Fishingremains an important American pastimein fact, more than 50 million Americans engage infreshwater, saltwater,or fly-fishingactivities. Whilehumans havecaught fish for food for thousands of years, now that we don't have to catch our own food to survive, why are so many still drawn to the activity?

　　Not onlydoes fishing provide solace from the hustle of modern life, but it allows you to get out intonature, whether alone or with friends, andof course, there's the thrill of feeling the tug on the line. While some fish for funreleasing what they catch back into the waterthere's also the option to clean and take fish home for the ultimate freshly caught meal.

　　Across the country, it'spossible to find solid fishing spots in every state. But some locations are prime. From the piers of California to the lakes of New Yorkand rivers of South Carolina, we have rounded up the absolute best destinations for anglers in the U.S.