Palm Beach Fishing Charters
Palm Beach fishing charters give anglers access to the Gulf Stream’s deep sea pelagics, inshore snook and tarpon hotspots, and fast runs to reefs, wrecks, and sailfish lines.
Top Rated Charters in Palm Beach
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Palm Beach, FL Fishing Guide
Fishing out of Palm Beach means you’re always close to something biting. Most charters here launch from the Lake Worth Inlet, which offers quick access to both inshore and offshore waters. Half-day trips are common and productive, especially nearshore or just outside the inlet, but many anglers opt for 6–8 hour offshore runs when the conditions are right.
The inshore fishery centers around the Lake Worth Lagoon and the Intracoastal Waterway. You’ll find snook stacked up around docks and seawalls, tarpon rolling near bridges, and jacks and ladyfish feeding on bait balls. Light tackle fishing is the name of the game here, often with live pilchards, mullet, or shrimp under popping corks, or soft plastics rigged weedless for working mangrove edges.
Just outside the inlet, a short run puts you over productive reefs and wrecks. Expect grouper, mutton snapper, kingfish, and cobia in 60–120 feet, with slow-pitch jigs and live bait rigs being standard practice. This area also sees a solid sailfish bite in the winter, often just 3–5 miles offshore. Kite fishing with live goggle-eyes is a go-to tactic when targeting sails.
The Gulf Stream’s proximity makes Palm Beach deep sea fishing especially efficient. Mahi, tuna, and wahoo are accessible without long runs—usually 8–15 miles out. High-speed trolling, planer rods, and rigged ballyhoo are standard, especially in spring and summer when pelagics are migrating. In winter, expect stronger north currents and a sharper sailfish bite.
Whether you’re sight-casting snook inshore or chasing big game offshore, Palm Beach charters offer fast, tactical access to a wide range of South Florida’s fisheries.
Fishing Seasons in Palm Beach
Spring
Mahi start pushing in close as the Gulf Stream edges west, while blackfin tuna and kingfish light up the reefs. Inshore, snook feed aggressively pre-spawn, and tarpon show up in better numbers around bridges and channels. Kite fishing offshore starts to transition from sails to mixed pelagics
Summer
Early mornings bring the best deep sea fishing—mahi, wahoo, and blackfin tuna dominate the bite offshore. Reef fishing stays strong for snapper and grouper. Inshore, snook season closes but catch-and-release action is hot, especially at night around dock lights and spillways.
Fall
Bait runs make this one of the most exciting times to fish Palm Beach. Inshore species like jacks, bluefish, and snook go wild on mullet schools, and tarpon stack up at the inlets. Offshore, sailfish start reappearing and mahi remain a strong target. Reef action improves with cooler temps.
Winter
Sailfish take center stage offshore—expect fast action using kites and live bait just a few miles out. Kingfish and cobia also move in tight. Inshore fishing slows a bit with colder fronts, but snook and sheepshead stay catchable around deep docks and structure with live shrimp or jigs.
Gamefish in Palm Beach
- Snook – 20–40″ Found around seawalls, docks, and mangroves. Targeted with live pilchards, mullet, or shrimp—especially at night or on moving tides.
- Tarpon – 40–150+ lbs Caught near bridges, inlets, and channels. Live crabs and mullet are common offerings. Best early morning or evening during warm months.
- Sailfish – 30–70 lbs Targeted with live goggle-eyes on kite rigs. Peak in winter months, often just a few miles offshore in 100–200 feet.
- Blackfin Tuna – 5–25 lbs Caught offshore by trolling or vertical jigging. Found near rips, current edges, and temperature breaks.
- King Mackerel – 10–40 lbs Caught nearshore and reef zones using live bait on stinger rigs or slow-trolled baits.
- Mutton Snapper – 5–15 lbs Fished on wrecks and reef ledges using knocker rigs and live pinfish or ballyhoo.Mutton Snapper – 5–15 lbs Fished on wrecks and reef ledges using knocker rigs and live pinfish or ballyhoo.
- Wahoo – 20–60+ lbs High-speed trolling with planers and lures offshore during new and full moons.
- Cobia – 15–40 lbs Found around wrecks and rays. Cast live eels or jigs when sighted near the surface or fished near reef structures.
Palm Beach Fishing FAQs
What kind of fishing is Palm Beach known for?
Palm Beach is known for both deep sea and inshore fishing. Anglers regularly target sailfish, mahi, and tuna offshore, and snook, tarpon, and jacks inshore around docks and bridges.
Where do Palm Beach fishing charters usually depart from?
Most fishing charters launch from the Lake Worth Inlet, which provides fast access to both offshore and inshore fishing zones.
How far offshore do Palm Beach charters go?
Offshore charters usually run 8–15 miles out to reach Gulf Stream edges, though sailfish can often be found as close as 3–5 miles.
Is inshore fishing good in this area?
Yes, inshore fishing is productive year-round. The Lake Worth Lagoon and ICW are prime for snook, tarpon, and jacks using live bait and light tackle.
When is sailfish season in Palm Beach?
Sailfish peak in winter, especially December through February, with strong bites just offshore during north current days and cold fronts.
Do charters provide fishing licenses?
Yes, Florida fishing charters typically include all required licenses for everyone on board.
Can you catch mahi close to shore here?
Yes—thanks to the nearby Gulf Stream, mahi are often caught within 10–15 miles of shore, especially in spring and summer.
What’s the best bait for snook fishing inshore?
Live pilchards, mullet, and shrimp are top choices. At night, artificial lures like flair hawk jigs also work well.
Are night fishing trips available?
Some local captains offer night trips focused on snook fishing around docks and bridges. These are especially productive in summer.
