17. Destin, Florida is an ideal Father’s Day expedition destination for open water fishing. You can bottom fish for red snappers, groupers and amberjacks, or you can inshore troll for king mackerels, dolphin (not Flipper), and tunas. You can also sight fish for cobia or you can offshore troll for sport fish like blue marlins and sailfish. Some charter boats also offer shark fishing. Charter fishing boats in Destin range from 25 ft bay fishing vessels  to 65 ft deep sea, sport fishing charters, as well as 90 ft party fishing boats. And, the title, “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” usually rings true, especially when fishing with the veteran boat captains ready to serve you during your charter experience. After a day on the high seas bring your catch to a local restaurant and they’ll prepare it for you. Area accommodations are primarily vacation rental homes and condos, which come with a fully-equipped kitchen–ideal for cooking up the family’s fresh catch.

18. Overlooking the scenic Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk, VA is the Ocean View Fishing Pier at Ocean View Beach Park. This venue offers complete facilities and equipment for everyone who lives – and loves – to fish. And if time permits, you and your dad can also go crabbing at Ocean View. There are unique fishing trips along Norfolk’s harbor through Harrison Fishing Charters. In addition to fishing, Norfolk offers an array of attractions. It has a very walkable downtown district with eclectic dining options, art, and music activities. There are botanical gardens, the Virginia zoo, the Nauticus science museum, the Naval station, glass studio, and if that’s not enough, an extensive calendar of special events.  This charming southern city is the perfect backdrop to enjoy an affordable and family-friendly Father’s day getaway. For more information visit VisitNorfolkToday.com.

19. Northern New Mexico is home to some of the best fishing in the western U.S. The rivers, streams, and lakes offer anglers the opportunity to experience remarkable scenery while enjoying a great outdoor recreational activity, perfect for you and your dad. Anglers from around the world visit The Reel Life for its fine fly shop and guide service. Owned and operated by life-long Santa Fe-ans, The Reel Life offers the finest in gear, instruction, local fishing information, fly tying, gear rentals, and service. Guided fly-fishing with The Reel Life is a very popular activity. The staff of professional guides can put guests on the best private and public waters. Each of the tour guides is an experienced instructor so fly fishers of all abilities are welcome.

20. Finally, Dad and child fishing enthusiasts can participate in the celebrity fishing derby on June 15, 2013, sponsored by Sangre de Cristo Hospice (SDCH) in Pueblo, Colorado. Join Steve Le Blanc, Outdoor Channel’s Host of Ford PBR Outdoors; Dave Feamster, NHL Hockey Player and Chicago Black Hawks (Alumni); author Eric Schlosser of Fast Food Nation; Matt Massey, Professional Bass fisherman (PBF); Scott Tracey, PBF, Semi Pro,  and other celebs for this Angling Extravaganza held on exclusive Stem Beach, which has only been open to the public once in the last 20 years (for last year’s SDCH Fishing Tournament). The venue is a fisherman’s dream come true, teeming with over 10 species of fish including Bass, Crappie, Walleye, Wiper, Trout, and more. Accommodations in Pueblo include Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, Days Inn or go au natural at any one of the Lake Pueblo Camping areas. Registration for the event will benefit the Sangre de Cristo Hospice, helping them in continuing to assist individuals and families through end-of-life issues. For more information, contact Vice President Philip Kittle at 719.320.0869.

For more of America’s best fishing, check out:

• A Local’s Guide to Fishing and Hunting
• Fishing for Your Dinner
• Eco-Travel and History in the Florida Keys

By Kerri Zane for PeterGreenberg.com. Kerri Zane is a family travel expert and author of It Takes All 5: A Single Mom’s Guide to Finding the REAL One, on sale now. For more advice on health, parenting or Kerri’s exclusive MomEscapes visit her at KerriZane.com.