Fort Lauderdale fishing report for the week of October 1, 2026. The mullet run has reached Broward County, and the beaches and inlets are full of bait and fish. At the same time, the offshore pattern is transitioning from summer to fall, with the first sailfish of the season starting to show along the reef edge.
What’s Hitting
This week, snook are the top target. They are feeding on the mullet schools at Port Everglades, Hillsboro Inlet, and along the beaches. Tarpon and jacks are also working the bait. On the reef, kingfish are steady in 80 to 120 feet, and bonito are everywhere. A few sailfish have been raised on the edge, and the action will improve with each cold front. Inside, snook and tarpon are around the bridges and docks in the Intracoastal.
Where to Find Them
For snook and tarpon, focus on the inlets, Port Everglades and Hillsboro, and follow the bait along the beaches. The Intracoastal bridges, especially the Las Olas and Sunrise bridges, hold fish at night. For kingfish and sailfish, slow-troll live baits along the reef edge from Port Everglades north to Hillsboro. The Hillsboro Inlet drop-off is a good place to start.
Tides & Conditions
Tides are moderating with the last quarter moon. Water temperatures are in the low to mid 80s. The Gulf Stream is close to shore here, so watch the current and the wind; a strong north wind against the stream makes for rough seas outside the inlets. Keep an eye on the tropics through the rest of October.
Tackle & Tactics
For snook at the inlets, a live mullet or a large swimbait on 40- to 50-pound fluorocarbon. For kingfish, slow-troll live goggle eyes, threadfin herring, or blue runners on a wire stinger rig. For sailfish, use a live goggle eye or pilchard on a circle hook under a kite or flat-lined. Bonito make good bait for the bigger kingfish and are great fun on light tackle.
Local Intel This Week
Public launches include the Cooley’s Landing ramp on the New River, the George English Park ramp on the Intracoastal, and the Alsdorf Park ramp in Pompano Beach near Hillsboro Inlet. Shore anglers do well at the Anglin’s Pier in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, the Pompano Beach Fishing Pier, and the Port Everglades jetty area where access allows. Fish are concentrated at the inlets and along the reef edge. Check current FWC regulations, slot limits, and seasons before keeping fish, especially snook.
This Week’s Tip
During the mullet run, the bait can be so thick that your offering gets lost. Try fishing at night, when the bait schools break up and the snook spread out and hunt along the edges of the inlet. A dark-colored swimbait worked slowly along the rocks can be deadly after sundown.
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