Full-time residents, seasonal snowbirds, and vacationers coming into The Palm Beaches who have an itch to get some fishing in, this great destination offers a plethora of experiences for all, from experts to novice anglers!

Saltwater Fishing

When planning in advance or if you feel like getting out on the water on a whim, there are seasons that come into play to some of the species that may draw someone’s interest of getting their hands on a rod and reel. 
 
The winter months of November through February is the window for the prized sailfish that is a main draw. To go along with that is the highly coveted mahi mahi, aka dolphin, with a peak season of April to September. 
The months of May to September is the high season for snook, heralded as one of the best fighting for its size and eating species that draws plenty of attention here. In the summer months you can also add wahoo and blackfin tuna as a major target due to their fight and high demands as very desirable eating fish. 
 
Year-round there is bottom and drift fishing for snappers and groupers up and down the Palm Beach Gulf Stream waters of reefs and wrecks that hold these fish that are great to catch and highly sought after for table fare.
We also have fishing from our notable piers that are located at our beautifully known beaches where you can drop your line while taking in some of the tropical scenery, or just surf cast from the beach especially during our famous fall mullet run that gets tarpon and snook so close to shore. 
 
For the more adventurous, lots of folks take their own or rent sea kayaks and launch from our many convenient ramps and beaches for kayak fishing in the ocean, inlets, and our ICW (Intracoastal Waterway) seeking some drag screaming action from tarpon, snook, and jacks that make our area their home throughout the year. 
Also, plenty of anglers crossover to the sport of spearfishing and lobstering, where you can partake in this from many local dive operators or even swimming out from the beach where there are near-shore reefs; keep in mind our two-day mini lobster season that occurs every summer. 

BROWSE SALTWATER FISHING SPOTS

Freshwater Fishing 

Pivoting to the freshwater scene, Lake Okeechobee happens to be Florida’s largest lake and the second largest body of fresh water in the United States, where you can access some of the best largemouth bass fishing from the Western perimeter of Palm Beach County; peak months are November through June. 
Also, Lake Ida is a well-known bass fishing spot, and is a part of a greater system called the Osborne-Ida Chain of Lakes, where freshwater seekers can find peacock bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, and clown knifefish.

BROWSE FRESHWATER FISHING SPOTS

Ask Local Experts 

What we also have found to be a great value is just walking into any local bait and tackle shop from a basic Google search based on your location, and these owners and employees will give you the best advice on what you are looking to do. They have a true pulse to what’s biting and how to best prepare for that day’s adventure.

Our Fishing History

Lastly, if there’s interest one day to learn about the rich history behind The Palm Beaches fishing, our local area holds one of the oldest fishing clubs in the United States. WPBFC (West Palm Beach Fishing Club) has been around since 1934 and hosts the “World’s Oldest Sailfish Tournament” at the height of the sailfish season. The building houses truly amazing fish mounts, trophies, original rods and reels, and other historical items. Also, if it’s a day you are seeking more on education and conservation, or have young kids in tow, FP&L Manatee Lagoon, Loxahatchee River Center, Jupiter Lighthouse, Cox Science Center, Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Gumbo Limbo, and Aqua Adventure Tours are all for consideration that’s worth the time with touch tanks, exhibits, and facts full of what makes up our marine ecosystem here.

Here are some great resources you can reference as you look to plan your day of fishing or an outing that revolves around our rich waters and marine life:

• Coastal Angler Magazine Palm Beach County free monthly publication with charter/guide fishing reports and events. Free print hard copies available at big box marine retail stores, marinas, bait and tackle shops, and fishing piers;
• Daily tide charts as you want to focus on incoming, or rising tide;
• The Rod Room near the Blue Heron Bridge in Riviera Beach for bait, tackle, and daily rentals;
• Riviera Beach Marina Village for offshore fishing charters;
• Sailfish Marina on Palm Beach Shores for offshore fishing charters;
• City of Boynton Beach Marina for offshore fishing charters;
• Living On Island Time out of Hypoluxo for a drift fishing boat;
• Juno Beach Pier and Tackle Shop;
• Lake Worth Pier and Tackle Shop;
• Tuppen’s Marine and Tackle in Lake Worth;
• Phil Foster Park Fishing Pier in Riviera Beach;
• John MacArthur Beach State Park for kayak fishing and rentals in North Palm Beach;
• Force-E Scuba Centers in Riviera Beach, Boynton Beach, and Boca Raton for advice, purchase, and rentals for diving, snorkeling, and spear;
• Slim’s Fish Camp and Marina in Belle Glade;
• City of Pahokee Campground and Marina;
• FP&L Manatee Lagoon in West Palm Beach;
• Cox Science Center and Aquarium in West Palm Beach;
• Loxahatchee River Center in Jupiter;
• Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach;
• Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum in Jupiter;
• FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) Licenses and Permits;
• Florida Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations;
• Florida Freshwater Fishing Regulations.