tahoe timeshare resorts: Diamond Resorts Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort, Tahoe Beach & Ski Club

Ocean City, Maryland

Sitting on the Atlantic shoreline yet on the edge of the Isle of Wight Bay, there are some terrific fishing options. Billed as the White Marlin Capital of the World, you will also have a shot at Blue Marlin, Fluke, Rockfish (Striped Bass), Tuna and even Shark.

The Ocean City Inlet South Jetty gives you access to the Isle of Wight Bay, or you can fish off the beach into the Atlantic if you are not up for a charter.

Ocean City timeshare resorts: Boardwalk One, The Bay Club

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Known for several types of fishing, from flyfishing to pier fishing, surf fishing and charter boat fishing, you will have great choices based on your comfort and experience level. Flounder, Trout and Sea Bass are some of the favorites here.

Try Avalon Pier in Kill Devils Hill or off the beach in Duck if you’d rather not head out on a charter boat. But remember that there are so many nooks and crannies around the Albemarle Sound area that it can be a wise move to have a guide take you around for the best spots.

Outer Banks timeshare resorts: Outer Banks Beach Club (Kill Devils Hill), Barrier Island Station - Duck