Fishing in some cities is a major deal, a vibrant and vital part of the local culture. Good water, big fish, and lots of them all factor into making this happen, but there's much more to it than that.

In a great fishing city, you'll find trucks trailering boats through rush-hour traffic whenever the fish are running. You'll bump into anglers riding in buses or cabs to their favorite fishing spots. You'll see folks catching fish within the city limits and close by. And, in a real fishing city, you'll find good old-fashioned tackle and fly shops, and colorful, working guides who will be happy to book you for a trip right now. Fishing pervades the lifeblood of the urban scene.

If you're a serious fisherman, ask three questions when you're rating a city: If you could switch jobs, would you consider moving there, to increase your fishing options? Would you plan a visit there, specifically to fish? Or, at the least, would you throw a rod and reel into your luggage before a business trip, in case you happened to find a little free time?

The following cities kick bass, and walleyes, tarpon, and other species, too. We've rated them from 1 to 20, and given you the keys to the top 5. See if you agree with us.