Dream living/fishing location!

[Bandersnatch]

Looking a building the ultimate wish list for living near or on the water. What are your guys dream locations to live near or on the water if property cost wasn’t an issue. 
 

I love the idea of living on or near chain of lakes as it often has diversity. Also, I believe there are some areas that you could have diversity in freshwater/brackish/salt ? 
 

Maybe something in the south with red fishing and bass on or near one body of water.

 

If you could have anything from a fisherman’s perspective where would it be ?

 

You only live for once, dream big. 

[AlabamaSpothunter]

South Florida....nothing compares.    It has everything, and is the mecca for many species.  

 

That said, if I had all money in the world, I'd be building a Ray Scott style 50-100acre lake, and I'd be growing the next state and world record Bass.

[Jar11591]

Sinaloa, Mexico. 

 

This is why:

[roadwarrior]

Central Florida, Lake Toho.

[Eric 26]

If money were no object my dream location would be a smallish lake ? I can’t remember the name of. It was just outside of Melrude township in Minnesota and we went every year when I was younger. My grandfather knew a gentleman who had a couple small cabins right on the water and it was the coolest place ever as a kid with deer, black bear, moose and every living creature god put in the north woods along with at least in my memory the best fishing ever. My wife who hates the cold on the other hand would say Florida ?

[MN Fisher]

22 minutes ago, Eric 26 said:

It was just outside of Melrude township in Minnesota

NE Minnesota - lots of good fishing up there for sure.

 

Myself - a bit further west - Laporte or Lake George would be my preference. Lived in Bemidji for six years and mostly spent my fishing time on Leech or the Straight River in Park Rapids...most of my hunting was in the Paul Bunyan State Forest.

[AlabamaSpothunter]

2 hours ago, Jar11591 said:

Sinaloa, Mexico. 

 

This is why:

What's the deal with security though, not only is that Mexico, it's the heartbeat of the narco trafficking state.

 

Don't get me wrong, if I get a chance to go fish there, I would go during an active war lol but living there might be a different story. 

 

Awesome fish, I can see why you like the place haha 

[TOXIC]

If money were no object and keeping it somewhat realistic, I would have 2 places.  1 somewhere up North because I am addicted to smallmouth and 1 somewhere down South for monster largies.  Alternating between the two as the seasons and climate dictate.  I’ve actually been researching this very thing.  

[bigbassin']

2 minutes ago, TOXIC said:

If money were no object and keeping it somewhat realistic, I would have 2 places.  1 somewhere up North because I am addicted to smallmouth and 1 somewhere down South for monster largies.  Alternating between the two as the seasons and climate dictate.  I’ve actually been researching this very thing.  

My thought as well.

 

You’ll never catch a smallmouth in Florida, a  decent size largemouth that may not be photo worthy in Florida is a lot of folks PB’s up north.

 

Add in saltwater available along the coast or trout in the mountains and you could be justifying a couple homes if money is no factor.

[Jar11591]

10 minutes ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

What's the deal with security though, not only is that Mexico, it's the heartbeat of the narco trafficking state.

 

Don't get me wrong, if I get a chance to go fish there, I would go during an active war lol but living there might be a different story. 

 

Awesome fish, I can see why you like the place haha 

From making the trip myself, and talking to the other anglers, workers and locals, and even people on here, it seems the situation in Mexico is a little overblown than what is portrayed. I don’t think there has ever been an incident at this particular lodge, or any of the other ones owned by the same people. They have lodges on a few different lakes down there. 
 

Another thing I heard from anglers and locals down there is that narcos have little interest in messing with American tourists, and in-turn provoking the American government. Seems like they have their hands full without additional scrutiny from the DEA or USM. Seems like petty crime is a bigger threat to Americans.

 

The great part about this place is it’s nestled in mountains, with very little around. Dirt roads with minimal traffic, and a tiny town or 2 were the only thing that was around. Even the shores of this lake were pretty desolate. A couple Tilapia farms were the only dwelling I can remember seeing on the shore.

 

Ive only made the trip once, so these are just my observations from a limited experience there. Security was certainly on my mind leading up to the trip, but all my anxieties were relieved very quickly upon arrival. If anybody has the chance to go, I can’t recommend Lake Baccarac enough. Numbers, size, setting. Can’t be beat. And a world record size fish probably swims in that big deep lake. 

[Bandersnatch]

24 minutes ago, TOXIC said:

If money were no object and keeping it somewhat realistic, I would have 2 places.  1 somewhere up North because I am addicted to smallmouth and 1 somewhere down South for monster largies.  Alternating between the two as the seasons and climate dictate.  I’ve actually been researching this very thing.  

As am I, I’m trying to figure out where to buy

[AlabamaSpothunter]

16 minutes ago, Jar11591 said:

From making the trip myself, and talking to the other anglers, workers and locals, and even people on here, it seems the situation in Mexico is a little overblown than what is portrayed. I don’t think there has ever been an incident at this particular lodge, or any of the other ones owned by the same people. They have lodges on a few different lakes down there. 
 

