Fort Lauderdale Fishing Report — Week of November 12, 2026: Sailfish, Kingfish, Bonito

Updated: Thursday, November 12, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, November 19, 2026

This Fort Lauderdale fishing report is a seasonal outlook for the week of November 12. Showers and storms are forecast ahead of a cold front crossing South Florida, followed by a noticeable temperature drop and drier air. Broward anglers watch these fronts closely because the north wind that follows tends to bring early-season sailfish and kingfish onto the reef edge off Port Everglades and Hillsboro Inlet.

What’s Hitting

Sailfish are the main target after the front, often traveling south along the reef edge in north wind. Kingfish continue to patrol the reef in the 80- to 120-foot range. Bonito are common and can provide steady action. Wahoo remain a possibility in deeper water. Inshore, snook are still found around bridges and lights at night, though they slow as water cools. Spanish mackerel and blue runners tend to show up around the piers when bait moves inshore after a front, and they are useful as live bait for kingfish.

Where to Find Them

Concentrate on the reef edge from Hillsboro Inlet to Port Everglades, especially where current breaks and bait gather. Kingfish frequently hold near wrecks and ledges. For land-based anglers, the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier and the Pompano Beach Fishing Pier give access to deeper water. Port Everglades Inlet and the Intracoastal bridges hold snook. Hillsboro Inlet often has a defined color change just outside the mouth, which is a good starting point for drifting live baits. Inside, the Intracoastal bridges near Las Olas and Sunrise Boulevard offer shelter during the windiest periods.

Tides & Conditions

The November 9 new moon creates strong currents through the inlets late this week. Behind the front, north to northwest wind is likely, often creating rough seas for a day before easing. Onshore wind returns Sunday. Watch the NOAA marine forecast, since wind opposing the Gulf Stream can create steep waves. The best inlet bite often occurs during the last hour of the outgoing tide, when bait is flushed out. Expect cooler water temperatures behind the front, which can make inshore fish less active on Saturday morning.

Tackle & Tactics

For sailfish, live goggle-eyes or pilchards on kites with circle hooks and a long fluorocarbon leader. Kingfish need a wire stinger rig with live bait slow-trolled. Bonito take small jigs and spoons. For snook at bridges, use live shrimp or a jig with a soft plastic. Adjust leader size if the water becomes very clear after the front. Carry a few smaller hooks and lighter leaders for bonito and mackerel, and keep a heavier spinning outfit ready for a surprise wahoo near the reef edge.

Local Intel This Week

Hillsboro Inlet and Port Everglades Inlet are the main access points for boaters. The Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier and the Pompano Beach Fishing Pier are popular for kingfish and Spanish mackerel. The public ramps at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and George English Park provide Intracoastal access. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish. Navigate carefully in the inlets when wind opposes the tide. Pier anglers should arrive early, as the best rail spots fill quickly when kingfish are running. Parking near the Pompano Beach pier is limited on weekends.

This Week’s Tip

Run north to the Hillsboro reef edge the day after the front, then drift south with kite baits as the wind pushes. Sailfish often travel with the wind, so follow them down-sea. Watch for frigate birds over the reef edge; they often reveal the location of sailfish and baitfish before you see any surface activity.