Located only 28 miles from Miami, Fort Lauderdale attracts over 12 million visitors each year. Many of them are prospective anglers looking to land their next trophy in these bountiful waters. Even though offshore fishing here gets most of the attention, the inshore fishing Fort Lauderdale has to offer can be more than stellar.
The numerous canals and waterways of the Intercoastal Waterway are rich with seasonal and resident inshore A-listers. In these waters, you can catch Tarpon, Snook, Barracuda, Redfish, Jack Crevalle, and so much more. Fort Lauderdale fishing guides will show you all the honey holes and make sure you don't go home empty-handed.
What type of trip is right for me?
The boat charters Fort Lauderdale has in store can take you fishing numerous canals and inshore hot-spots. Port Everglades, a canal leading from the Atlantic to the Intercoastal Waterway, is especially popular, as well as bridges near Bahia Mar Marina. Here are some of the most-booked fishing tours in Fort Lauderdale:
Half Day and 3/4 Day Trips
Most of the inshore trips in the area are 4–6 hour trips. Since there's no need to travel far to reach the best fisheries, you could have your lines wet just minutes after leaving the dock. Depending on the season, these Fort Lauderdale charters can result in reeling in Tarpon, Snook, Jack Crevalle, Barracuda, Redfish, and even Sharks and Goliath Grouper at times.
Tarpon Trips
These are usually 4-hour trips targeting the mighty "Silver King." South Florida is one of the top Tarpon fisheries in the world, and Fort Lauderdale has some of the biggest Tarpon in the area. Some of them can even grow larger than 200 pounds. When in season, you can try and land these elusive fish on light tackle, fly, or even by trolling mullets.
Snook Trips
Snook expeditions can be done both during the day and at night and are usually half-day charters. These tasty fish can get especially large near the bridges by Bahia Mar during the mullet runs in spring and fall. Like Tarpon, Snook are nocturnal feeders, so early morning and night trips are proven to be the most productive. Snook fishing is also seasonal – make sure to ask your captain when they can't be kept (usually for a month during winter and summer).
Night Trips
Inshore fishing at night is very popular in Fort Lauderdale, especially 4-hour trips targeting Snook and Tarpon. You'll be exploring the docks and canals just off the Intracoastal Waterway in pursuit of the mentioned species, along with other inshore superstars. The docks are illuminated with underwater lights attracting bait fish – look out for the inshore predators feeding on them!
How to Prepare
The best thing about fishing with a licensed inshore charter in Fort Lauderdale is that you won't need a fishing license. The charters also provide top-notch fishing gear and bait, along with fish cleaning service (tips are welcome). You should bring any food and drinks you'd like to have on board, as well as sunglasses and sunscreen.
Explore the waterways of the “Venice of America” and land the ultimate inshore trophy – inshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale will fill your coolers and provide some serious bragging rights.
