If you’re planning a fishing trip in Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, or Palm Beach, you’re in luck. Late summer is producing excellent fishing both offshore and inshore, and the action is expected to continue improving as we head into fall.
Whether you’re looking to chase mahi-mahi offshore or sight fish for snook and tarpon in the backcountry, South Florida is offering plenty of opportunities for anglers of every experience level.
Offshore Fishing Report
Mahi-Mahi
Offshore weed lines continue to hold schools of mahi-mahi, especially after periods of calm weather. While the larger spring schools have dispersed, anglers are still finding plenty of school-sized fish with an occasional bull mixed in. Keep an eye out for floating debris, weed patches, birds, and color changes.
Kingfish
Kingfish fishing has been one of the most consistent bites over the reefs. Slow trolling live bait has been producing quality fish during the early morning hours, and this fishery traditionally improves as September approaches.
Blackfin Tuna
Early morning trolling has produced steady action on blackfin tuna. Small feathers, cedar plugs, and live bait have all been effective. As water temperatures begin to cool, we expect the tuna bite to become even more consistent.
Wahoo
Although wahoo are available throughout the year, late summer marks the beginning of an improving bite. Trolling high-speed lures around current breaks and offshore ledges can produce exciting opportunities, especially when blue water pushes closer to shore.
Snapper & Grouper
Bottom fishing remains productive on local reefs and wrecks. Vermilion snapper, mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, and legal grouper are all being caught when current conditions allow anglers to fish the bottom effectively.
Inshore Fishing Report
The inshore fishing around Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Boynton Beach has been excellent for anglers fishing the Intracoastal Waterway, bridges, docks, seawalls, mangrove shorelines, and nearby flats.
Snook
Snook continue feeding aggressively around bridges, dock lights, mangroves, and residential canals during the early morning and evening hours. Live pilchards, mullet, shrimp, and artificial lures have all been producing fish.
Tarpon
Resident tarpon are providing exciting opportunities throughout the Intracoastal Waterway. Early mornings and evenings remain the most productive times, with fish feeding around bridges, seawalls, and bait schools.
Jack Crevalle
Schools of hard-fighting jack crevalle have been feeding aggressively throughout the area, making them an excellent target for anglers wanting nonstop action on light tackle.
Mangrove Snapper & Sheepshead
Mangrove snapper continue biting around docks, bridges, and seawalls, while sheepshead can still be found around structure, making for excellent table fare.
Barracuda, Bluefish & Sharks
Fast-moving predators continue chasing bait throughout the area. Barracuda, bluefish, ladyfish, and juvenile sharks are keeping anglers busy and provide exciting action for both beginners and experienced fishermen.
Fishing Forecast: September & October
As we transition into fall, fishing typically reaches another level in South Florida.
Cooling water temperatures and increasing baitfish activity usually bring more consistent action both offshore and inshore.
Offshore Forecast
Over the next two months, anglers can expect:
● Improving kingfish fishing
● More consistent blackfin tuna action
● Increasing opportunities for wahoo
● Larger bait schools moving along the coast
● The beginning of sailfish season
As the first cold fronts of the season arrive, offshore fishing generally becomes even more productive.
Inshore Forecast
Fall is one of the best times of year to fish the backcountry.
Expect:
● Aggressive snook feeding
● More active tarpon
● Excellent jack crevalle action
● Consistent mangrove snapper fishing
● Increasing opportunities for larger predatory fish following migrating bait schools
The combination of cooler mornings and abundant bait makes September and October some of our favorite months to fish.
Book Your South Florida Fishing Charter
Whether you’re looking to battle mahi-mahi offshore aboard our 31-foot Bertram or quietly stalk snook and tarpon aboard our 16-foot technical poling skiff, we offer fully guided fishing trips tailored to your experience level and fishing goals.
Our charters depart from the Delray Beach area and fish the productive waters surrounding Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and Palm Beach.
No matter the season, we’ll put you in the best location based on current conditions and target species to give you the best opportunity for a successful day on the water. If you’re planning a fishing trip this fall, now is an excellent time to reserve your date before the busiest part of the season arrives. We look forward to fishing with you—tight lines!
