Fort Lauderdale Fishing report Nov. 2008

A recent cold front (plummeting us to the mid 60s… BRRR) has had a great effect on the fishing here off Fort Lauderdale. The last 10 days or so has had some excellent and exciting fishing. We expect this trend to continue.

Dolphin (Mahi-mahi) fishing has been the best we’ve had since late May. Nice sized schoolies, 5 to 10 pounders, are being caught with regularity just a short distance from shore. Larger fish, 10 to 30 pounds, are also being taken while trolling and live bait fishing.

Sailfish have also begun their migration south off the shore of Ft. Lauderdale. Moving through our area in some significant numbers, these fish are hungry and anxious to bite live baits as well as trolled baits. It’s always a pleasure when one of these fierce fighters appears in the spread and that is becoming the norm lately.

As usual, the smaller (juvenile) Sails are leading the way. Because of their size and weight, they spend more time in the air jumping for a release. The show can be quite spectacular. But don’t be fooled, a few “studs” are mixed in with them that can really put the tackle and skill to the test.


Kingfish fishing has slowed since the summer but as of late has been more consistent the last week or so. Most of the Kings have been on the small size, some below the minimum size requirement and are released. Bonito are becoming less and less frequent but the “bullets”, baby Bonito are beginning to show and are excellent bait for all the fish in the area.

Because the fishing for the above fish has been so good, I’m afraid I can’t comment on the Snapper and Grouper fishing. We haven’t been taking the time to try for either of these fish.

The greatest part about all of this is that it has been happening less than 3 miles off Fort Lauderdale Beach. Less time traveling and more time fishing sure works for us…

Capts. Rick and Steve
Marlin My Darlin Charter Fishing
Fort Lauderdale, FL
(954) 761-8202