Does Fort Lauderdale Have Good Fishing? (A Complete Guide)
Fort Lauderdale is one of the most popular fishing locations in Florida. Many anglers want to know how Fort Lauderdale compares to other major fishing destinations.
Fort Lauderdale is a world-class fishery offering great fishing for permit, amberjack, mahi-mahi, grouper, jack crevalle, blue marlin, sailfish, barracuda, snapper, sharks, yellowfin tuna as well as wahoo.
It’s also important to note that Fort Lauderdale is a world-class fishing destination that attracts anglers from different parts of the world. Fishing in Fort Lauderdale is good year-round. The destination provides easy access to numerous spots and allows anglers to enjoy the stunning views of nature and target a large variety of fish species.
How Good Ft. Lauderdale Fishing Is: Species Breakdown
1. King Mackerel
King Mackerel fishing is good in the region year-round. A high season to fish for king mackerel in Fort Lauderdale is between January and April and between September and December. The best times of the year to target king mackerel in the area are January – February, and November – December.
On the other hand, fishing for king mackerel is less productive between the late spring and the late summer. The Anglin’s Pier is one of the best places to target king mackerel in the area.
2. Mahi-mahi
Mahi-mahi fishing is good in the region at any time of the year. A season to fish for mahi-mahi in Fort Lauderdale begins in the early spring and ends in the early fall. The best time of the year to target mahi in the area is between May and August.
However, fishing for mahi-mahi is less productive between January and February and between October and December. The waters of the Gulf Stream are the perfect place to fish for mahi-mahi in Fort Lauderdale.
3. Sailfish
Sailfish is a great target to test your fishing skills against in Fort Lauderdale. Sailfish is active in Fort Lauderdale during the winter, spring, and fall months. The best times of the year to target sailfish in the region are February – May and November – December.
The worst time of the year to target sailfish in the area is between July and August. Go fishing in the Gulf waters if you would like to catch sailfish during a Fort Lauderdale fishing trip.
4. Barracuda
It’s possible to target barracuda in Fort Lauderdale at any time of the year. However, barracuda fishing is the most productive between the early spring and the late fall. On the other hand, fishing for barracuda is less productive between January and February and in December.
5. Amberjack
Amberjack is one of the top targeted species in Fort Lauderdale. The best time of the year to target amberjack in the area is between the late winter and the early summer. The worst times of the year to fish for amberjack in the region are January and between July and December.
It’s a good idea to fish for amberjack near the reefs around Fort Lauderdale. The reefs attract plenty of amberjack.
6. Blackfin tuna
Fishing for blackfin tuna is excellent in Fort Lauderdale year-round. The best months to target black tuna in the region are March-May, and October – December. July is the worst time of the year to fish for black tuna in the area. It’s worth noting that a lot of black tuna can be found in the waters of the Gulf Stream.
7. Hammerhead Shark
Hammerhead shark is active in Fort Lauderdale year-round. There is no bad time to catch hammerhead sharks in the region. So, it’s possible to target hammerhead sharks in the area throughout the year.
8. Cobia
Fort Lauderdale is a good place to fish for cobia. The best time of the year to fish for cobia in the region are: between January and March as well as between November and December. The worst time of the year to experience cobia fishing in Fort Lauderdale is between May and September. Cobia can be found in the waters around the reefs and the Anglin’s Pier.
9. Tarpon
Fort Lauderdale offers good tarpon fishing. A tarpon fishing season in Fort Lauderdale begins in the early spring and ends in the late summer. The best time of the year to target tarpon in the region is between April and July.
The worst times of the year to fish for tarpon in the area are between January and February and between September and December. Tarpon fishing is very productive in the city’s canals, Fort Lauderdale Inlet, and Intracoastal Waterway.
10. Wahoo
Fort Lauderdale would be the perfect place for those anglers, who would like to experience wahoo fishing. The best months to catch wahoo in the region are February and between August and November.
The worst months to catch wahoo in the region are March and December. Wahoo can be found in the waters of the Gulf Stream.
Recommended Fishing Charters in Fort Lauderdale, FL
These Fort Lauderdale, FL-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Location |
| All Good Charters | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| YB Normal Fishing Charter | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| Marlin My Darlin Sportfishing | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| Reel Work Sportfishing Charters | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| Fish Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| Captain Brian Charters | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| Bass Fishing Musician | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| Soflo Sportfishing | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| Captain Andy – Party Boat Fishing | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| Full Circle II Sportfishing | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| Big Game Sportfishing Charters | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| Reel Floridian Fishing | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| Capt. Taco’s Hooked Up Sportfishing | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
Hot Fishing Spots in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is located near many great fishing spots. The city provides anglers with easy access to numerous fishing places.
The most popular fishing spots in Fort Lauderdale and its surrounding areas include Intracoastal Waterway, Fort Lauderdale Inlet, Anglin’s Pier, the city’s canals, reefs around Fort Lauderdale as well as the Gulf Stream.
Does Fort Lauderdale Offer Good Fishing?
1. Inshore
Inshore charters allow anglers to fish in calm waters. Inshore fishing trips are the perfect choice for beginners, families, and young kids. It would be better for anglers to book either a half-day trip or a 3/4-day trip to fish in inshore waters. It’s possible to target barracuda, jack crevalle, goliath grouper, king mackerel, mutton snapper, redfish, snook, sharks, tarpon, and other species during inshore adventures in Fort Lauderdale.
2. Nearshore
Nearshore fishing is good in Fort Lauderdale. Nearshore waters of the area are fish-rich. The top species that you can catch in nearshore waters include marlin, sailfish, tuna, and other species.
