Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters with Capt. Taco
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
4hour offshore fishing adventure with Captain Taco in Fort LauderdaleTarget kingfish, bonito, sharks, and sailfish on deep water tripsSmall group experience accommodating up to 6 guests maximum
When you're looking for a solid day of offshore fishing in South Florida, Captain Taco knows exactly where the fish are biting. His Fort Lauderdale fishing charters put you right in the heart of some of the Atlantic's best fishing grounds, where the Gulf Stream delivers consistent action and trophy-sized catches. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 4-hour adventure gives you serious shots at sailfish, kings, and whatever else is running through these productive waters. Fort Lauderdale's unique position along the continental shelf means you're never far from deep water, and Captain Taco's local knowledge puts you on fish fast.
Captain Taco runs a tight ship that's built for offshore action, rigged with quality tackle and all the gear you need to handle whatever comes up from the deep. Your 4-hour trip launches from Fort Lauderdale's convenient marina access, putting you on the fishing grounds in no time. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers comfortably, so you've got plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up with your buddies. Captain Taco keeps his gear maintained and his boat clean – you'll find fresh bait, sharp hooks, and reels that can handle the kind of runs sailfish and kings are famous for. The morning and afternoon trips both have their advantages, with morning sessions often producing more consistent action and afternoon trips sometimes delivering bigger fish as they move up from deeper water.
Captain Taco specializes in trolling the offshore waters where Fort Lauderdale's continental shelf drops into the blue. You'll be pulling a spread of baits and lures designed to attract everything from fast-moving bonito to the sailfish that make this area famous. The boat's outfitted with outriggers and downriggers to keep your lines properly spaced and at the right depths. Live bait fishing is also part of the program when conditions are right – nothing beats a frisky goggle-eye or blue runner for drawing strikes from cobia and big kings. Captain Taco adjusts techniques based on what's happening that day, whether that means working the reef edge for smaller gamefish or heading to the deep water where the real monsters cruise. The tackle is sized appropriately for each target species, from lighter spinning gear for bonito to heavy conventional setups that can stop a charging hammerhead.
The Scalloped Hammerhead is the apex predator that gets every angler's adrenaline pumping. These sharks can reach 10-14 feet and are most active during the warmer months from May through October. What makes them special is their incredible power and the way they use that distinctive hammer-shaped head to pin stingrays and other prey to the bottom. When you hook one, you're in for a battle that can last 45 minutes or more, with runs that will test your endurance and the boat's drag system.
Northern Kingfish are the bread and butter of Fort Lauderdale offshore fishing, running strong from April through November. These silver speedsters average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ when you find the right school. Kings hit fast and hard, often taking 100 yards of line on their initial run. They're perfect for anglers who want consistent action with the chance for a true trophy. The key is finding the right depth where they're feeding on sardines and ballyhoo.
Atlantic Sailfish are what put South Florida on the fishing map, and Fort Lauderdale sits right in the middle of their migration route. Peak season runs from December through April, when these acrobatic fighters are most numerous. Sailfish average 6-8 feet and 60-80 pounds, but what makes them legendary is their aerial display – expect multiple jumps and tail-walking that'll have you scrambling for the camera. Captain Taco practices catch and release for these magnificent gamefish.
Atlantic Bonito are the perfect starter fish for anyone new to offshore angling, running year-round but peaking in spring and fall. These 5-15 pound speedsters school up in huge numbers and provide non-stop action when you find them. They're excellent table fare and fight way above their weight class, making long runs and quick direction changes that keep things interesting. Bonito are often the first fish in the boat and help build confidence for the bigger challenges ahead.
Cobia are the wildcards that make every trip interesting, showing up unexpectedly from spring through fall. These brown sharks (though they're actually not sharks at all) average 20-40 pounds and are notorious for their curiosity – they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate. Cobia are excellent eating and provide a different kind of fight than the other species, using their broad bodies and stubborn nature to test your tackle and technique.
