Fishing Fort Lauderdale: Boat Show and Beyond

Looking for a fishing scene that flourishes long into fall?

Fort Lauderdale’s just the ticket.

This South Florida spot is a treasure trove for boaters, especially those looking to cast a line against the backdrop of its serene shores and deep, teeming sea.

There’s a lot of fishing to be done here, so let’s get started with a virtual tour of what’s biting and where to find it!

We begin our adventure at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where world-class fishing seminars offer the chance for you, and the whole family, to learn something new about the art of angling. Just read on to find out more.

IGFA School of Sportfishing

There’s nothing better than sportfishing off a favorite coast, especially the waters off Fort Lauderdale, where big game fish abound all year-round.

At the International Game Fish Association’s School of Sportfishing, you will be able to listen to the experts and get advice on how to land your next “big one.” Check out seminars such as Deadly Tips for Dolphinfish, Choosing the Right Tackle, or an Offshore Masters Panel, where the pros will offer insights on how to get even better at fishing miles off coast, where the big prizes are known to roam.

Hook the Future

Of course, every pro started out somewhere… maybe yours will start at Hook the Future! At the Kids’ Fishing Clinic during the show, young anglers will get a chance to learn all about fishing—with some fun and entertainment along the way. You never know how one little lesson can instill a love of fishing forever, so be sure to check out this class with the family and see where it takes you!

Test out your skills…

Once you’ve learned more about the art of angling on land, it’s time to take your skills out to the sea. Anglers visiting the area have surely heard stories about the record-setting catches landed here, but you may be wondering for some specifics to look out for, too. We’ve got you covered.

What you’ll find

What kinds of fish are biting off the Fort Lauderdale coast? A few of the most familiar faces include amberjack—a species that loves the cover of debris and offshore wrecks—, barracuda by the reefs, whopper Mahi-Mahi, vivid in color, fast-moving Kingfish, and photo-worthy sailfish and blue marlin… to name just a few.

Where to go

Wondering where to go? The offshore expanse is, of course, your best bet for landing some serious catches. And it’s where all the action tends to be! But don’t be quick to overlook the inshore opportunities, too. Many anglers find luck trolling the Intracoastal, for example, and searching for species such as Snook and tarpon (during lower-light, early or late parts of the day). The bottom line? Whether you travel near or far, you’re sure to enjoy some especially enjoyable fishing on your Fort Lauderdale cruise.

We hope you’ve enjoyed today’s virtual guide to the Fort Lauderdale fishing scene—but really, there’s nothing like simply getting out there on your Robalo and experiencing the fun for yourself! Catch us at this year’s show, then hit the water and see what else you catch along the way.