So I'm in the planning stages of a trip in 2027 for a buddy and myself, was originally thinking lake Baccarac in Mexico but it seems like a bit of a hassle to get to from New Jersey. Open to any and all suggestions with recommendations for accommodations and guides, something all inclusive would be nice. Lake of the woods, Okeechobee, great lakes open to all suggestions would definitely like to target bass but wouldn't mind a multi species trip.

thanks In advance for any and all advice

Are you open to saltwater fishing?

1 hour ago, bigbearstroop122 said:

So I'm in the planning stages of a trip in 2027 for a buddy and myself, was originally thinking lake Baccarac in Mexico but it seems like a bit of a hassle to get to from New Jersey. Open to any and all suggestions with recommendations for accommodations and guides, something all inclusive would be nice. thanks In advance for any and all advice

I am not an expert on fishing trips or travel.

But I have been to Lake Baccarac Lodge 'several' times.

Even have a trip booked for Oct.

When it comes to big bass fishing, this place is where Jurassic Park meets Disneyland.

As for the travel being a hassle—compared to some places, I would say it definitely is.

Passports, flight plans, and hotel stays, not to mention it takes us 4 days of travel for 5 1/2 days of fishing.  And it's not exactly inexpensive.

However, all of that is part of what makes it special.

If you're looking to just take a trip, and you want to relax while you do it,

I totally get that.

There are tons of very decent places with great fishing that fit the bill.

The one caveat I've seen, and as a general rule,  places that require a bit of a travel commitment,

have the best fishing.  Think about why that might be. 

I have always wanted to go Redfishing in Florida’s mighty Indian River Lagoon system. 

World-renowned, often referred to as the "Redfish Capital of the World".  The region is unique because it hosts a year-round resident population of "Bull" redfish that do not migrate to the ocean to spawn, allowing anglers to catch trophy-sized fish in shallow water throughout the year. 

I might have to look a little more seriously at this one.

#bucketlist 

In today's busy and more populated world, great fishing is getting harder and harder to find.

Good Luck and safe travels. 

A-Jay

 

1 hour ago, gim said:

Are you open to saltwater fishing?

I live right at the shore in Jersey and will usually fish salt water while on vacation so was planning on doing a fresh water trip.

I think if you drop the "all inclusive" requirement and just look into renting a house via VRBO on or near the water you hire a guide on, would be a win. That basically opens it up to whenever and wherever you want for whatever you want to fish for. 

 

There are exceptions, but independent guides are typically of a bit higher quality than those employed by lodges, especially stateside... This would allow you to pick your guide in advance, etc... could talk with him about what you really want to do and he can suggest a time from there, for example, if you wanted to mostly fish topwater, they may say "this month and that month are the best" and you plan accordingly sorta thing...

 

If it was me, I would want to fish one of the larger rivers in the Appalachians for Smallies if I was going to spend the money to hire a guide. There are some that guide out of drift boats, some that guide out of jet drive flat bottoms too. You can catch some big fish and fishing in the mountains is gorgeous. To me it's more "relaxing" than many lakes, especially if those lakes have much for recreational traffic... 

 

You could easily access such places in a days drive from Jersey... 

 

 

46 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

I am not an expert on fishing trips or travel.

But I have been to Lake Baccarac Lodge 'several' times.

Even have a trip booked for Oct.

When it comes to big bass fishing, this place is where Jurassic Park meets Disneyland.

As for the travel being a hassle—compared to some places, I would say it definitely is.

Passports, flight plans, and hotel stays, not to mention it takes us 4 days of travel for 5 1/2 days of fishing.  And it's not exactly inexpensive.

However, all of that is part of what makes it special.

If you're looking to just take a trip, and you want to relax while you do it,

I totally get that.

There are tons of very decent places with great fishing that fit the bill.

The one caveat I've seen, and as a general rule,  places that require a bit of a travel commitment,

have the best fishing.  Think about why that might be. 

I have always wanted to go Redfishing in Florida’s mighty Indian River Lagoon system. 

World-renowned, often referred to as the "Redfish Capital of the World".  The region is unique because it hosts a year-round resident population of "Bull" redfish that do not migrate to the ocean to spawn, allowing anglers to catch trophy-sized fish in shallow water throughout the year. 

I might have to look a little more seriously at this one.

#bucketlist 

In today's busy and more populated world, great fishing is getting harder and harder to find.

Good Luck and safe travels. 

A-Jay

 

A-jay I cant argue with you I do agree that to fish in exceptional places you will have to go out of your way and I definitely haven't taken Mexico off of the list yet just want to see what else is out there. I have watched your video of you on Lake Baccarac and it was definitely inspiring. 

