Fort Lauderdale Private 6-Hour Offshore Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore charter targets multiple pelagic species dailyCaptain adapts trolling and deep dropping tactics based on conditionsFully equipped 43foot Viking accommodates up to six guests
When you're looking for serious offshore fishing action in South Florida, Captain Chris and his 43-foot Viking know exactly where the fish are biting. This private 6-hour charter gives you and up to five buddies exclusive access to some of the most productive waters off Fort Lauderdale, where the Gulf Stream brings in pelagic species year-round. Whether you choose the early morning departure at 7:00 AM or the afternoon trip starting at 1:30 PM, you're getting a captain who adapts his game plan based on what's working that day. No cookie-cutter fishing here – just smart tactics and local knowledge that puts fish in the boat.
Your day starts with a solid game plan, but Captain Chris keeps things flexible based on current conditions and what the fish are telling him. The 43-foot Viking is rigged for everything from high-speed trolling for wahoo and mahi to precision bottom drops for snapper and grouper. You'll spend your six hours covering serious ground, hitting different spots and depths depending on where the action is hottest. The boat's equipped with all the tackle you need, from heavy trolling gear to lighter spinning setups for when the bite gets finicky. Pack your sunglasses and sunscreen because you'll be in full sun most of the trip, and don't forget that little bit of luck every angler needs. With free cancellation if you give a day's notice, there's no stress about weather or last-minute changes.
Captain Chris runs the full playbook out there, switching between trolling, drifting, spinning, and deep dropping based on what's producing. When the surface action is hot, you'll be pulling high-speed lures for wahoo or working the weed lines for mahi mahi. If the pelagics are being stubborn, he'll shift gears and put you on some serious bottom fish using heavy tackle and fresh bait. The trolling spread typically includes a mix of ballyhoo, lures, and teasers designed to trigger strikes from sailfish, kingfish, and whatever else is cruising the blue water. When conditions call for it, you'll drift with live or cut bait, letting the current do the work while you wait for that rod to bend over. Deep dropping means getting down to the structure where the big snapper and grouper live – it's not glamorous, but it's effective when you want to load the cooler.
The Atlantic sailfish is the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing, and these waters consistently produce some of the best sailfish action on the East Coast. These acrobatic fighters typically range from 6 to 8 feet long and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. Peak season runs from December through April when the fish migrate south, but you can find them here almost year-round. What makes sailfish special isn't just their size – it's the way they fight, jumping clear out of the water and making blistering runs that test your drag system and your nerves.
King mackerel, or "smoker kings" as the locals call the big ones, are another staple of these waters. These silver bullets can exceed 40 pounds and make screaming runs that'll burn line off your reel in seconds. They're most active from April through October, hanging around structure and feeding aggressively on baitfish. Kings are notorious for their sharp teeth and powerful runs, making them a favorite among anglers who like their fights fast and furious. The eating quality is excellent too, especially the smaller "school" kings in the 10-20 pound range.
Mahi mahi bring the color and the action, with their brilliant gold and green hues and aggressive feeding behavior. These fish are built for speed and acrobatics, often traveling in schools around floating debris or weed lines. They're opportunistic feeders, which means when you find one, there are usually more nearby. Mahi season peaks in spring and fall, but Fort Lauderdale's proximity to the Gulf Stream means you can encounter them almost any time of year. They're also one of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting trolled lures at over 60 mph. These torpedo-shaped predators have razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match, making explosive runs that can spool an unprepared angler. They're most common in deeper water during the cooler months, and their excellent table fare makes them a prized catch. Wahoo fishing requires specific tackle and techniques, but when you connect with a big one, you'll understand why serious offshore anglers consider them one of the ultimate game fish.
Great barracuda might not win any beauty contests, but they more than make up for it with attitude and fighting ability. These ambush predators can exceed 4 feet in length and are known for their explosive strikes and determined fights. They're year-round residents in South Florida waters, often found around structure or patrolling the edges of reefs. Barracuda are curious fish that will often follow lures or bait for long distances before striking, and their toothy grins make for great photos. While many anglers release them, smaller barracuda are actually quite good eating when prepared properly.
