Updated: Thursday, October 22, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, October 29, 2026
This Palm Beach fishing report covers late October, when the sailfish season starts to take shape off the Palm Beaches and, inside the inlets, snook and jacks feed on the tail of the mullet run. Sailfish are the lead offshore target along the reef edge on live baits under kites, while snook lead the inshore game at the inlets. The conditions to plan around are the outgoing tide at the inlets and the calm early-morning water offshore.
What’s Hitting
Early sailfish show along the reef edge in 100 to 200 feet on live baits under kites. Kingfish and bonito work the reef, mahi sit along the weed lines, and yellowtail are on the bottom.
Inside, snook are at Lake Worth and Jupiter Inlets, tarpon are around the bridges, and redfish and trout are on the flats. Expect sails to increase with each front, while the snook gradually move toward the lagoon and the warmer creeks.
Where to Find Them
Offshore, fish the reef edge outside the inlets for sailfish and kingfish, and troll the weed lines for mahi. Weed lines hold small baitfish and shade, which is why mahi patrol them.
Inside, concentrate on the inlets and the dock lights in Lake Worth Lagoon for snook. Dock lights draw shrimp and small baitfish after dark, and snook sit just outside the light to ambush them. Look for redfish on the shallow flats in the Indian River.
Tides & Conditions
With the moon building toward full, tides are strengthening. The outgoing tide at the inlets is the best window for snook, since a stronger falling tide pushes more bait through the inlets and draws snook to the rocks and channel edges. Early mornings give the calmest water offshore.
Check a current tide chart and marine forecast for the day you plan to fish.
Tackle & Tactics
- Sailfish: live pilchards, goggle-eyes and threadfins under kites.
- Snook: live bait or a white bucktail.
- Inshore gear: spinning tackle with 20 to 30 pound fluorocarbon.
Kite fishing takes practice. Keep baits in the right zone, and adjust for wind and current. The kite holds the bait at the surface, where its struggling draws sailfish, while keeping the line out of the water so it does not spook fish.
Local Intel This Week
Phil Foster Park on Singer Island sits just inside Lake Worth Inlet and puts you close to the inlet and the lagoon. Dubois Park near Jupiter Inlet gives shore access to the inlet snook water, and Bryant Park in Lake Worth is a launch for the southern lagoon and its dock lights. Lake Park Harbor Marina and Burt Reynolds Park are other public access points for running out to the reef. Check current FWC and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
Find the bait. Sails follow bait schools, so find the pilchards on the sounder first. Once bait is located, set the spread nearby rather than searching blind, since predators tend to stay with the food.
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