Nowhere matches Florida for sportfishing and Boynton Beach is no different. This family-friendly town has some of the best offshore offerings in the state! But don’t get too relaxed in this peaceful place. You’ll want to get in on the exciting Boynton Beach fishing action as soon as possible.
Huge game fish swim just 15 minutes from the dock, as a nutrient-rich migratory route flows right past town. With that, local captains have pioneered fishing techniques that have spread around the world, and it’s time for you to take advantage of them, right here at home.
“America’s Gateway to the Gulf Stream” lives up to its name, and if you haven’t fished here yet, it’s time to dive in. In this article, we’ll run you through everything you need to know about Boynton Beach fishing. From top catches to those famed local techniques, spots, and more… By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be ready to cast your line. So let’s get started!
What to Catch in Boynton Beach
Bass-filled canals lace the city of Boynton Beach, but it’s the big game offshore that attracts the crowds. Numerous species migrate past these shores every season, while Snappers, Groupers, and Sharks inhabit the local reefs and wrecks all year round. We’ll run through some of the most iconic catches.
Sailfish
Located off the southern tip of the world-famous “Sailfish Alley,” Boynton Beach is where the Gulf Stream practically touches Florida’s coastline. Here, big game fish are pushed out of the deep seas and into nearshore waters. Fish from here, and there’s a good chance you’ll catch a Sailfish before breakfast!
Sailfish are most common in Boynton Beach from November to March. The colder and the windier the weather, the better. These speedy Billfish bite best during blustery cold fronts. It’s common to kite fish for Sailfish in this part of Florida, using live goggle eyes as bait. Of course, trolling works too.
Swordfish
The area around Boynton Beach is one of the most prolific Swordfishing destinations on the planet. The nutrient-rich Gulf Stream and the sudden drop in the seafloor bring these mighty deepwater fish within easy reach of the coastline. This means local anglers have a real chance of reeling in a 1,000 lb monster on a single-day trip. The best thing? You can catch Swordfish all year round, although they peak in the fall.
Even though people traditionally fish for Swordfish at night, daytime Swordfishing has taken off around here, too. Give it a go, and you’ll fish waters as deep as 1,500 feet with electric reels festooned with lights that show up in the murky depths. Even with an electric reel, the fight this monster fish displays is unlike anything else. And the reward is sweet. Swordfish steaks are some of the most highly prized delicacies in the sea.
Wahoo
Troll at high speeds nearshore, and you’re likely to meet a Wahoo sooner or later. These bullet-shaped speedsters race along the Gulf Stream just a mile from Boynton Beach. You can find them here all year round, but they’re most prolific in the winter and around a full or new moon.
While they’re often disregarded as bycatch, we’re here to tell you that these fast-paced creatures deserve some loving. Not only will they make you work hard for every inch of your line, they’re also delicious. And their silvery bodies are picture-perfect for snapping before chucking them in the cooler!
Peacock Bass
Offshore fishing is all well and good, but you can catch a fish to brag about without even leaving town. The canals that crisscross Boynton Beach prime for big Florida Peacock Bass. These exotic fish were introduced from South America to stop the spread of invasive species. Now, they’re flourishing and you can catch them in and around Boynton Beach all year round.
While you’re targeting Peacock Bass, see what else you can find. Clown Knife Fish and Mayan Cichlids also inhabit these waters, while Largemouth Bass provide a challenge for any angler.
What else?
The Gulf Stream brings much more to Boynton Beach’s waters. Cobia, King Mackerel, Bonito, Blackfin Tuna, and Mahi Mahi all swim along this ocean highway at some point during the year.
Fish around the wrecks, and you’ll find a variety of Shark species, as well as colossal Goliath Grouper, Warsaw Grouper, and Amberjack. Otherwise, head to the beaches. Here, you can find Pompano, Bluefish, and Spanish Mackerel.
How to Go Fishing in Boynton Beach
People come to Boynton Beach from all over the world to go fishing. When they arrive, they have two main options: hiring a Boynton Beach fishing charter or going drift boat fishing.
Fishing charters run tailored trips for private groups, offering flexibility and comfort as well as expert one-to-one fishing tuition. You can charter a fishing boat practically anywhere around Boynton Beach. From here, you’ll set off to the Gulf Stream or the canals and lakes in town.
Meanwhile, drift boats provide a cheaper way to access the Gulf Stream from Boynton Beach. These large “party boats” take tens of people fishing at a time. If you’re ready to literally rub shoulders with other like-minded fisherfolk, this could be the option for you.
Whichever type of trip you go for, you’ll probably try one of the following techniques:
Deep Sea Fishing
It’s almost unfair that deep sea fishing off Boynton Beach starts almost as soon as you leave the inlet. How can other locations compete? You only need to travel about 15 minutes and you’re in the Gulf Stream, where world-class pelagic fish swim all year round.
Kite fishing is a popular way to fish this iconic watery highway. Local charter crews often use kites to dangle bait just on the surface of the water. Sailfish find this irresistible, and anglers love it too. This is a hands-on technique that is almost guaranteed to result in a catch of some kind or another.
