Pompano Deep Sea Fishing with Benny's Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
All-day offshore charters targeting mahi, tuna, sailfish, and sharksMultiple fishing techniques including trolling, kite fishing, and deep droppingExperienced captain guides groups up to 5 guests offshore
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, Benny's Fishing Charters delivers the kind of deep-sea experience that keeps anglers talking long after they've cleaned their catch. Our 4 to 8-hour charters out of Pompano put you right in the heart of some of Florida's most productive fishing waters, where the Gulf Stream brings in pelagic species that'll test your tackle and your stamina. Captain Benny knows these waters like his own backyard, and whether you're chasing your first sailfish or looking to land a trophy swordfish, he'll put you on the fish.
Your day starts early at the dock in Pompano, where our well-equipped charter boat is stocked with quality rods, reels, and all the terminal tackle you'll need. We run a tight ship but keep things relaxed – this is fishing, not boot camp. Depending on what's biting and what you're after, we'll head anywhere from 3 to 20 miles offshore, following the temperature breaks and current edges where the action happens. The boat comfortably handles up to 5 anglers, so you won't be elbow-to-elbow with a crowd. Captain Benny reads the water constantly, adjusting our approach based on conditions, bait schools, and what intel he's gathered from other captains working the area. Some days we're trolling spread baits at dawn, other days we're kite fishing live bait in the afternoon bite. The beauty of our longer trips is flexibility – when one technique isn't producing, we switch gears and try something else.
We run the full arsenal of offshore techniques because different species respond to different presentations. Trolling is our bread and butter for covering water and locating active fish – we'll pull a spread of ballyhoo, diving plugs, and feathers to trigger strikes from mahi, wahoo, and kingfish. When we mark good structure or find a weedline holding fish, we'll switch to kite fishing with live pilchards or goggle-eyes, which is absolutely deadly for sailfish and kings. Deep dropping comes into play when we're targeting bottom species like snapper and grouper around the deeper reefs and wrecks. For swordfish, we've got the heavy tackle and circle hooks needed for these powerful deep-water fighters. The captain provides all the gear, but if you've got a favorite rod or reel setup, bring it along. We use quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with appropriate line weights for each target species. Live bait comes from our well system, and we carry a good selection of frozen baits and lures as backup options.
The Mahi Mahi, or common dolphinfish as they're scientifically known, are absolute crowd-pleasers and one of the most reliable offshore species we target. These colorful fighters typically show up in good numbers from late spring through early fall, with peak action during the summer months when floating sargassum weed lines concentrate them. Mahi are aggressive feeders that'll hit both trolled baits and live offerings, and their acrobatic fights make them a favorite among first-time offshore anglers. Most fish we encounter run 10 to 25 pounds, though bull dolphins over 40 pounds show up regularly during peak season. What makes mahi special is their willingness to bite – find a school, and you can often catch multiple fish before they move on.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of reaching 60+ mph and stripping line off your reel faster than you can believe. These torpedo-shaped predators patrol the blue water year-round, but we see the best action during the cooler months from November through March. Wahoo typically range from 15 to 50 pounds in our area, with the occasional trophy fish pushing 70 pounds or more. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes, often hitting trolled baits so hard they hook themselves. The key to wahoo fishing is speed – we troll faster than we would for most other species, and we use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs. When you hook a wahoo, hang on tight because the initial run is something you'll never forget.
Swordfish represent the ultimate offshore challenge, and Pompano's proximity to deep water makes us perfectly positioned for targeting these legendary fighters. These are primarily caught during daytime deep-dropping sessions, using heavy tackle and squid baits fished at depths of 1,200 to 1,800 feet. Swords are year-round residents, but we see the most consistent action from October through April when they're actively feeding during daylight hours. A typical swordfish runs 40 to 100 pounds, though giants over 200 pounds cruise these waters. What makes swordfish so special isn't just their size – it's their intelligence and fighting ability. They'll sound deep when hooked, testing both your tackle and your patience during what can be hour-long battles.