Another thing I heard from anglers and locals down there is that narcos have little interest in messing with American tourists, and in-turn provoking the American government. Seems like they have their hands full without additional scrutiny from the DEA or USM. Seems like petty crime is a bigger threat to Americans.

 

The great part about this place is it’s nestled in mountains, with very little around. Dirt roads with minimal traffic, and a tiny town or 2 were the only thing that was around. Even the shores of this lake were pretty desolate. A couple Tilapia farms were the only dwelling I can remember seeing on the shore.

 

Ive only made the trip once, so these are just my observations from a limited experience there. Security was certainly on my mind leading up to the trip, but all my anxieties were relieved very quickly upon arrival. If anybody has the chance to go, I can’t recommend Lake Baccarac enough. Numbers, size, setting. Can’t be beat. And a world record size fish probably swims in that big deep lake. 

Baccarac has been on my bucket list since I was a kid, just like Castaic, and few others that were always featured in the Bass rags back in the day.

 

Really appreciate the info, and my parents echo many of the same thoughts as you as they visit Mexico once a year usually.   They know the tourists are off limits, but occasionally something spills over.   

 

I need to research how much a trip like this costs.     In Alabama we have these "Ray Scott" model lakes that you pay per day or weekend to fish.    Similar numbers and size fish as Mexico, just on small lakes.   Gonna try a day or two at one here shortly, hopefully that holds me over until I have time and money to dedicate a week to epic Bassing in Mexico.

 

[roadwarrior]

40 minutes ago, TOXIC said:

If money were no object and keeping it somewhat realistic, I would have 2 places.  1 somewhere up North because I am addicted to smallmouth and 1 somewhere down South for monster largies.  Alternating between the two as the seasons and climate dictate.  I’ve actually been researching this very thing.  

 Dwight lives this dream.

[A-Jay]

6 minutes ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

Baccarac has been on my bucket list since I was a kid, just like Castaic, and few others that were always featured in the Bass rags back in the day.

 

Really appreciate the info, and my parents echo many of the same thoughts as you as they visit Mexico once a year usually.   They know the tourists are off limits, but occasionally something spills over.   

 

I need to research how much a trip like this costs.     In Alabama we have these "Ray Scott" model lakes that you pay per day or weekend to fish.    Similar numbers and size fish as Mexico, just on small lakes.   Gonna try a day or two at one here shortly, hopefully that holds me over until I have time and money to dedicate a week to epic Bassing in Mexico.

 

I wouldn't live there.  

Not my style. 

But I've been visiting Lake Baccarac Lodge at least once a year since 2013.

Never had or heard of a problem.

My trips were always a great time with a kind of bass fishing that's hard to believe.

It's not the most expensive trip out that but definitely not the cheapest either.

There's been some recent major upgrades/Improvements to the lodge & facility

that are really nice. 

It's the best place on this planet that I know of where on a 4-6 day trip an angler has a Very Realistic opportunity for at least one Double Digit Bass. 

I've said this a few times here, if you can swing it - just go.

A-Jay

 

[Eric 26]

5 minutes ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

   

 

I need to research how much a trip like this costs.     In Alabama we have these "Ray Scott" model lakes that you pay per day or weekend to fish.    Similar numbers and size fish as Mexico, just on small lakes.   Gonna try a day or two at one here shortly, hopefully that holds me over until I have time and money to dedicate a week to epic Bassing in Mexico.

 

I for one am looking forward to hearing about your trip to these “Ray Scott” lakes. As someone who loves catching big bluegills I dream of fishing a certain private lake/resort in South Carolina and I’m having a major brain fart remembering the name of ?☹️. I follow several posts on social media and without a doubt I would love to have a chance at fishing the “slab lab” owned by a husband and wife duo who grow/raise ? giant bluegills.

[Jar11591]

2 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

a kind of bass fishing that's hard to believe.

Even after experiencing it, it’s still hard to believe. 

[Aaron_H]

I'm blessed to be right where I want to be in east Central FL. Within short driving distances to many trophy bass lakes, and have some of the best inshore/offshore saltwater fishing in the world right at my fingertips.

 

Every other fish on my bucket list I can travel for, but day to day there's nowhere else I'd rather be.

[AlabamaSpothunter]

6 minutes ago, Eric 26 said:

I for one am looking forward to hearing about your trip to these “Ray Scott” lakes. As someone who loves catching big bluegills I dream of fishing a certain private lake/resort in South Carolina and I’m having a major brain fart remembering the name of ?☹️. I follow several posts on social media and without a doubt I would love to have a chance at fishing the “slab lab” owned by a husband and wife duo who grow/raise ? giant bluegills.

Oh heck yeah I'd love that too.   Place sounds amazing, and similar to these lakes around here.    I haven't gotten to catch Shellcrackers in forever, and I think these "dream lakes" have some.  

