June 2025 — Fort Lauderdale: Swordfish Daytime Drops, Canal Tarpon Peak, Offshore Strong. June is a early summer month with water in the 78-82°F range — tarpon peak; offshore mahi and sailfish strong. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — June 2025
Primary targets this month: Mahi, Tarpon, Snook, Wahoo.
Mahi
Peak mahi season on the weed lines and floating debris 5-15 miles offshore, the color changes outside the reef. Look for weed lines, color changes, floating debris, and frigatebirds. Trolled ballyhoo with skirts (blue/white, pink/white), or live pilchards pitched to schools. Bull and cow pairs in spring; schoolies (3-12 lb) summer.
Tarpon
Peak tarpon season. Fish stacked on Port Everglades inlet, the deeper canals, the New River, and the beach in summer. Live crabs, threadfin herring, pinfish on 6/0-8/0 circle hooks and 60-80 lb fluoro leader. Pre-dawn anchor bites at major passes; sight-fishing the beach; rolling fish in the channels.
Snook
Snook season is closed for harvest in Florida — catch-and-release only this month. Target the inlet (Port Everglades), the docks and bridges of the Intracoastal, Whiskey Creek, and the New River for fun. Handle fish carefully and release quickly.
Wahoo
Wahoo on the deep reef edge in 200-500 feet, particularly on calm days with strong current; high-speed trolling and live bait. High-speed troll (12-15 knots) with heavy lures (Marauders, Yo-Zuri Bonita), or live bait at slower speeds. Wire leader essential — 80-130 lb single-strand or coated.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 78-82°F. Tarpon peak; offshore mahi and sailfish strong. Port Everglades inlet runs fast and deep — outgoing tide flushes bait and big snook and tarpon set up at the jetties. Offshore, Gulf Stream current matters more than tide; north current makes the deep reef bite predictable.
Check the NOAA marine forecast and tide charts before launching. Wind direction often matters more than wind speed for inshore fishing — clean water beats churned water nine times out of ten.
Tactics & Tackle for This Month
- Early and late. 5-9 AM window and 6 PM to dark are gold; midday water temps push fish deep or into shade.
- Live bait season. Cast-net pilchards, scaled sardines, and threadfins for snook, tarpon, and snapper. Chum with a few live ones to start a feed.
- Storm awareness. Afternoon thunderstorms develop fast — check radar before and during trips. Get off at first thunder.
June Outlook
Early summer apex — peak tarpon, peak red snapper opener (Gulf), peak striper (NE).
Regulations Reminder
Snook: 28-33″ slot (Atlantic and Gulf), one per day; seasonal closures vary by zone — verify FWC. Tarpon: Catch-and-release only — tarpon over 40″ must remain in water. Always verify current state regulations before each trip — slots, bag limits, and seasons change.
Local Resources
Bait & Tackle: LMR Tackle (Fort Lauderdale, 954-941-8245); Custom Rod & Reel (Pompano); Hookers Marine (Dania Beach); Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World (Dania Beach).
Public Boat Ramps: George English Park (ICW), Dania Beach Marina, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Hollywood North Beach Park ramp.
Charter Fishing: $700-$1,400 sailfish (close offshore); $1,200-$2,200 deep drop/wahoo/tuna; $500-$800 inshore.
More Fort Lauderdale Resources
Fort Lauderdale Fishing Guide · Fort Lauderdale Seasonal Calendar · All Fort Lauderdale reports →
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