Jul 31, 2020

Fishing is a popular pastime in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Locals and visitors enjoy casting their lines and trying to catch some bass, tarpon, or other types of fish. Read on to find out more about a few of the top spots around the city for fishing.

  1. Dania Beach Fishing Pier 

Dania Beach Fishing Pier is a popular place to fish in Fort Lauderdale because it’s open from 6 a.m. until midnight. Whether you’re an early riser or late angler, you can cast your line at this spot, located near the Hollywood Boardwalk. You do have to pay to park in the designated areas as well as pay $2 to enter the pier or $3 to fish from this pier.

Tackle and bait, snacks, and drinks are available for sale at the shop located on the pier. Some of the fish caught from this location in the past include yellowtail, snook, and even sharks.

  1. Anglin Fishing Pier

Anglin Fishing Pier is another spot for fishing in Fort Lauderdale. It has been part of the local fishing scene since 1963, serving as an important aspect of the city’s fishing culture. It did sustain some damage during Hurricane Irma in 2017, but half of the pier is still open to those who want to fish from it. It’s open 24 hours a day and the cost to fish is $7. If you want to enter the pier just to see the sights, the cost is $2.

Lights illuminate the walkway for night fishing. Frozen bait is available for purchase, while rods are available for rent. It sits about 12 feet above the water, allowing fishers to use artificial bait with great success. Fish caught at this location include snook, bluefish, mackerel, pompano, bonefish, jacks, and ladyfish. If you want to catch a specific type, check out the pier guide to see where fish typically hang out.

  1. Plantation Heritage Park

Located in nearby Plantation, Plantation Heritage Park is a great place for beginners and children who want to learn to fish. This park features paths and trails for walking, biking, jogging, and hiking as well as several fishing areas and a grove where rare tropical fruit trees grow. It’s known for bluegill, red ear sunfish, catfish, and bass. The water is stocked annually with over 4,000 channel catfish each year. Some fishers have caught catfish weighing in at over 12 pounds apiece.

Several rules apply to those fishing at Plantation Heritage Park. You are only allowed to use one pole and you must fish from the bank, not from a boat. All those between the ages of 16 and 65 must have valid freshwater fishing licenses. You can also purchase bait, tackle, and other supplies, as well as concessions at the Lakeview Marina, located within the park.

Whether you’re a solo fisher or you like to take your kids out, be sure to check out these fun fishing spots in Fort Lauderdale. You could end up with your biggest catch yet!