Fort Lauderdale’s deep water is close and it’s producing this week. Mahi are scattered on the Gulf Stream edge within an easy run, and tarpon have stacked in Port Everglades and along the beaches on the summer pattern.
What’s Hitting
Mahi are the offshore draw, holding under weed lines and frigate birds on the stream. Tarpon are rolling in Port Everglades and along the beachfront, feeding hard at night around the inlet and bridges. Mangrove snapper and mutton snapper are working the reefs, and a few sailfish are still around.
Where to Find Them
Run to the 250–400 foot edge and hunt weed lines and current rips for mahi. Tarpon hold in the Port Everglades inlet and around the Intracoastal bridges after dark. The reefs in 60–120 feet give up the snapper on the drift.
Tides & Conditions
Water is warm and the stream is close. Morning is best for the mahi run before the wind builds a chop on the edge. Tarpon feed strongest on the night tides around the inlet lights. Watch for daily afternoon thunderstorms rolling off the Everglades. The mahi are following the weed lines and the flying-fish and small-baitfish schools that ride the current edges, so time on the water hunting clean weed and rips pays off more than sitting on one number. Inshore, mullet and pilchards around the inlet and bridges are what keep the tarpon fed through the night.
Tackle & Tactics
For mahi, pitch ballyhoo or bonito strips on light spinning gear to fish spotted under the weeds, or troll a small spread along the edge. Tarpon eat a live mullet or crab in the inlet on 50–60 lb leader. Drop cut bait and live baits to the reef snapper.
Local Intel This Week
The Las Olas Marina ramp and George English Park ramp both give quick access to the Intracoastal and Port Everglades. Mahi are concentrating along the Gulf Stream weed lines offshore, tarpon in the inlet and around the ICW bridges at night. Always check current FWC/state and federal regulations and open seasons before keeping any fish — bag and size limits change through the summer.
This Week’s Tip
When you find a productive weed line, keep a hooked mahi in the water beside the boat before you land it — its schoolmates will often stay right under the boat looking for the reason it stopped. Pitch a second bait to them and you can double or triple up before they scatter.