3 minutes ago, Goby said:

I think if you drop the "all inclusive" requirement and just look into renting a house via VRBO on or near the water you hire a guide on, would be a win. That basically opens it up to whenever and wherever you want for whatever you want to fish for. 

 

If it was me, I would want to fish one of the larger rivers in the Appalachians for Smallies if I was going to spend the money to hire a guide. 

 

 

All inclusive is most certainly not a requirement and I have looked into some lodges that offer guide service, I'm not opposed to staying in a house or hotel.

On 1/9/2026 at 6:49 PM, A-Jay said:

Florida’s mighty Indian River Lagoon system. 

World-renowned, often referred to as the "Redfish Capital of the World".  The region is unique because it hosts a year-round resident population of "Bull" redfish that do not migrate to the ocean to spawn, allowing anglers to catch trophy-sized fish in shallow water throughout the year. 

I might have to look a little more seriously at this one.

#bucketlist 

In today's busy and more populated world, great fishing is getting harder and harder to find.

Thanks for sharing

St Lawrence? A few days in A-Bay and a few days out of Massena?

Scoot over to Black Lake or Champlain on the way home?

1000 Islands is beautiful. Gananoque Ontario is so great to visit.

Giant smallies and "What are you doing here big guy?" Largemouth.

Its what 8 hours from you?

Yes Bacaracc or Clear or Whatever is hot in Texas are no doubt awesome but for me (I'm weird) the travel time and potential broken rods etc make that not so appealing. If I get a day or two more fishing with less stress I'm doing it.

If you're open to Lake of the Woods, consider a fly-in north of there, with or without a cabin. If you can sleep in a tent, you can pay to land on a lake that nearly no one fishes. You can also drive to lakes beyond counting where it'll be just you, the loons, and the fish. Ontario's website, Fish ON-Line lists the species found in hundreds of lakes. I've done some pretty cool things in my life, but fishing a wilderness lake is the best.

The two places I recommend for freshwater fishing are not as difficult to get to as you may think. Alaska and Mexico. Alaska is expensive, but every fisherman should experience it once in their life. Mexico is bass fishing heaven on earth. Lodge rates are about the same price people pay to go to hotels on beaches in Mexico, but you get to catch DD bass for the same or less money.

You can fly to almost any major airport in Mexico from anywhere in the US in one day. Most lodges can get you to the lodge on the same day, but at worst you will be fishing evening on the next day. For a little more money you can rent all of your gear from the lodge, making packing easy. A passport, sandals, a couple pairs of shorts, t shirts, sunglasses and a light jacket are all you need. A passport, plane ticket and carry on bag, does not seem very difficult for a trip of a lifetime. Baccarac, is by far the best for trophy fish, and Aguamilpa may be best for numbers. Both lakes have great lodges, with adequate gear and quality guides. Getting to Mexico and catching bass is easy, bass fishing at home after you go may be difficult.

The most difficult part about an Alaskan trip is deciding what type of fishing you want to do, where in Alaska you want to go, and how much money you are willing to spend. Alaska is a big place, and the fishing in one location compared to another is equal to the diversity of fishing in all of the lower 48 states combined. Once you decide on a lodge, and time. Book a direct flight to a major airport near your lodge, and enjoy the long days, and great fishing.

I’m going a different direction (figuratively) - redfish in Venice, Louisiana in the late fall/winter. There are a few liveaboard guide services. You can do it for as little or as much as you want to spend, no passport required, and you fly into The Big Easy, so an extra day or two on either day can be additional good times.

Palm Bay Fl.

Headwaters/Stick Marsh/Farm-13

If your bringing family, Orlando is an hour or so away.

Ocean and beach 1 hr. away.

Motels/Hotels/VRBO

Restaurants abound.

Plenty of GREAT guides including Roland Martin.

Live or Artificial.

Thank you for all of the replies, Alaska is a consideration as well. It would be a lot easier if I were making the decision on my own but when you have multiple people involved it always muddys the waters.

7 hours ago, Ski said:

Palm Bay Fl.

Headwaters/Stick Marsh/Farm-13

If your bringing family, Orlando is an hour or so away.

Ocean and beach 1 hr. away.

Motels/Hotels/VRBO

Restaurants abound.

Plenty of GREAT guides including Roland Martin.

Live or Artificial.

Farm 13/stick marsh if I'm not going to Mexico. 2.5-3lb average...50 fish a day average according to reports.

On 1/17/2026 at 2:08 PM, KP Duty said:

if I'm not going to Mexico. 2.5-3lb average...50 fish a day average according to reports.

Why go to Mexico to average 50 fish per day when there are plenty of places in the U.S. where this can be done? Of course, Mexico has its charms, but unless you live in the southwest, it's a long way away.

