Fished up North for a while but now I live down in Boca Raton.  Aside from the parks and public access you’re ALLOWED to fish, what about all the ponds I see in front of shopping areas, and the like… I’m not trying to go into subdivisions, but I see a ton of tasty spots, what are the rules? 

Since my wife grew up in that area, and I did do some fishing a few times when visiting her family, I can point you to a couple spots,

 

Yes, subdivision ponds are off limits unless you live there, and unfortunately the shopping/business center ponds belong to them, so unless you get permission they're also off limits.

 

Couple places to try that I did and had some luck.

 

Sunset Cove - west side of the city, just NE of West Boca Raton Community High School. There's a boat ramp on the NE end, past the Amphitheater.

 

Independence Bay - just north of Wiles along S Powerline is a stretch that you can shore fish from along Powerline....just have to find a place to park.

 

John Prince Park - Off of S Congress Rd just north of Lutana is the last place I tried.

 

I'm sure if you talk with some of the bait-shops you'll find more.

On 5/10/2025 at 7:54 PM, MN Fisher said:

Since my wife grew up in that area, and I did do some fishing a few times when visiting her family, I can point you to a couple spots,

 

Yes, subdivision ponds are off limits unless you live there, and unfortunately the shopping/business center ponds belong to them, so unless you get permission they're also off limits.

 

Couple places to try that I did and had some luck.

 

Sunset Cove - west side of the city, just NE of West Boca Raton Community High School. There's a boat ramp on the NE end, past the Amphitheater.

 

Independence Bay - just north of Wiles along S Powerline is a stretch that you can shore fish from along Powerline....just have to find a place to park.

 

John Prince Park - Off of S Congress Rd just north of Lutana is the last place I tried.

 

I'm sure if you talk with some of the bait-shops you'll find more.

How's the bank fishing access at Sunset Cove? I've been to some football games at West Boca and know where that is. 

3 minutes ago, JDHoss said:

How's the bank fishing access at Sunset Cove? I've been to some football games at West Boca and know where that is. 

Last time I was there, it was pretty good from the ramp to the Amphitheater, and the ramp to around the north side....but that was 20 years ago so who knows now.

@Harpua Lake Ida and its canals, Delray, off Congress Blvd.

Lake Osbourn, Lake worth- go to John Prince Park or along High Ridge Rd.

I live in Boynton Beach.

Used to live there in Boca at Sandalfoot Cove. Go west to 441, cross over to Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge, bank fishing galore, or kayak, or boat fishing, whatever suits your fancy.

 

As far as your general question goes, called pond hopping, works well, no real issues, rarely a problem. And even at that, they just tell ya no fishing. 

On 7/12/2025 at 11:48 AM, Zcoker said:

Used to live there in Boca at Sandalfoot Cove. Go west to 441, cross over to Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge, bank fishing galore, or kayak, or boat fishing, whatever suits your fancy.

 

As far as your general question goes, called pond hopping, works well, no real issues, rarely a problem. And even at that, they just tell ya no fishing. 

I’m in Boca Raton and a beginner, too! I actually live right by Sandalfoot Cove, close to the Boca Rio canal. I’m going to try some of the suggested locations in this thread. If anyone has any other good bank fishing spots around Broward or Palm Beach, I’d love to hear any recommendations!