Fishing

Fishing is a popular pastime here. Anglers of all ages drop their lines from docks and seawalls or right from the shoreline. For deep-sea anglers, there are charter boats that travel as far as 20 miles out into the Atlantic Ocean. Snook and other scrapers are often pulled from the waters of the Intercoastal. If you're interested, ask for information about special fishing spots and restrictions wherever you buy bait. Also be aware that Florida law requires a license for salt and fresh water fishing.

Charter and drift fishing boats sail almost daily to natural reefs where the ocean is alive with sailfish, tuna wahoo, and grouper. Cobia are abundant in winter and king mackerel in the spring and fall. You may hook into the bluefish and amberjak in April and blackfin tuna and bonita in May. The best tine to catch a swordfish is at night. West of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Blookfor black bass largemouth bass, perch, and other freshwater fish, in the Loxahatchee Recreation Area. Fishing licenses can be obtained at 115 S. Andrews Ave. in Fort Lauderdale or one may apply at most sporting goods and bait and tackle shops in the area. Call (954) 468-3473.

Diving

Discover the many artificial and natural reef sites just off our coast - within reachable distances from the shoreline and right in our own backyard. Lauderdale-By-The-Seais quickly becoming known as the "Dive Capitol of South Florida" with the honor bestowed upon this beautiful beachfront community in September of 1997. Right from the beaches of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, beneath the sparkling ocean waters, an everchanging underwater world flourishes and provides a multi-colored panoramic view for divers of all ages. Sometimes referred to as the best beach diving in North America, the reefs are home to an abundance of tropical fish, soft corals and a wide variety of sponges. There are three distinctive limestone reefs known as the first, second and third reefs. The distance from the beach to the first reef is roughly 100 to 300 yards with depth from 30 to 100 feet. This is an excellent area for novice divers and snorkelers. Sea fans and sponges cover the top of the ridge and a variety of marine life is supported. Few large game fish are found this close to shore, but multicolored tropicals are found by the thousands.

The first reef is an excellent lobstering location during the season.

The second reef lies about a half mile offshore with depths from 30-40 feet. Visibility is generally much better here than the first reef and most divers reach this reef by boat. An extensive system of permanent mooring buoys marks five areas of the second reef line to protect the reef from repeated anchor damage. The buoys are excellent dive sites and are located at intervals beginning just south of the Hillsboro Inlet and extending past the Port Everglades.

The third reef starts about a mile offshore at depths of 60-100 feet. The reef should only be explored by more experienced divers due to the strong currents and depths. Hard and soft coral are larger and more abundant in the deep water and drift diving is the most popular way to explore the reef. Beach diving is best when the wind comes from the northwest. With less surge, the visibility is improved and the surf is calm. Be sure to check tide tables so you will not have to return to the beach during an outgoing tide. Always trail a float with a large dive flag to mark your underwater location. Boat traffic is heavy along all sections of the reefs. Always listen, look and ascend with caution. The Marine Patrol constantly patrols the area and will check for divers not tethered to a visible dive flag and for illegal lobster catches.

Broward County offers the opportunity to explore hundreds of underwater wrecks. There are over 50 artificial reef sites along the 24 mile coastline. Under the direction of the Broward County Artificial Reef Program, this incredible collection of vessels were acquired, cleaned and placed on the ocean floor. It attracts thousands of divers and millions of fish each year. Several wreck sites lie in one hundred feet or more of water that is often swept by moderate to strong currents. This combination of natural hazards can cause trouble for inexperienced divers.

Please use discretion before exploring these sites. The summer months (May through September) provide the best visibility and the warmest water temperatures. Local dive shops can provide instruction, valuable tips and information as well as the sale and rental of diving equipment. They are also happy to arrange charters and trips for the novice and the experienced.