Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
4-hour offshore fishing adventure with Captain Taco in Fort Lauderdale waters.Target Kingfish, Bonito, Shark, and prized Sailfish species.Small group experience accommodating up to 6 guests maximum.
There's something special about heading out into the deep blue waters off Fort Lauderdale with Captain Taco at the helm. This isn't your typical half-day charter where you're stuck trolling the same tired grounds - we're talking about a legitimate 4-hour sportfishing adventure that puts you right where the big fish live. Captain Taco's Hooked Up Sportfishing has been putting anglers on quality fish in these waters, and whether you're chasing your first sailfish or looking to add another kingfish to your season tally, this charter delivers the goods. Fort Lauderdale's offshore waters are known for holding some serious fish, and with a maximum of 6 anglers aboard, you're not fighting crowds for rod time.
Captain Taco runs his operation like a true sportfishing charter should - professional, focused, and all about putting fish in the boat. Your 4-hour window gives you plenty of time to work different depths and structures without feeling rushed. We're talking about real offshore fishing here, not some inshore milk run. The boat heads out to where the Gulf Stream's influence brings in the bait, and that's where you'll find the action. Morning trips often start strong as the fish are actively feeding, while afternoon charters can be perfect when the bite picks up later in the day. Captain Taco reads the water and adjusts the game plan based on what's happening out there - that's the difference between a guide who knows these waters and someone just going through the motions. The boat is set up for serious fishing with quality tackle and the captain handles all the technical stuff, so you can focus on what matters most: fighting fish.
Out here in Fort Lauderdale's offshore waters, we're primarily trolling to cover water and locate active fish. Captain Taco sets a spread of baits and lures designed to attract everything from fast-moving kingfish to the sailfish that cruise these waters. The boat carries proper offshore tackle - we're talking about reels with serious drag systems and rods that can handle the long runs these pelagic species are known for. When a sail lights up a bait, you'll know it immediately. The key to success out here is staying mobile and reading the signs - bird activity, bait schools, temperature breaks, and current lines all play a role in where we set up. The captain handles boat positioning and bait presentation while you focus on the fight. Circle hooks are standard for billfish conservation, and Captain Taco knows the proper release techniques to ensure these trophy fish swim away healthy. The tackle is matched to the species we're targeting, so you're not over-gunned for bonito or under-equipped when a big cobia decides to crash the party.
The scalloped hammerhead is one of those species that gets your heart racing the moment you realize what's on the other end of your line. These sharks are surprisingly common in Fort Lauderdale's offshore waters, especially during warmer months when they move in closer to shore following bait schools. They're incredibly strong fighters that make long, powerful runs and aren't afraid to jump when hooked. What makes them special is their distinctive hammer-shaped head and the way they use their size - often reaching 6 to 8 feet - to their advantage during the fight. The best time to target them is late spring through early fall when water temperatures are in the upper 70s and low 80s.
Northern kingfish are the bread and butter of Fort Lauderdale offshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are aggressive predators that hit baits hard and make blistering runs that will test your drag system. Kings typically range from 15 to 40 pounds in these waters, though bigger fish definitely cruise through. They're most active during the cooler months from October through April, when they migrate along the coast following massive bait schools. What anglers love about kingfish is their willingness to bite and the way they fight - fast, powerful runs combined with sharp teeth that can cut through wire if you're not careful. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite among anglers who like to bring dinner home.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of Fort Lauderdale sportfishing and the reason many anglers keep coming back. These bills are pure dynamite when hooked - they'll go airborne multiple times, make long screaming runs, and test every knot in your tackle. Sailfish in these waters typically run 6 to 8 feet long and are most abundant during the winter months from December through March, when the cooler water temperatures bring them in close to shore. The excitement factor is off the charts when a sail takes your bait - the initial run and subsequent jumps create fishing memories that last a lifetime. Most sailfish are released to fight another day, making this a true conservation-minded fishery.
Atlantic bonito might be smaller than the other species we target, but don't let their size fool you - these fish are pure muscle and fight way above their weight class. They typically run 3 to 8 pounds and are incredibly fast, making them a blast on lighter tackle. Bonito are most common during spring and fall migrations when they move through in large schools. They hit small lures and baits aggressively and never give up during the fight. What makes them special is their speed and endurance - they'll make multiple runs and keep fighting right up to the boat. They're also excellent eating when handled properly, with firm, flavorful meat that's perfect for the grill.
