West Palm Beach Fishing Charters
West Palm Beach fishing charters give anglers fast runs to offshore bluewater, inshore flats, and the Lake Worth Lagoon for sailfish, mahi, snapper, and tarpon.
Top Rated Charters in West Palm Beach
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West Pam Beach, FL Fishing Guide
Fishing in West Palm Beach is all about variety, and the city’s waterfront makes it easy to shift from lagoon to ocean in minutes. Most charters launch out of the public ramps near Riviera Beach, Palm Harbor Marina, or Phil Foster Park, and you’ll often see guides running short runs through Lake Worth Inlet to reach bluewater. Half-day trips usually focus on sailfish, kingfish, or snapper just a few miles offshore, while full-day runs give time to troll further out for mahi, tuna, and even the occasional wahoo. Inshore specialists keep it tight inside the Lake Worth Lagoon, working dock lights, mangrove edges, and channel drop-offs for snook, tarpon, jacks, and sheepshead.
The offshore structure here is unique—reefs and ledges sit close to shore, so you don’t waste much time running. Kite fishing with live goggle-eyes is a classic winter tactic for sailfish, while slow-trolling ballyhoo or bonito strips produces steady action for mahi and kings. Bottom fishing on the reefs brings in mutton snapper, yellowtail, and grouper year-round. On calmer days, guides may even slip across to the Bahamas, but most charters stick within a quick ten-mile radius of the inlet.
Seasonal patterns drive much of the action. Winter is peak sailfish time when cold fronts push them south, spring sees cobia riding rays and dolphin showing up offshore, summer brings tarpon in the lagoon and calm-water trolling, while fall transitions into mixed-bag reef fishing. Fly anglers often work the bridges and flats around Peanut Island for jacks, snook, and even small tarpon, while light tackle specialists target pompano on the beaches with jigs.
West Palm Beach fishing is consistent because you can always adjust—if the seas get too rough outside, the lagoon and canals still offer protected water action. For visiting anglers, this city delivers both quick-hit half-day offshore charters and laid-back inshore trips, making it one of Florida’s most flexible fisheries.
Fishing Seasons in West Palm Beach
Spring
Spring fishing off West Palm Beach is when the mahi bite starts to build. Dolphin move closer in as water temps rise, and trolling with ballyhoo or small lures just outside the reef pays off. Inside Lake Worth Lagoon, snook and tarpon become more active with warmer tides, especially on evening trips. Cobia are a big draw this time of year, often spotted shadowing rays along the reef line. Most captains run half-day offshore trips for dolphin and kings, or split days working reefs for snapper then shifting inside for tarpon at dusk. Winds are steadier, but seas usually calm down compared to winter fronts.
Summer
Summer brings flat seas, and many West Palm Beach charters take advantage by running further offshore for tuna and mahi. Blackfin tuna bite well in early mornings, and trolling past 200 feet can turn up wahoo. Closer to shore, reef fishing is steady for yellowtail snapper and muttons. The lagoon shines with big tarpon rolling in the channels and snook stacked around the bridges at night. Morning and evening charters are popular to avoid mid-day heat, and many anglers opt for night trips to fish dock lights for snook and mangrove snapper. Live bait chumming is a go-to tactic during this season.
Fall
Fall is transition time in West Palm Beach, with bait schools pushing down the beaches. Kingfish and sailfish start to return, often caught just outside the inlet. Offshore, dolphin remain a target, though they’re more scattered than in summer. Inside, jacks and bluefish chase mullet through the lagoon, making for fast action on light tackle. Snook feed heavily before winter, and guides fish them aggressively around structure. Charter captains often recommend half-days this time of year, as the bite is close to shore. Vertical jigging over reefs is another tactic that picks up in fall, producing snapper and amberjack.
Winter
Winter is prime sailfish season, and West Palm Beach is one of the best places in Florida to catch them. Cold fronts push fish into tight packs, and captains run kites with live goggle-eyes to draw them up. Kingfish, wahoo, and snapper round out offshore catches. The lagoon still holds snook and sheepshead, though cooler water slows them down compared to summer. Tarpon can still be found around the warm-water discharges and bridges. Most winter charters run offshore half-days targeting sails, with full-days mixing in reef drops for snapper. Seas can be rough on windy days, but when conditions line up, winter is as good as it gets for pelagic action here.
Gamefish in West Palm Beach
- Sailfish – 40–80 lbs. Caught offshore in winter with kites and live bait, usually just a few miles off Lake Worth Inlet.
- Mahi Mahi – 5–25 lbs. Peak in spring and summer, trolling ballyhoo or lures along weedlines offshore.
- King Mackerel – 10–40 lbs. Taken by trolling spoons or live baits near reefs year-round, especially in spring and fall.
- Snook – 5–30 lbs. Best in the lagoon, bridges, and dock lights, with live bait or jigs at night in summer.
- Tarpon – 40–120 lbs. Roll in the lagoon and around inlets, hit live mullet or crabs on strong tides in summer.
- Mutton Snapper – 5–20 lbs. Found on reefs and wrecks, often caught with live pinfish or ballyhoo on bottom rigs.
- Blackfin Tuna – 10–30 lbs. Offshore in summer mornings, taken on live pilchards or trolled feathers.
- Wahoo – 20–60 lbs. Caught further offshore trolling high-speed lures, especially around moon phases in summer and fall.
West Palm Beach Fishing FAQs
What types of fishing trips are available in West Palm Beach?
Charters range from half-day offshore trips targeting kings and snapper to full-day bluewater runs for mahi, tuna, and wahoo. Inshore trips work the lagoon and bridges for snook, tarpon, and jacks, while some guides specialize in night fishing.
Where do most fishing charters launch in West Palm Beach?
Common launch points are Riviera Beach Marina, Phil Foster Park, and Palm Harbor Marina. These ramps provide quick access to Lake Worth Inlet and the offshore reefs.
How far do boats run to the fishing grounds?
Offshore reefs and ledges sit within two to five miles, making runs short. For mahi and tuna, charters may run 10–20 miles, but most action is close to shore.
Do I need a fishing license to fish in West Palm Beach?
No, anglers fishing aboard licensed West Palm Beach charters are covered under the captain’s license. If fishing on your own, you’ll need a Florida saltwater fishing license.
What gear is provided on local charters?
Captains provide all rods, reels, tackle, bait, and safety gear. Specialized rigs such as kite-fishing spreads or fly tackle are often available upon request.
When is the best time of year to fish in West Palm Beach?
Winter is peak for sailfish, summer is best for tuna and tarpon, and spring and fall produce excellent mixed-bag offshore and inshore action. Year-round, there’s always a target species to chase.
What fishing techniques are common here?
Offshore tactics include kite fishing, trolling ballyhoo, and bottom fishing reefs. Inshore anglers use live bait drifting, light tackle casting, and fly fishing in the lagoon.
Can large groups book a fishing trip?
Yes, many West Palm Beach charters accommodate groups of 4–6 anglers on center consoles, while larger sportfish vessels can host groups of 8–12 comfortably.
Are specialty trips like night fishing available?
Yes, night trips are popular for snook, tarpon, and mangrove snapper in Lake Worth Lagoon and around bridges. Some offshore captains also run evening swordfish trips further out.