Road Trip: Five Minor League Baseball Teams Near Phenomenal Fishing Spots
The summer road trip—like baseball and fishing—is an American institution. Combine all three with a journey to one of these minor-league parks that bat above average in fishing opportunities.
Want to enjoy your best summer ever? Then load up your car with tackle and camping gear for an unforgettable fishing road trip. We’ve dreamed up seven D.I.Y. road trips—all packed with amazing country, great food, and out-of-this-world fishing. You can send us a thank-you postcard from the road.
You can catch more than just the baseball game when you visit any these teams. Get ready for Minor League, Major Fishing.
Carolina Mudcats
The Neuse River is a few minutes away from Five County Stadium. Plan on busting brush to get away from the crowds, but the big flatheads are worth the trouble. Home Team Tip: During any game on a “Wiener Wednesday,” hot dogs cost $1.
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Charleston Riverdogs
Put in at W.O. Thomas landing and float the Ashley River right by the ballpark. A popping cork with a bit of crab or shrimp below should tempt the river’s plentiful redfish. Home Team Tip: On “Thirsty Thursdays,” Budweisers cost a buck.
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Clearwater Threshers
Launch a kayak near Gandy Bridge Beach and fish the downcurrent side of the bridge’s pilings to catch drum, cobia, and more. Home Team Tip: On “Feeding Frenzy Mondays,” a $13 ticket also scores you unlimited grub on select menus.
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Corpus Christi Hooks
Early and late in the day, speckled trout move into the shallow waters surrounding Whataburger Field. Rays and oyster beds make wading boots a must. Home Team Tip: On June 30, the first 1,200 fans get a camouflage Hooks hat.
Vermont Lake Monsters
The real monsters in Lake Champlain are the lake’s trophy smallies. By midsummer, bass have moved from spawning beds onto shallow grassbeds and rocky points to feed. Home Team Tip: Kids eat free on Thursdays. —D.D.
Photographs by Ralph Smith