April is the spring peak in Palm Beach. Tarpon are stacking in Lake Worth Lagoon, the cobia migration hits its peak on the offshore wrecks, mahi-mahi action is building on the weed lines, and the snook pre-spawn feeding is at full strength on the bridges and inlets.
Tarpon — Stacking in Lake Worth Lagoon
Tarpon are stacking in Lake Worth Lagoon by mid-April. Schools roll at sunrise in the deeper holes of the lagoon and at the Palm Beach Inlet on the outgoing tide.
Live mullet and crabs drifted on a 7/0 circle hook is the proven approach. Most fish are 80 to 140 pounds, with shots at bigger silver kings over 150.
Beach tarpon at sunrise become increasingly common in April. Sight-casting from a flats skiff to laid-up or cruising fish in calm conditions is one of the great spring experiences on the Atlantic coast.
The peak Palm Beach tarpon month is May but April is the building phase with consistent action for prepared anglers.
Cobia — Peak Migration
April is THE month for Palm Beach cobia. The migration is at peak intensity, and the offshore wrecks, reefs, and beach sight-fishing all produce.
Sight-casting from tower boats running the beaches on calm days is the iconic approach. Look for fish following turtles, rays, and the occasional floating debris. Bucktails in pink, white, or chartreuse with a soft plastic trailer are the standard.
Wreck and reef cobia: anchor up over structure in 80 to 200 feet and chum. Live eels and large soft plastics on heavy spinning gear is the method. Fish are running 30 to 70 pounds with shots at bigger trophies.
Florida cobia regs: check FWC for current size and bag limits — the rules have tightened in recent years.
Offshore — Mahi Building, Sailfish Tail End
Mahi-mahi action is building toward its May peak. The weed line is setting up 5 to 15 miles offshore on most days, and trolling ballyhoo behind sea witches is producing schoolies with increasing shots at gaffers.
Sailfish action is winding down compared to winter peak, but late-season fish are still being caught on the kite spread.
Wahoo are still around. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with Black Bart and Pakula lures produces.
Blackfin tuna remain consistent on the deep wrecks.
Snook — Pre-Spawn Feeding Peak
Snook pre-spawn feeding is at peak in April. The fish are feeding aggressively in advance of the June spawn, and big breeders are increasingly common around the inlets and bridges.
Live mullet, threadfin, and large white soft plastics pitched into the bridge shadows at night produces. The Palm Beach Inlet jetty and Boynton Inlet jetty are excellent on the outgoing tide.
Slot is 28-32 inches in Atlantic FL — one per day. Practice good handling on releases.
Mutton Snapper — Full Moon Spawn
Mutton snapper hit their peak spawn on the deeper reefs in April. The full moon and new moon are both productive windows. Trophy muttons (10-plus pounds) are caught regularly.
Live pinfish on a knocker rig in 80 to 120 feet is the proven approach. Be ready for big bites — the spawning muttons hit hard.
Conditions and Best Windows
Water temps in April warm from 76°F to 80°F. The warming intensifies all the spring patterns.
Weather generally improves through the month. Late April has the most consistent calm windows for offshore work.
Where to Be This Month
Lake Worth Lagoon and Palm Beach Inlet for tarpon. Offshore on calm days for cobia sight-casting. The weed line for building mahi. ICW bridges at night for pre-spawn snook. And the deeper reefs around the full moon for mutton snapper.
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