Don't Tell Mom Sportfishing 9/2/26 Fort Lauderdale Report
Capt. William Daley
September 2, 2026
Fort Lauderdale - Saltwater Fishing Report
Weekly Fishing Report | Don't Tell Mom Sportfishing
We had another excellent week of fishing aboard the Don't Tell Mom, with a great variety of fish showing up and some exciting action throughout the week. Conditions were generally very favorable, with mostly smooth seas, manageable winds, and good water movement. The current was stronger around the full moon before easing off over the last few days, which actually helped create some better opportunities for Shark fishing.
Bonita Action Is Heating Up-
The Bonita bite has really started to build, although we don't think the full fall run has arrived quite yet. We're seeing good numbers of fish from roughly 60–70 feet out to 200 feet, with some of the best action coming early in the morning.
Bonitas have been eating a variety of presentations, including spoons and Sea Witches pulled behind planers as well as surface baits. They're incredibly strong fighters and are a favorite with our guests because they provide plenty of action and great battles on lighter tackle.
This is also one of our favorite times of year to catch them. We use many of the Bonitas we catch to make fresh bait strips and freeze them for later in the season. Those strips become excellent bait for Wahoo, Sailfish, and other game fish, so we're always happy to see the Bonitas moving in.
Sailfish, Wahoo & Shark Action-
We also caught a beautiful Sailfish this week while trolling a Sea Witch with a Bonita strip. We had a bachelor party aboard when the Sailfish came into the spread, screaming line and making several long runs before we were able to bring it boatside for photos and safely release it.
Sailfish aren't something we typically expect to see in good numbers during the summer, so it's always exciting when one shows up in the spread.
We also caught a really nice Wahoo around 20 pounds. The full moon often brings Wahoo into the area, and this fish was a great example of why we always keep a Wahoo rod in the spread.
Shark fishing slowed around the full moon but improved as the current eased. We were able to catch a big Dusky Shark, which was safely released after an exciting battle.
Four Mahi-Mahi at Once!
One of the most exciting trips of the week came on Sunday with a family visiting from Pennsylvania. While trolling, we suddenly had four Mahi-Mahi hooked at the same time!
It was pure chaos.
All four fish were solid keepers, and with some quick work from the crew, we were able to get all four into the boat. Three were gaffed and one was flipped aboard. Multiple hookups like that are exactly why we love Mahi fishing—and why having an experienced crew makes such a difference when everything starts happening at once.
We've been seeing some Mahi closer to shore recently, particularly when conditions have kept the Sargassum farther offshore. Strong current can really turn the fish on, and when we find the right combination of clean water, current, and bait, the action can be fantastic.
Snapper Fishing-
Mutton Snapper and Yellowtail Snapper both provided some great opportunities this week. Mutton Snapper are known to become more active around the full moon as they gather to spawn, and we saw some good numbers of them around the reef.
We caught several Mutton Snapper this week, including some nice keepers, giving our guests looking for fresh fish for the dinner table another excellent option. Yellowtail Snapper has also remained a dependable target.
Looking Ahead-
We're beginning to see the first signs of the seasonal transition, with shorter days and bait movement becoming more noticeable. We've been seeing plenty of Ballyhoo and increasing numbers of Flying Fish around the reef, and the Mullet Run is just around the corner.
As the bait moves in, we expect to see more King Mackerel, Sailfish, Mahi-Mahi, and other predators following them. October is typically one of our favorite months for Mahi-Mahi, and we're looking forward to the excellent fishing ahead.
The Bonita run should also continue to build. When it really gets going, the action can be incredible, with multiple hookups common and plenty of hard-fighting fish keeping anglers busy.
Come Fishing With Us-
Fall is typically a quieter time of year here as kids head back to school and the busy summer season winds down. That means we have more availability, making it a great time to get out on the water.
Whether you're looking for fast-paced Bonita action, Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Sailfish, Snapper, or a chance to battle a trophy Shark, we'll use our knowledge of the local waters and whatever techniques are working best to give you the best opportunity possible.
Fishing is never guaranteed, but we're going to work hard every trip to find the fish and make sure you have a great day on the water.
The fish are biting, the weather has been beautiful, and there's plenty of exciting fishing ahead!
Don't wait—book your trip today. We'd love to have you aboard the Don't Tell Mom and show you just how exciting fishing in South Florida can be.
Visit donttellmomsportfishing.com or call or text 954-522-9399 to book your charter.
Tight lines,
Capt. Will Daley
954-522-9399
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