Palm Beach County’s summer offshore season is producing, with mahi scattered along the Gulf Stream edge and a mix of bottom fish on the reefs. Inshore, tarpon have piled into the inlets and are working the beaches, and snook line the inlet rocks. Get the offshore run done early before the daily storms build over the Atlantic.
What’s Hitting
Mahi are the offshore highlight along the weed lines and color changes, with sailfish, blackfin, and bonito mixed in. Kingfish and mutton snapper are on the reef edge, and mangrove snapper have stacked the reefs. Inshore, tarpon are piled into the Palm Beach, Lake Worth, and Boynton inlets and along the beaches, and snook line the inlet rocks (release only).
Where to Find Them
Run offshore to the 120- to 250-foot edge for mahi along weed lines and current breaks. The reef line in 60 to 120 feet holds kings, muttons, and mangroves. Inshore, fish the inlets — Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton — for tarpon and snook on the moving tide, and the beaches for cruising tarpon early. The patch reefs are stacked with mangrove snapper.
Tides & Conditions
Mahi fishing keys on finding weed lines and bird activity along the Stream. Tarpon pile into the inlets and feed on the moving tides, especially around bait flushing out on the outgoing. The morning offshore window is calmest before the sea breeze and afternoon storms. Water is warm and the Stream has been close. Plan to run home ahead of the daily thunderstorms. The inlets dump on the outgoing tide and pile the tarpon at the mouths, while the Stream stays close for an early mahi run before the storms.
Tackle & Tactics
For mahi, troll ballyhoo on the edge or pitch baits to weed lines and debris with spinning gear. Tarpon in the inlets want live mullet, crabs, and croakers on 50- to 60-pound fluoro and circle hooks. Snapper respond to light fluoro and live baits on the reef. Keep a pitch rod rigged for fast-moving summer mahi around any floating structure.
This Week’s Tip
Work the inlets on the outgoing tide for tarpon. As the tide falls, it flushes bait out of the Intracoastal and stacks the tarpon at the mouth to ambush it. Position up-current, drift live baits back into the current seams along the rocks, and you’ll find the most consistent inlet tarpon action right through the moving water.