The offshore mahi-mahi bite has been the story out of Fort Lauderdale this week. Boats running east to the weed lines and color changes in 300 to 700 feet are finding schoolies and the occasional larger bull, with the frigate birds pointing the way to the better water. Trolling ballyhoo and pitching live bait to fish under the debris have both worked.
Closer in, the kingfish and bonito are working bait schools along the beach and over the nearshore wrecks, providing fast action on live goggle-eyes and threadfins. A few sailfish are still being raised on the troll, though the spring run has tapered.
Along the beach, tarpon are rolling on the morning tides and can be intercepted with crabs and mullet by anglers willing to start early. Snook are around the inlets and bridges, but the Atlantic season is closed — release them and enjoy the fight.
On the reef, mutton and mangrove snapper are biting on the deeper edges, with scattered grouper over the structure. The reef bite has been steady enough to make a productive bottom-fishing trip while the offshore crew chases mahi.
Light early winds and clean blue water close to the beach have made for pleasant conditions. The mahi bite should hold through June — get offshore early before the sea breeze builds and watch the afternoon storm line.