3. Offshore
Offshore trips would be the perfect choice for fishermen who want to spend the whole day on the water. Anglers, who are interested in offshore fishing adventures, should consider booking 3/4 day trips, full-day trips, or multi-day trips. Fishermen usually go about 15 – 20 miles offshore during their fishing trips in Fort Lauderdale.
Offshore fishing trips are longer than inshore and nearshore fishing trips. That’s why anglers should prepare food, drinks as well as sun protection creams for offshore fishing trips.
Offshore targets include amberjack, billfish, grouper, mahi-mahi, king mackerel, marlin, sailfish, sharks, snapper as well as wahoo. It’s worth noting that anglers have a better chance to catch a trophy during their offshore fishing trips in the region.
How Does Fort Lauderdale Fishing Compare to the Rest of Florida?
Fort Lauderdale is Florida’s city that impresses anglers with the waters which have year-round fishing seasons. Local waters give anglers an opportunity to enjoy a fishing trip of a lifetime.
The destination has a large charter fleet. Short and long fishing trips are available for anglers in the area. Here, it’s possible to fish in inshore waters or take fishing adventures offshore. It’s up to you.
Fort Lauderdale is the perfect place to visit for those anglers, who are interested in reef fishing trips. There are about 100 reefs in the local waters. The reefs attract fish. A lot of anglers prefer to fish in the waters around the local reefs.
Comfortable weather creates the ideal conditions for fishing in the region. Warm Florida’s weather allows anglers to enjoy fishing at any time of the year.
As you can see, fishing in Fort Lauderdale has many great benefits for anglers. All of this makes Fort Lauderdale a special fishing destination in Florida.
Best Species to Fish for in Fort Lauderdale
It’s possible to fish for many different species in Fort Lauderdale. The main targets include amberjack, bonefish, bonito, cobia, great barracuda, largemouth bass, peacock bass, mahi-mahi, black grouper, gag grouper, goliath grouper, hogfish, jack crevalle, king mackerel, blue marlin, white marlin, permit, sailfish, hammerhead shark, snook, swordfish, tarpon, blackfin tuna, wahoo, and many others.
It’s also important to note that Fort Lauderdale is home to several types of snappers. Mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, red snapper as well as yellowtail snapper can be found in the local waters.
Best Season & Times to Fish Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale has year-round fishing waters. So, anglers can fish in the region throughout the year. Species that are active all year as well as seasonal species can be found in the local waters.
The best time to go fishing in Fort Lauderdale depends a lot on the species that you are targeting in the area. A Fort Lauderdale fishing season is high during the spring months. Spring is the time of the year when the vast majority of fish species feed actively in the region. In spring, anglers can use different fishing techniques.
Such fish species as marlin, tuna, and sailfish are active in the region throughout the year. Sailfish get active in Fort Lauderdale during the winter and spring months. Summer is a great time of the year to target marlin.
Fall is the best time of the year to visit the area if you would like to catch swordfish during a fishing trip in Fort Lauderdale. The chance to hook a trophy-sized fish is high in the fall.
Is Nightfishing Good in Fort Lauderdale?
Inshore fishing at night has gained huge popularity in Fort Lauderdale. Anglers prefer to fish in canals and on docks at night. Underwater lights on docks attract predators that search for food.
Night fishing trips last 4 hours and allow anglers to fish for tarpon, snook, and other species. Fort Lauderdale Beach is another good place to go fishing in the region during night hours.
Is Beach Fishing Good in Fort Lauderdale?
Beaches are the perfect places for anglers, who prefer to fish from shore. Anglers have a lower chance of catching big fish when fishing from the beach. Nevertheless, beach fishing is interesting and provides anglers with a lot of fun. Beach fishing makes it possible for fishermen to catch redfish, snook, sharks, trout, and other species.
For example, many anglers prefer to fish from Fort Lauderdale Beach. Beach fishing is possible only in the early morning, late evening, and night. According to the laws, anglers are allowed to fish from 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. when there are no swimmers on the beach. It’s worth noting that fishing on the beach is more comfortable and very productive during night hours.
Fort Lauderdale & Fishing Charters
– Is it a good idea?
Fort Lauderdale is a destination that you must visit if you are planning to explore Florida’s top fishing spots. There are many places where anglers can go fishing in the area. Many different fish species can be found in the waters near the city.
Fort Lauderdale is a fishing destination where anglers can try different fishing techniques such as drift fishing, reef fishing, wreck fishing, bottom fishing, light tackle, heavy tackle, deep sea fishing, and others. So, you’ll manage to use a fishing technique that’s more to your liking.
– Is it a good place for charters?
There is no doubt that Fort Lauderdale would be the perfect place for anglers, who want to have unforgettable charter fishing adventures. It’s a good idea to book a charter and go deep-sea fishing in the region. Oftentimes, anglers catch trophy-sized fish during offshore fishing adventures in Fort Lauderdale.
A lot of charters are available in Fort Lauderdale and its surrounding areas. Local captains will help you explore some of the best fishing spots in the local waters and give you useful recommendations during your Fort Lauderdale fishing trips.
If you book a charter boat in Fort Lauderdale, you’ll get all the necessary fishing equipment. So, you’ll have everything that’s required to get the most out of fishing adventures and get long-lasting memories.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Fort Lauderdale, check out this article. To learn how good fishing in St. Augustine is, check out this article. To learn how good fishing in Marathon is, check out this article. To learn how good fishing in Mobile is, check out this article. To learn the best fishing charters in Fort Lauderdale, check out this guide.
