Aransas Pass, Texas
Target species: Redfish, seatrout
January avg. temps: 60 high, 45 low
Round-trip airfare to houston: $250
Accommodations: Camping at $8 per night

Texas redfishing is hot from the Louisiana border all the way west and south through Padre Island National Seashore. The area around Aransas Pass just northeast of Corpus Christi harbors lots of protected shallows for both kayakers and redfish. (From most major cities, it’s cheaper to fly to Houston than to Corpus Christi, and because most rental cars have unlimited mileage, driving the 200 miles from Houston is a better deal.) For kayak rentals and guided fishing, check out the aptly named Slow Ride Guide Service in Aransas Pass (slowrideguide.com). You’ll find the cheapest possible lodging at nearby Mustang Island State Park, where—high-tide levels permitting—beach camping is allowed (tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/mustang_island).