Palm Beach offers three very different kinds of fishing within a short run of each other. Here is how they compare.
- Inshore Lake Worth Lagoon, inlets, bridges: snapper, jacks, snook, tarpon
- Nearshore Reefs and wrecks close to the beach: kingfish, snapper, bonito, sailfish in winter
- Offshore The Gulf Stream: mahi, wahoo, tuna, sailfish
- Best for beginners Nearshore and bottom fishing, or a calm-day offshore trip
Inshore
Inshore means the sheltered waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, Lake Worth Lagoon and the inlets. It is calm, scenic and good for light tackle and families. Fish here include snapper, jacks, snook and tarpon. Some species have special seasons. See rules basics and inlets and marinas.
Nearshore
Nearshore means the reefs, ledges and wrecks just off the beach, often in 60 to 120 feet of water. This is where you find kingfish, snapper, triggerfish and, in winter, sailfish on the kites. Trips are shorter and gentler. See kingfish and snapper.
Offshore
Offshore means the deep blue water of the Gulf Stream. Here you chase mahi, wahoo, tuna and sailfish. Because the Stream is so close to Palm Beach, offshore does not mean a long run. See the Gulf Stream guide.
Which should I choose?
| Your goal | Consider |
|---|---|
| First time, kids, short trip | Nearshore or bottom fishing |
| Hard-fighting trophy fish | Offshore |
| Scenic, relaxed day | Inshore or a fun cruise |
| Mix of everything | A longer trip that combines trolling and bottom fishing |
Not sure? Tell us what you want and we will recommend a plan. Request a trip or ask a question.
Ready to put this to work? Request a trip with Good Mojo and tell us what you want to catch, or send us a question first.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between offshore and nearshore fishing?
Offshore fishing targets open-water fish in the Gulf Stream. Nearshore fishing happens on reefs and wrecks close to the beach.
Which is best for beginners?
Nearshore and bottom fishing are gentle and steady, but a calm-day offshore trip is also great for first-timers.
How far offshore is the Gulf Stream?
Not far. It runs close to Palm Beach, so the run is short compared with many places.
What fish live inshore?
Snapper, jacks, snook and tarpon, depending on the season and the rules.