Fort Lauderdale's offshore fishing delivers year-round action, but the best days fill up fast with Captain Taco's reputation for putting clients on fish. His local knowledge of the reefs, wrecks, and current breaks gives you the edge you need to make the most of your time on the water. Whether you're chasing your first sailfish or looking to add a hammerhead to your logbook, this charter gives you legitimate shots at world-class gamefish just minutes from shore. The 4-hour format is perfect for families, business groups, or anyone who wants quality fishing without committing to a full day. Captain Taco provides everything you need except your fishing license and drinks – just show up ready to fish and let his experience put you on the best action Fort Lauderdale's waters have to offer.
Meet your offshore fishing machine – a classic 1964 custom sportfisher that's been completely rebuilt to tackle Fort Lauderdale's deep waters. This 41-foot beauty runs on twin 450HP Avico engines, cruising at a steady 20 knots to get you to the fishing grounds fast. Captain Taco knows exactly where to find the action, whether you're targeting kingfish and bonito or hoping to hook into a trophy sailfish. The boat's loaded with everything serious anglers need: fish finder to locate schools, GPS and radar for navigation, plus a full galley and air conditioning for those long days chasing fish. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work multiple lines from the spacious deck or climb up to the flybridge for a better view of the water. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold while you're out there putting in work on the blue water.
Sarda SardaThese silver bullets are pure adrenaline on light tackle. They average 3-8 pounds but fight way above their weight class, hitting 40 mph when they want to. You'll spot schools by watching for diving birds - Bonito feed aggressively on the surface, sometimes jumping clear out of the water chasing bait. They prefer temps in the 60s and hang in mid-water, not on the bottom. Spring through fall is prime time here. What's cool is they swim with dorsal fins up like mini sharks. They're super oily so not great eating in the US, but man do they pull drag. Once you find a feeding school, they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. Pro tip: when it's calm, use light plastics to stay in the strike zone longer. When it's windy, go with metal lures to cut through the chop.
Istiophorus AlbicansThe crown jewel of our waters and what many anglers dream about. These speed demons average around 7 feet and 50 pounds, with that massive sail-like dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. We find them in 30-65 feet most often, but they'll chase bait deeper when needed. Winter months are peak season here in South Florida - we're right in the famous "Sailfish Alley" between Miami and Fort Pierce. What makes them special is the fight - they'll leap, dive, and run like nothing else out there. Plus they change colors when excited, flashing blues and blacks. The meat is decent, but most folks release these beauties. Best advice: when one hits, let it run first before setting the drag. They'll try to shake that hook immediately, so patience pays off.
Rachycentron CanadumThese brown beauties are like underwater bulldogs - strong, aggressive, and built to fight. They average around 30-50 pounds but can push 100+, with excellent white meat that's worth the battle. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, reefs, and buoys in 30-70 feet, though they'll cruise shallow flats too. Spring migration and summer months are prime time. What makes Cobia special is they're often alone, not schooled up, so each one is a prize. They're curious fish that'll come check out the boat. The fight is all power - long runs and stubborn pulls that'll test your gear. My favorite technique is sight fishing with bucktail jigs when you spot them cruising. Color doesn't matter much, but 4-8 oz jigs work best around structure.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisThese scrappy little fighters from the drum family pack a punch despite their size. Most run 10-14 inches and weigh under two pounds, but they'll give you a solid tussle on light tackle. You'll find them cruising sandy and rocky bottoms in shallow water, using that little whisker under their chin to hunt crabs, worms, and small fish. Late summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. They've got this cool greenish-bronze color with dark V-shaped bars across their backs. What guests love is the challenge - they're surprisingly strong for their size and make great table fare with sweet, white meat. My go-to tip: use small pieces of clam or bloodworms on a light rig and fish right on the bottom where they feed.
Sphyrna LewiniThese iconic sharks with their distinctive "hammer" heads are fascinating to encounter, though we practice strict catch-and-release since they're protected. Females can reach up to 8 feet and 180 pounds, while males stay smaller around 6 feet. They cruise our coastal waters during the day, usually in 30-200 feet, then move offshore at night to hunt. Their wide-set eyes and special sensors help them detect prey buried in sand. Spring through fall offers the best chances when water temps are warmest. What makes them special is that unique head shape and their shy nature - they're actually quite timid around humans. Pro tip: if you spot one, move slowly and avoid sudden movements since they spook easily.
Fort Lauderdale, FL