Pompano Beach Fishing Charter | 4 Hour Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday charter targets grouper, wahoo, cobia and snapper offshoreSix guests maximum with rods, reels and tackle includedNearshore and offshore waters explored in four hours
Looking for a solid half-day charter that gives you a real taste of what South Florida fishing is all about? This 4-hour trip out of Pompano Beach with Big Game Charters LLC is exactly what you need. We're talking about a perfect intro to our waters whether you're new to offshore fishing or just want to get your line wet without committing to a full day. You'll hit both nearshore structure and deeper offshore grounds, chasing everything from hard-fighting cobia to screaming wahoo runs.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish based on what's biting that day. We're not talking about a cookie-cutter trip here - every outing is different depending on conditions, season, and where the fish are holding. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, so you've got plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. All your rods, reels, and terminal tackle come with the trip, though you'll want to grab some live bait separately - trust me, nothing beats a frisky pilchard or goggle-eye when the big boys are prowling. The crew will have you rigged up and ready to go, whether we're trolling the edge for pelagics or dropping down on structure for grouper and snapper.
Out here off Pompano, we've got the best of both worlds - productive nearshore reefs and quick access to the blue water. Your captain will likely start by working the trolling spread, pulling a mix of ballyhoo, feathers, and maybe some diving plugs along the color changes and temperature breaks. When the sonar lights up or birds start working, that's when things get exciting. For bottom fishing, we're talking about dropping circle hooks with fresh cut bait or live offerings down to 80-120 feet where the gag grouper and mutton snapper like to hang out. The tackle is sized right for the species we're targeting - no sense using light gear when a big cobia might crash the party, but not so heavy that you can't feel a nice mahi picking at your bait.
Mahi mahi are the bread and butter of our offshore scene, and these common dolphinfish are absolute rockets when they hit your spread. They love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, typically showing up in good numbers from late spring through early fall. What makes them so popular with anglers is their aggressive feeding style and aerial acrobatics - a good mahi will jump, tailwalk, and put on a show that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Plus, they travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Most of our mahi run between 10-25 pounds, though bigger bulls pushing 40+ pounds show up when conditions are right.
Wahoo fishing gets your heart pumping like nothing else - these speed demons can hit 60 mph and will smoke your drag in seconds. They're most active during the cooler months, from November through March, when they cruise the edge looking for baitfish. A wahoo strike is unmistakable - that screaming run will wake up everyone on the boat. They're structure-oriented fish, often found around drop-offs and temperature changes, and they respond well to high-speed trolling with wire leaders. Most wahoo in our area range from 20-50 pounds, and they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Red snapper represent some of the most consistent bottom fishing action we've got, especially during their prime season from June through July when federal waters are open. These guys are smart, structure-loving fish that require some finesse - they'll inspect your bait before committing, and they know how to use the bottom to break you off. What anglers love about red snapper is their fighting spirit and table fare - they're considered one of the best eating fish in the Gulf Stream. They typically hold in 80-200 feet of water around hard bottom, artificial reefs, and ledges, and a good red snapper bite can fill the cooler quickly when you find a productive spot.
Atlantic sailfish are the ultimate prize for light-tackle enthusiasts, and South Florida is world-renowned for these acrobatic billfish. Peak season runs from November through March when they migrate south in big numbers, following massive baitfish schools. What makes sailfish so special is their incredible jumping ability - they'll come completely out of the water multiple times during a fight, gill plates flared and bill shaking. They're typically caught on live bait like pilchards, ballyhoo, or kite fishing with goggle-eyes. Most sailfish range from 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, and the catch-and-release fishery here is absolutely world-class, with some days producing double-digit releases.
This 4-hour charter gives you a real taste of what makes Pompano Beach fishing so special without eating up your entire day. Whether you're looking to get the family into some action, want to scout the area before booking a longer trip, or just need a fishing fix, this trip delivers. The crew knows how to put you on fish, the boat's equipped with quality gear, and you're fishing some of the most productive waters on the East Coast. Don't sleep on booking - the best dates fill up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons. Get your group together and secure your spot for a day on the water that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
Step aboard this beautifully restored 52' Merritt sportfisher and get ready to chase some serious fish in Pompano Beach's productive offshore waters. Built in 1984 and completely refurbished in 2015, this classic fishing machine runs on twin 550HP Detroit engines that'll have you cruising to the fishing grounds at a smooth 28 knots. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, while the flybridge gives you that perfect vantage point for spotting fish and birds working the surface. Inside, you'll find air conditioning to escape the Florida heat, plus a refrigerator and icebox to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh. The boat's loaded with all the electronics you need – GPS, radar, and fish finder – so your captain can put you right on top of Gag Grouper, Wahoo, Cobia, and Snapper. With a private head onboard and plenty of deck space to fight fish, this sportfisher is built for serious anglers who want to experience what Pompano's offshore waters have to offer.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of bottom fishing, with their bright red color and stubborn attitude when hooked. Most run 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though the big bulls can push 20+ pounds. They live on hard bottom, wrecks, and structure in 60-200 feet of water where they stack up year-round. Spring through fall gives us the best bite when they're most active. What makes them special is that bulldogging fight straight down to the rocks, plus they're hands-down one of the best tasting fish we catch - sweet, nutty meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Key to landing them is getting your bait right to the bottom fast with enough weight, and once you hook up, keep steady pressure to pull them away from the structure before they cut you off.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our waters, hitting up to 60 mph with that torpedo-shaped body and razor-sharp teeth. Most run 3-5 feet long, and they're loners cruising the blue water between 30-200 feet deep. Best action happens July through November when they move through our area following baitfish. What gets anglers fired up is the blistering runs and that premium white meat that tastes like a cross between tuna and mahi. These fish are picky eaters though. My go-to trick is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their teeth will slice through anything else like butter. Focus on color changes and temperature breaks where the clear blue water meets the green nearshore stuff.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are pure adrenaline with that massive dorsal fin and lightning speed through the water. Most average 6-8 feet and around 50 pounds, cruising the surface waters 30-65 feet deep along current edges and temperature breaks. Winter months, especially December through March, bring the best action when they're thick off our coast. What hooks anglers is the spectacular aerial display - these fish go absolutely crazy jumping, spinning, and tail-walking across the surface. They're not great table fare, so most get released after photos. The secret is slow-trolling live bait like goggle-eyes or pilchards behind the boat, then when one shows up, tease it with the bait before dropping back for the bite.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are absolute stunners with their golden sides and electric blue-green backs that light up like a rainbow when they're fighting. These fish average 15-29 pounds and love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in our offshore waters. Peak season here runs April through September when water temps climb. What makes them so popular is the wild aerial show they put on - jumping, spinning, and changing colors the whole fight. Plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with that sweet, firm white meat. Pro tip: when you see frigate birds working floating debris, get your ballyhoo ready and start trolling the edges. These fish can't resist a bait skipping on the surface.
Pompano Beach