Ft Lauderdale

[jscot111]

Hi, I will be in Ft Lauderdale in mid July staying at a ocean front hotel. Would it be worth trying to fish the surf ? If
so what should a beginner saltie bring for equipment.
Thanks, Scott

[trout-seeker]

Get the back issue of Fly Fisherman magazine that has an article about fishing the canals in and around Ft. Lauderdale for peacock bass, baby tarpon, etc. I think an 8 weight would work (may be able to get away with a 6 weight). The article was very well written and gave good advice about what to use (types of flies, leaders, etc.) and had maps of where to go.

Good luck!


Greg

[ozmo]

Hi jscot,

I live in that area and yes it's worth bringing your fly rod. Summer's a good time to hit the beach. Not that lauderdale is an inshore hotspot (offshore is generally better) but there's stuff around. The beach early has potential. As mentioned previously the canals can be good. Snook, tarpon, jacks, largemouth, peacocks and exotics are all possible. If you have time & transportation you're close to some really great places.

I doubt I'll be around that time (I'm going to Yosemite mid-july) but feel free to shoot me an e-mail if you have questions. Where oceanfront will you be staying?

6-8 wt should be fine. Chart/white clousers hardly ever go wrong no matter where you fish around here. Bring heavy tippet as the possibility of a barracuda is decent.

Ken