Cobia are the wild cards of Fort Lauderdale offshore fishing - you never know when one might show up, but when they do, it's game on. These fish are curious by nature and will often approach the boat to investigate, giving you a shot at sight-fishing for them. Cobia can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 40 pounds not uncommon in these waters. They're strongest during the spring months when they're moving north along the coast. What anglers love about c
Step aboard this classic 1964 custom sportfisher that's been beautifully restored and upgraded with twin 450HP Avico engines. This 41-foot offshore machine cuts through Fort Lauderdale waters at up to 20 knots, comfortably fishing up to 6 anglers. The boat's equipped with everything serious fishermen need - fish finder and radar to locate the action, plus GPS to get you there and back. When you're not fighting sailfish or reeling in kingfish, relax in the air-conditioned cabin with full kitchen, head, and even a bed for longer trips. The flybridge gives you commanding views of the water, while the icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Captain Taco knows these waters like the back of his hand, putting you on bonito, sharks, and those prized sailfish that Fort Lauderdale is famous for. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining between bites, but with fishing this good, you'll barely have time to use it.
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are speed merchants that'll give you an arm-burning fight on lighter gear. These silver bullets with dark stripes average 3-8 pounds but can hit 12. They're built for speed - think tuna-shaped but slimmer - and they use every bit of it when hooked. You'll find schools feeding on the surface, often with birds diving overhead giving away their location. They cruise our coastal waters year-round but are most active in spring and fall when bait is thick. What's fun is they're not picky - when they're feeding, they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. Most folks use them for bait or release since they're pretty oily for eating. The fight is what counts anyway. My tip: when you find a feeding school, work fast with small metal jigs or spoons - they move quickly and won't stick around long.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore fishing - there's nothing quite like watching one of these beauties leap and dance across the water. They average around 7 feet and 50 pounds, but can push over 100. These speed demons cruise the blue water from 30-200 feet deep, hunting schools of ballyhoo, sardines, and squid. Winter months are absolutely prime time here in South Florida when they migrate through our waters. What makes them special is that majestic dorsal fin and their ability to change colors while hunting - they'll flash blues, blacks, and stripes. The fight is pure magic with multiple jumps and long runs. For the table, most folks release them, but they do make good eating. My secret: when sight fishing, get the bait in front of them and be patient - let them take it before setting the hook.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our best eating fish and they put up a solid fight to boot. These brown, shark-looking fish average 30-50 pounds but can push over 100. They're loners, not schooling fish, so each one is a prize. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, reefs, and buoys in 30-200 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they move through our area heading north. Summer finds them hanging around deeper structure. What guests love is the sight fishing - spotting that dark shadow cruising just under the surface gets the heart pumping. The meat is firm and mild, some say better than grouper. They're curious fish that often follow rays and sharks. My trick: when you spot one, drop a bucktail jig or live crab right in front of them and work it slow - they rarely refuse an easy meal.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisNorthern Kingfish are scrappy little fighters that pack a punch way above their size. Most run 10-14 inches and weigh under 2 pounds, but don't let that fool you - they'll give you a solid battle on light tackle. These drum family members hang around sandy and rocky bottoms in shallow water, usually 10-30 feet deep. Late summer is prime time when they move closer to shore to feed. What guests love is the challenge - these fish are smart and can be picky about baits. The meat is excellent too, with sweet white fillets that make for great table fare. You'll spot them by their distinctive barbel under the chin and those dark angular bars across their bronze-green backs. My go-to trick is using small pieces of bloodworms or clam on light tackle with a fish finder rig right on the bottom.
Sphyrna LewiniScalloped Hammerheads are amazing sharks with that distinctive flattened head that gives them their name. Females can reach nearly 8 feet and weigh up to 180 pounds, while males stay smaller around 6 feet. They're critically endangered, so we practice strict catch-and-release only. These sharks cruise our coastal waters during the day, moving closer to shore before heading offshore at night to hunt. You'll find them in 30-200 feet of water around reefs and drop-offs. Spring through fall offers the best shots when water temps are warmest. What makes them special is that unique hammerhead profile and the way they use those widely-spaced sensors to hunt. When you hook one, expect a strong, steady fight. My tip: use circle hooks with fresh cut bait near structure during moving tides.
Fort Lauderdale, FL