Fort Lauderdale Fishing

Head to the water's edge, park your car and have a relaxing day fishing on the Atlantic Ocean off the coast in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

In Fort Lauderdale, there are two categories for fish - game fish, which is considered commercial fishing, and non-game fish, which is fishing strictly for personal use. Both game and non-game can be caught using a fishing pole and line, or rod and reel. In addition, there is no limit as to the number of rods that an angler can use.

For non-game, fish can be caught in the following ways - using manually operated gigs, crossbows, spears, snatch hooks, or bows during the day. For non-game, gigs or bow and arrow can be used at night, using setline or trotline that has been baited with cut bait or a bush hook.

However, using game fish (or game fish parts) for catching non-game fish is not allowed.

Florida gaming laws allow fishing with the use of cast nets with some exceptions:

Southwest region, except: Adjoining waters to Saddle Creek, Fish Management Areas;

Northeast region, except: Indian River, Duval, and Nassau counties as well as some areas of St. Johns River Water Management District and some Fish Management Areas, Citrus and Hernando counties and Glades County, is not permitted. Netting and impounding during night hours during the time from September 1 to May 1, in specific waters located in Northwest Florida should be taken off your list of things to do.

The use of nets for non-game fish can be used in specified waters but must be 100 feet or less in length and be designed with a minimum three inch stretched mesh.

In addition, the net must be attended to at all time to release any trapped game fish immediately, and using a bow and light during the night.

To compete in night bow fishing tournaments, a permit for the Northwest region is not required.

The most important aspect of fishing in Fort Lauderdale or any other city is to have the appropriate license and gear. You want this to be a great experience and not one where you receive a fine.

To get a full list of fishing rules for Fort Lauderdale, you can contact the Florida Fish and Game or ask any local fish and tackle shop.