Northern Kingfish, more commonly called king mackerel by local anglers, are one of the most popular targets for good reason. These fast-swimming predators are present year-round but really turn on during the fall and winter months when they school up for their annual migration. Kings range from small "snake" kings under 10 pounds to trophy fish exceeding 50 pounds, with the larger specimens often called "smoker kings" for their incredible speed and power. We target them using both trolling and live bait techniques, with kite-fished live bait being particularly effective for the larger fish. Kings are notorious for their sharp teeth and spectacular jumps, making them a favorite among experienced anglers looking for a serious fight.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore fishery and the species that brings many anglers back trip after trip. These magnificent billfish are present year-round but peak during the winter months from December through
Our restored 27-foot Sea Vee and Contender center console boats are your ticket to productive offshore fishing in Pompano waters. These 2000-built vessels got a complete makeover in 2021 and pack 300HP Suzuki engines that get refreshed every two years to keep you moving reliably to the best fishing spots. With room for up to 5 anglers, these boats come loaded with everything you need for a successful day chasing fish. The GPS keeps you on course while the fish finder helps locate schools below. When weather gets sketchy, the radar system ensures safe navigation back to port. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long battles with big fish. Whether you're trolling for mahi and wahoo, kite fishing for sailfish, or dropping deep for swordfish and sharks, these center consoles handle it all. The open layout gives everyone space to fight fish without getting tangled up, and the stable platform makes bottom fishing for snapper and grouper a breeze. Built tough for offshore conditions, these boats get you out to the productive waters where the big ones live.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of sport fishing, stretching 7-8 feet with that massive dorsal fin that looks like a sail. We find them in 30-200 feet of water along current edges and drop-offs. Winter months from December through April are peak season, especially in the famous "Sailfish Alley" between Miami and Fort Pierce. What makes sailfish legendary is their aerial display - they'll jump, tailwalk, and put on a show that's pure magic. They're also among the fastest fish in the ocean. These fish hunt in packs, using their sails to herd baitfish. The fight is all about endurance and technique. My best tip is patience during the initial run - let them tire themselves with those spectacular jumps, then work them methodically. Kite fishing with live goggle eyes or slow-trolling ballyhoo are our most productive methods.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are some of the most colorful fish you'll see offshore. Mahi run 15-30 pounds on average, though we've seen them push 50+ pounds. They love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-400 feet of water. Peak season here runs April through September when water temps climb above 75°F. What makes mahi special is their lightning-fast color changes - they flash brilliant blues, greens, and golds during the fight before fading to silver. They're aggressive feeders and put up a solid scrap with multiple jumps. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, mild white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your lines in - mahi travel in schools and you'll often get doubles or triples if you work it right.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisNorthern kingfish are smaller fish that pack a surprising punch for their 10-14 inch size. They're bottom dwellers that love sandy and rocky areas in 5-30 feet of water, using their single chin barbel to hunt crabs, worms, and small fish. Late summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. What makes them fun to target is their scrappy nature - they fight way above their weight class and will bend your rod despite being under two pounds. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. These drum family members have distinctive dark bars and cat-like vertical pupils. Best approach is light tackle with small hooks, using fresh clam strips or bloodworms. Fish right on the bottom and be ready - when they hit, they hit hard and try to bury themselves in the sand.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate deep-water trophy, averaging 9 feet and 400 pounds with some pushing over 1,000. These apex predators live in 800-1,500 feet of water and feed primarily at night, coming up to around 300 feet after dark. We target them year-round, but peak season is April through September during spawning. What makes swordfish special is the sheer power and stamina - they'll fight for hours with deep, bulldogging runs. The flat sword and massive eyes make them instantly recognizable. The meat is excellent too, with a firm texture similar to tuna. Key to success is deep-dropping with heavy weights, bright lights, and fresh squid baits. Patience is everything - we'll often wait hours between bites, but when it happens, it's worth every minute.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, hitting 60+ mph and averaging 3-5 feet long. We typically find them in 60-200 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and current edges. Best fishing is July through November when they're most abundant off our coast. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and a beak-like snout, so wire leaders are mandatory. What anglers love about wahoo is their blistering runs - they'll peel line off your reel faster than almost any fish in the ocean. The meat is premium quality too - white, flaky, and mild-tasting, perfect for the grill. My go-to technique is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with diving plugs or skirted ballyhoo. The faster you go, the more excited these fish get.
Miami