The mullet run has reached Broward County and the inlets are alive. Port Everglades and Hillsboro Inlet are holding snook and tarpon on the bait, the reefs are producing muttons and yellowtail, and offshore boats are picking away at mahi and a few sailfish along the color change. The first week of September is one of the best weeks of the year to fish Fort Lauderdale from the beach to the Gulf Stream.
What’s Hitting
What’s hitting this week starts at the inlets: snook are stacked on the jetties and seawalls of Port Everglades and Hillsboro, and tarpon are rolling on the mullet at dawn and again at night. Jacks are crashing bait all along the beach. On the reef, mutton snapper are steady in 60 to 120 feet, yellowtail are in the chum slicks, and there are still some big mangroves on the wrecks. Offshore, the mahi bite is scattered but there are quality fish on the weedlines and rips, with a few sailfish and wahoo mixed in on the edge.
Where to Find Them
The Port Everglades jetties and the Dania Beach pier area hold snook and tarpon on the outgoing tide. Hillsboro Inlet is smaller and fishes well from the beach on either side. The reef edge from the Hillsboro Lighthouse south to Dania in 80 to 120 feet is the mutton zone. For mahi, run offshore to the 300- to 800-foot line and look for weed, birds, and color changes.
Tides & Conditions
Ocean temps are in the mid-80s. Outgoing tides at the inlets are the tide for snook and tarpon on the mullet. The Gulf Stream has been pushing in close on the east winds, which puts the color change and the mahi within easy reach. Early September is the heart of hurricane season — check the tropical outlook and the marine forecast before heading offshore.
Tackle & Tactics
At the inlet, a live mullet on a 5/0 circle hook and 40-pound fluorocarbon for snook, upsized for tarpon. Swimming plugs and flair hawks work the jetties at night. On the reef, a live pilchard or a ballyhoo plug on a knocker rig with 40-pound leader catches muttons; yellowtail want a light rig drifted back in the chum. Offshore, rig ballyhoo on light trolling tackle and keep a pitch bait ready for sailfish on the edge.
Local Intel This Week
Public ramps: the Cox Landing ramp in Sunrise, the Alsdorf Park ramp on the Intracoastal in Pompano Beach, the George English Park ramp on the Middle River, and the 15th Street ramp near Port Everglades. Fish are concentrating at the inlets on the mullet and on the reef edge for snapper. Atlantic snook season reopened September 1 with slot, bag, and permit requirements — check current FWC regulations before keeping fish, and be aware of federal rules for pelagic species.
This Week’s Tip
Tarpon at the inlet are feeding on mullet that are being pushed by the current, not swimming against it. Drift your bait with the outgoing tide on a slack line rather than anchoring it in place, and you will double your bites.
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