At $1,275 for up to six anglers, this charter delivers serious value for groups looking to experience world-class offshore fishing. You're getting a full-day adventure with a captain who knows these waters inside and out, aboard a boat that's equipped to handle whatever the ocean throws at you. The flexibility to choose morning or afternoon departure times means you can work the trip around your schedule, and the free cancellation policy takes the pressure off. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, introducing someone new to offshore fishing, or just looking to get bent on some quality fish, this trip puts you in
Step aboard the Bay Breeze, a serious 43' Viking sportfisher that's built to hunt pelagic species in Fort Lauderdale's deep blue waters. Twin 485hp turbos push this fishing machine through offshore swells while you stay comfortable with AC, cushioned seating, and a private head. Captain Chris knows these waters and adjusts tactics throughout your 6-hour adventure – trolling for Mahi and Wahoo, spinning for Kingfish, or deep dropping for quality Snapper and Grouper. The boat's loaded with top-shelf gear, outriggers, a fighting chair, and all the electronics you need including GPS, radar, and fish finders. Whether you choose the 7 AM or 1:30 PM departure, you'll have plenty of time to work different spots and techniques. The icebox and fridge keep your drinks cold while you're battling Sailfish or cranking up Blackfin Tuna. This Viking's flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting birds and bait, plus the space to move around when the action heats up.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the ocean's speed demons, hitting up to 35 mph and putting on aerial shows that'll have everyone on deck cheering. These beauties average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that massive sail dorsal fin and electric blue coloring that changes as they hunt. We find them year-round here, but winter through spring is prime time when they move through in good numbers. They cruise the 30-80 foot range, often near current edges and temperature breaks. What makes them special is that fight - they'll jump, dive, and test your stamina for 20-30 minutes. Here's the key: when we get a bite, don't set the hook right away. Let them eat it for a few seconds, then come tight. They tend to swipe at baits first before committing.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the ambush predators that lurk around structure waiting to strike. These silver bullets typically run 3-5 feet long and can hit 35 mph in short bursts when chasing prey. We find them year-round in 20-80 feet around reefs, wrecks, and ledges where they hunt. They're curious fish that will follow lures and check out the boat, but getting them to bite can be tricky. The fight is intense but short - they'll make explosive runs and jump, but tire quickly. Most anglers target them for the sport since the meat can carry ciguatoxin. Here's the trick: use wire leaders and vary your retrieve. Sometimes they want it fast, sometimes dead slow. When one follows your lure to the boat, let it sink then jerk it - that usually triggers the strike.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are the speed merchants that'll test your drag system. These fish typically run 20-40 pounds, but we see some monsters over 60 pounds during peak season. They hang out in 40-150 feet of water, cruising along the reef edge and structure where baitfish gather. Fall and winter are our best months when they migrate south through our waters. Kings are pure adrenaline - they'll scream line off your reel in long runs and have the stamina to keep fighting. The meat is excellent too, though it's rich so a little goes a long way. My go-to trick is running two hooks on your leader - one through the nose of a live bait and a trailing hook. Kings love to hit the tail section first, so that back hook will nail them.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish we target, flashing gold, green, and blue when they're hooked. They average 15-25 pounds but can push 50+ pounds for the big bulls. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges, usually in 100+ feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they move through our area following warm water. What guests love most is watching them light up in different colors during the fight, plus they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat. They travel in schools, so when you hook one, keep lines in the water - there's usually more underneath. Here's a local tip: look for frigate birds diving on bait. They'll lead you right to the mahi feeding below.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and will absolutely smoke your line when hooked. They typically run 30-60 pounds with that distinctive zebra striping along their sides. We find them in deeper water, usually 100+ feet, around drop-offs and current edges. Best fishing is fall through spring when water temps cool slightly. The fight is explosive but short - they'll make a blistering initial run then come in fairly easy. The meat is top-notch, white and flaky like premium tuna. Speed is everything with wahoo - we troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders because their razor teeth will cut through anything else. Pro tip: when you get a bite, don't slow the boat down right away. Keep that lure moving until the hook sets solid or they'll throw it.
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