Fort Lauderdale fishing report for the week of October 8, 2026. The offshore water is warm and the weed lines are holding bait, while the inlets are getting busy with the fall mullet run. It is a good week to mix the offshore and inshore trips.
What’s Hitting
Mahi are the main offshore catch on weed lines and floating debris, with a mix of schoolies and a few bulls. The first sailfish of the season are starting to show on the edge of the reef, and blackfin tuna and kingfish are around. Inshore, snook are on the inlet edges and the New River, mangrove snapper are on the docks and the wrecks, and tarpon are lingering near the bridges.
Where to Find Them
Offshore, look for weed lines and color changes in 100 to 300 feet of water. Troll ballyhoo and skirts along the edges. On the reef, the 60-foot edge holds kingfish, and the wrecks produce snapper. Inside, the Port Everglades inlet, the New River and the Intracoastal docks are good for snook and snapper at night.
Tides & Conditions
The new moon this weekend brings stronger tides. The inlets will run hard on the outgoing tide, concentrating fish at the edges. Offshore, the Gulf Stream is close to shore, and a north wind can make the seas steep, so check the forecast before you run out.
Tackle & Tactics
Troll rigged ballyhoo with a skirt for mahi and sailfish. When you find a school of mahi, keep one in the water to hold the rest, and cast cut bait or small jigs. Kite fishing with live baits is the traditional method for sailfish. Inshore, a live pilchard on a light leader works at the dock lights, and a white jig is good around the bridges.
Local Intel This Week
Public access includes Cooley’s Landing in Fort Lauderdale, George English Park, and Alsdorf Park, with Hugh Taylor Birch State Park for shoreline access. Fish are concentrating on the weed lines offshore and the inlet edges inshore. Check current FWC and federal regulations and seasons before keeping any fish.
This Week’s Tip
When a mahi school hooks up, do not rush to land the first fish. Keep it in the water so the rest of the school follows, then pitch bait to the others.
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