As much as kite fishing is a specialty in these parts, there’s always room to try more traditional trolling. This technique generally works best in spring and summer when Mahi Mahi and Tuna are biting, but it’s also the best way to target Wahoo in the winter.
If you want to try something truly unique, have a go at daytime Swordfishing. This is a must-do for experienced anglers. These trips take place a little further offshore, but the journey is worth it. Just be warned – you can never guarantee catching fish, and Swordfish are more elusive than most. But doesn’t the sheer possibility of a catch make you want to give it a go?
Nearshore Fishing
Closer to Boynton Beach Inlet, you’ll find a smattering of natural and artificial reefs, as well as several wrecks. Florida’s natural coral reef runs close to the coastline and local authorities have been building artificial reefs in this area for decades. These structures attract a rich variety of species.
Vertical jigging is an effective way to catch Tuna and Amberjack around the wrecks. Otherwise, target Snappers, Sharks, Cobia, and even Snook and Tarpon along the beaches and around the reefs.
Inshore Fishing
Compared to all the excitement offshore, inshore fishing in Boynton Beach can be a little underwhelming. The waters around the inlet are very busy with boat traffic, while the built environment has taken the place of most of the area’s natural grass flats. But there are fish around if you know where to find them.
Boynton Beach is on the Intracoastal Waterway, which can give anglers a decent mixed bag any time of the year. Bonefish and Tarpon come inshore fairly regularly, while Snook, Jack Crevalle, and Barracuda swim around the inlet, too.
Freshwater Fishing
It would be easy to spend years fishing Boynton Beach without even thinking about its freshwater offerings. Don’t make that mistake. The quality and variety of fish in the town’s numerous canals are easily as good as what you find offshore.
The Osborne-Ida Chain of Lakes runs right through Boynton Beach, with the E-4 Canal System connecting Lake Osborne with Lake Ida in the south. This is one of the best places in the state to target exotics. Clown Knife Fish, Peacock Bass, and Mayan Cichlids thrive here. There’s also unusually good canal fishing for Largemouth Bass in the Loxahatchee Slough Canal, which is part of the Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge to the west of town.
Boynton Beach Fishing Spots
Fish practically anywhere out of Boynton Beach Inlet, and you’re in with a good chance of a catch. But whether you’re fishing salt or freshwater, here are some areas you’re going to want to explore.
- Boynton Beach Inlet. Officially called the South Lake Worth Inlet, this narrow artificial cutting connects the Intracoastal Waterway with the Atlantic Ocean. It’s infamously tricky to navigate, particularly in bad weather conditions. But fishing Boynton Beach Inlet can be rewarding. You can find Snook and Tarpon here, as well as Sheepshead, Mangrove Snappers, and other small fish. Fish from the Boynton Beach fishing piers to the north and south of the inlet and you can catch Snook, Pompano, and Spanish Mackerel.
- Lake Worth Lagoon. Boynton Beach sits at the southern end of the Lake Worth Lagoon, which is part of the Intracoastal Waterway. This used to be a freshwater lake before it was connected to the ocean via two inlets. Now, Bonefish, Snook, and Snappers join the list of species that inhabit these waters. The area around Boynton Beach isn’t as productive as the cleaner waters further north, but you can still enjoy a good day of fishing here.
- The Gulf Stream. The warm water river that rushes through the Atlantic Ocean comes within a mile of Boynton Beach’s shores. It’s no wonder the town is called “America’s Gateway to the Gulf Stream.” The reefs near Boynton’s eye-catching “martini glass” water tower are a real fish magnet and one of the best places in Florida to catch pelagic fish nearshore.
- Osborne-Ida Chain of Lakes. Dedicated urban fisheries can be hit and miss. But not in Boynton Beach. The canal system that wiggles through town rivals any better-known freshwater fishery in the state. Peacock Bass bring a touch of the Amazon to South Florida, while Clown Knife Fish up the exotic ante. You can also find more traditional catches like Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Crappie. One of the best freshwater fishing destinations in Boynton Beach is Lake Osborne, on the northern end of the chain.
Boynton Beach Fishing Regulations
Almost everyone over the age of 16 needs a license to go fishing in Boynton Beach. Residents over 65 can fish for free, and there are a few other exemptions for severely disabled residents and military personnel. Otherwise, you’ll need to purchase a saltwater license to fish inshore or offshore, or a freshwater license to fish the lakes and canals. You don’t need a license if you’re fishing with a legitimate saltwater fishing charter.
Other than that, seasonal bag and size limits apply to most species, which you can read up on at the MyFWC website.
It’s Time to Open the Gateway to the Gulf Stream!
There are no two ways about it. Boynton Beach looks out onto a deep sea fishing paradise. And people here know it. This is a busy area – both in terms of people enjoying the waters and fish in the sea. Colorful Mahi Mahi withstand the sweltering summer heat and Sailfish warm up the coldest of winter days. Whenever you come, you’ll find world-class fishing here.
Just head five minutes out of the inlet, and drop your lines… You never know what surprises await. Good luck!
Do you fish Boynton Beach regularly or is this your first time? Share your questions and top catches below. We can’t wait to hear from you!
The post Boynton Beach Fishing: The Complete Guide appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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