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Steady Action Offshore, Summer Patterns Taking Hold
West Palm Beach Canal - Palm Beach, FL
The fishing scene off West Palm Beach is heating up as summer settles in. Offshore, anglers are finding consistent action with dolphin (mahi-mahi) scattered along weed lines and floating debris in 600 to 900 feet of water. Most fish are schoolies, but there have been a few 15- to 20-pounders mixed in, especially when you find a well-formed rip or a temperature break. Trolling small skirts, rigged ballyhoo, and chuggers has been productive.
Sailfish are still showing here and there, especially early in the morning or during afternoon tide shifts. While the bite isn’t red-hot, a few boats are releasing one or two fish a day, mostly in 120 to 200 feet. Slow-trolling live goggle-eyes or sardines has been the most effective approach.
Kingfish are active along the edge from 90 to 130 feet. The bite is best just after sunrise. Anglers slow-trolling live baits or drifting with sardines are getting steady bites, with fish averaging 10 to 20 pounds. Some smokers in the 30-pound range have been reported near the Breakers reef.
Bottom fishing is solid as well. Mutton snapper are biting around wrecks and ledges in 80 to 120 feet. Use live pinfish or threadfins on a long leader rig for the best chance at a quality fish. Yellowtail snapper are active on the deeper reefs, especially when the current allows for effective chumming.
Closer to shore, the beaches are seeing scattered snook action in the troughs at dawn and dusk. Live croakers or pilchards are your best bet, and artificial lure enthusiasts are scoring using soft plastics and topwater plugs when conditions are calm.
All in all, it’s a great time to be on the water in West Palm. With bait plentiful and summer patterns in motion, there’s plenty of opportunity to bend a rod and bring home dinner.