If you are feeling adventurous and want to exploit other fresh water species than Bass, look up Reindeer Lake Lodge in northwest Saskatchewan; first class accommodations, huge Northern Pike, Walleye are so plentiful they can become pests, and Lake Trout for dessert. Action usually begins immediately at ice out in June.

On 1/16/2026 at 4:27 PM, Swamp Girl said:

If you're open to Lake of the Woods, consider a fly-in north of there, with or without a cabin. If you can sleep in a tent, you can pay to land on a lake that nearly no one fishes. You can also drive to lakes beyond counting where it'll be just you, the loons, and the fish. Ontario's website, Fish ON-Line lists the species found in hundreds of lakes. I've done some pretty cool things in my life, but fishing a wilderness lake is the best.

Agreed. All of my best fishing memories are from Ontario fly-in camps.

Never did Boundary Waters, but if they are still as good as was described decadess ago, I'd put that on list for consideration.

14 minutes ago, Tackleholic said:

If you are feeling adventurous and want to exploit other fresh water species than Bass, look up Reindeer Lake Lodge in northwest Saskatchewan; first class accommodations, huge Northern Pike, Walleye are so plentiful they can become pests, and Lake Trout for dessert. Action usually begins immediately at ice out in June.

I don't think your Saskatchewan suggestion will get much traction. Whenever I recall the thrills of northwestern Ontario, I hear crickets. I'm familiar with Reindeer Lake Lodge and its enormous pike. Perhaps the "first class accommodations might appeal," if I'm right in guessing that sleeping in a tent on a wilderness lake might be off-putting for many. However, I have fished from various Ontario lodges and fly-in cabins and fishing-wise, none compare to what lies at the ends of portage trails. When I'd reach a new lake, the first fish on my first cast was the norm.

7 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

Agreed. All of my best fishing memories are from Ontario fly-in camps.

Ah, my suggestion did get some traction. Your post popped up while I was writing mine.

Fishing trip or bucket list trip? How much are you willing to spend? Goal? Numbers, size, species? I’ve fished a lot of the suggestions given and have enjoyed each and every one. We are leaving for Headwaters at the end of the month. Will be our 3rd trip to this lake. We have done Okeechobee, Kissimmee multiple times as well. We have also done St Clair in Michigan every year for 20+ years. I have done Champlain, the St Lawrence, Saskatchewan Canada, Lake Fork, Billfish in Hawaii and the Dominican, plus a lot of others. Never done Mexico though and it’s definitely on the list as is a Peacock bass trip to the Amazon and a Redfish trip to Louisiana. I’m not boasting, I’m just older and have enjoyed traveling to fish.

I would like to say bucket list trip but I have three other companions, two are leaning more towards Alaska and I’m not opposed to it as far as budget I’m guessing so where between 5-10K.

2 hours ago, bigbearstroop122 said:

I would like to say bucket list trip but I have three other companions, two are leaning more towards Alaska and I’m not opposed to it as far as budget I’m guessing so where between 5-10K.

My suggestions are not relevant if a bucket list trip and it’s not tropical. St Clair is numbers and size and probably the only one I regularly do risking cold weather. 😂

10 hours ago, Swamp Girl said:

Why go to Mexico to average 50 fish per day when there are plenty of places in the U.S. where this can be done? Of course, Mexico has its charms, but unless you live in the southwest, it's a long way away.

Katie the guys going to Mexico are chasing their DD dream. Your chances of catching a DD are probably better than the US including Florida & Texas. And I know you like to catch numbers as many others do but there are some of us who are only concerned about size not numbers. To each their own.

5 minutes ago, Dwight Hottle said:

Katie the guys going to Mexico are chasing their DD dream. Your chances of catching a DD are probably better than the US including Florida & Texas. And I know you like to catch numbers as many others do but there are some of us who are only concerned about size not numbers. To each their own.

Yeah, I just don't have enough patience and money to pursue a DD. I used to fish only for muskies, but tired of the long stretches between fish.

4 hours ago, bigbearstroop122 said:

I would like to say bucket list trip but I have three other companions, two are leaning more towards Alaska and I’m not opposed to it as far as budget I’m guessing so where between 5-10K.

PM me if you want information about fishing in Alaska. I lived and guided there for over 20 years all over the state. The options are truly unlimited. Depending on your expectations, price is not always a determining factor. Fly out lodges, can be unbelievable experiences, but a tent camp on a particular river can be better fishing if variety is not what you are looking for. Saltwater fishing in Southeast Alaska can be inexpensive, and equivalent to going to the fish market the bite is good. If you want to fly fish, Bristol Bay freshwater is the place. So many options. You must decide what your budget is, and the type of fishing you want to do, then you will at least be able to start your research.