 

I've been talking to the owner of one, and he wants 300 a day, which seems fair.

15 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

I wouldn't live there.  

Not my style. 

But I've been visiting Lake Baccarac Lodge at least once a year since 2013.

Never had or heard of a problem.

My trips were always a great time with a kind of bass fishing that's hard to believe.

It's not the most expensive trip out that but definitely not the cheapest either.

There's been some recent major upgrades/Improvements to the lodge & facility

that are really nice. 

It's the best place on this planet that I know of where on a 4-6 day trip an angler has a Very Realistic opportunity for at least one Double Digit Bass. 

I've said this a few times here, if you can swing it - just go.

A-Jay

 

That's one of the most beautiful big fish I've ever seen.   Just amazing!  

Great info, and it truly sounds like the place you go to bed dreaming about as a Bass angler.  

12 minutes ago, Aaron_H said:

I'm blessed to be right where I want to be in east Central FL. Within short driving distances to many trophy bass lakes, and have some of the best inshore/offshore saltwater fishing in the world right at my fingertips.

 

Every other fish on my bucket list I can travel for, but day to day there's nowhere else I'd rather be.

Yeah DD Bass in central FL are very common.   Certainly, one of the greatest Bass fishing locations on Earth.   

 

Before Mexico, my fishing mentor said central FL was the place back in the day everybody paid to fish and catch their PB/DD fish.     Still is to some degree I'd imagine.

[Junk Fisherman]

3 hours ago, Bandersnatch said:

Looking a building the ultimate wish list for living near or on the water. What are your guys dream locations to live near or on the water if property cost wasn’t an issue. 
 

I love the idea of living on or near chain of lakes as it often has diversity. Also, I believe there are some areas that you could have diversity in freshwater/brackish/salt ? 
 

Maybe something in the south with red fishing and bass on or near one body of water.

 

If you could have anything from a fisherman’s perspective where would it be ?

 

You only live for once, dream big. 

This is my plan when I retire.  In about 10 years, I'm buying somewhere around Traverse City and will stay there from April to early November every year.  Besides the smallies, I want to learn how to fish lakers in the cold water season. My wife wants to have our home base around Chicago for our kids which I am in total agreement with.  I plan to take a 2-week trip to Texas every February and with a great local power plant lake that opens on March 1, I think my fishing calendar will be full.  I know this doesn't really answer your question but there isn't one place that would satisfy me for the entire year.  Down south is too dammn hot in the summer and you know about your winters up north.  Maybe if I ever got into ice fishing, I'd be happy living up north all year around.  

 

[GaryH]

To move back down to Florida on either the Harris chain or the Kissimmee chain. Both are beautiful and great fishing.

[Luke Barnes]

If it was strictly for fishing it would be Florida for all the reasons already mentioned. Big bass but the access to the unlimited number of species minus the cold water species. 

 

But also I would say my old hometown in upstate New York on a bunch of land with my own small lake.  The town is at the wedding of the east and west branches of the Delaware River and has great trout fishing I hear, plus smallmouth and all those other colder water species.  A few hour drive and I'm at the ocean. So pretty diverse too. 

 

Anywhere is more diverse than northeast oklahoma!!!

[slonezp]

I have 1 criteria for where I live. I'm at the top of the food chain. Don't want to have to worry about letting the grandkids or pets out and they get eaten by a gator or bit by a poisonous snake or insect or mauled by a bear. I'd rather take my chances in Chicago, at least I know where and where not to live/go plus, the food here is the best on the planet as is Lake Michigan water. 

 

Seriously, I have my sights on getting out of IL in the next 18-24 months. I am no longer at the top of the food chain here. Sad. I will probably continue to work here as the money is good and just live in a collar state. 

[crypt]

I already live where I want to. no more than 5  minutes to the St. Johns river. 30 to Stick Marsh,Headwaters. perfectly located for all the fishing anyone could ever want or need. I am blessed and tell myself everyday.

[softwateronly]

I'm really happy with MI from April till November.  I'm trying vrbo's in the winter as often as I can, East TX treated me well last Feb, but work this winter looks like it won't leave me an opportunity.  

 

scott

[Bandersnatch]

4 hours ago, crypt said:

I already live where I want to. no more than 5  minutes to the St. Johns river. 30 to Stick Marsh,Headwaters. perfectly located for all the fishing anyone could ever want or need. I am blessed and tell myself everyday.

Sounds like Palm Bay? My mom lives there. It’s where I keep my 2000 ranger. She lives right down the street from three forks. That’s my stomping ground over the winter. Fly down from Grand Rapids Mi 

6 hours ago, GaryH said:

To move back down to Florida on either the Harris chain or the Kissimmee chain. Both are beautiful and great fishing.

Spent some time on the Harris chain. A lake front property there (nothing crazy) is something I’m considering. I love the diversity of the chain