Afternoon Fishing in Pompano Beach, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Afternoon inshore fishing targets Snapper, Kingfish, and Cobia speciesSmall group charter accommodates maximum six guests per tripDeja Vu Charters operates from scenic Pompano Beach waters
Most people think the best fishing happens at dawn, but let me tell you something – afternoon fishing off Pompano Beach is where the real action kicks in. While everyone else is heading back to shore, we're just getting started with Deja Vu Fishing Charters. The sun's higher, the water's warmed up, and those inshore species are active and hungry. We've got room for up to 6 anglers on this adventure, so grab your crew and get ready to change your mind about when fish actually bite.
This isn't your typical morning charter routine. By afternoon, the water conditions have settled, and we're targeting some seriously impressive inshore species that love the warmer temps. You'll be working the reefs, structure, and drop-offs where Snapper, Kingfish, and Cobia hang out during the heat of the day. The vibe is relaxed but focused – perfect for both seasoned anglers who want to try something different and newcomers who prefer starting their fishing journey when the sun's not beating down at 5 AM. We keep groups small at 6 people max, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the crew. Don't worry about bringing lunch – we're hitting the water when most folks are finishing up their meals anyway.
We'll be running a mix of live bait and artificial presentations depending on what's working that day. The afternoon bite often calls for different tactics than the morning rush. We're talking bottom fishing with live pinfish and pilchards for those hefty Mutton Snappers, trolling ballyhoo for Wahoo and Mahi when they're cruising the weed lines, and sight fishing with jigs and live bait when Cobia show up near the surface. The tackle setup varies by target species – medium to heavy spinning gear for the snappers and grouper, and we'll bump up to heavier conventional reels when we're after those speedsters like Wahoo. All gear is provided, but if you've got your own setup and know how to use it, bring it along. The afternoon sun creates different light conditions that actually help us spot fish behavior and structure below.
Mahi Mahi have been the afternoon standouts lately. These colorful fighters love the warmer water temps we get in the afternoons, and when you hook into a school, it's game on. They're typically running 10-25 pounds in our waters, with the occasional bull dolphin pushing 40 pounds. What makes them special is their aerial show – these fish will jump, shake, and put on a display that'll have everyone on the boat grabbing their phones. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're most active when the water hits that sweet spot temperature-wise, which often happens in the afternoon hours.
Cobia are the opportunistic bruisers that make afternoon fishing so exciting. These chocolate-brown fighters cruise the reefs and follow rays, looking for an easy meal. They average 20-40 pounds in our area, but don't be surprised if you tangle with a 50-pounder. What's awesome about Cobia is they're curious – they'll come up to investigate the boat, giving you that heart-pounding moment before the strike. They're most active from March through June, and the afternoon sun helps us spot them cruising just below the surface.
Wahoo are pure speed demons that'll test your reflexes and your drag system. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60+ mph and will strip line faster than you can blink. They typically run 15-30 pounds in our waters, with occasional giants pushing 50 pounds. The afternoon trolling bite for Wahoo can be absolutely lights-out, especially when they're feeding on the edge of the Gulf Stream. Winter through early spring is prime time, and there's nothing quite like the screaming run of a fresh Wahoo.
Mutton Snapper are the heavyweight champions of the snapper family around here. These pink-tinged beauties average 5-15 pounds but can push 20+ pounds on a good day. They're structure-oriented fish that love our local reefs, and the afternoon bite can be phenomenal when they're feeding. What makes them special is their fighting power – pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish you'll encounter. They're available year-round but really turn on during the warmer months when afternoon fishing shines.
Black Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef. These broad-shouldered fighters average 10-30 pounds and will test every knot and connection you've got. They're ambush predators that hide in the structure and absolutely crush baits. The challenge with grouper is stopping that initial run back to the rocks – it's a tug-of-war that gets your heart pumping. They're most active during the cooler months, but afternoon trips often produce when they're feeding before the evening hours.
Afternoon fishing in Pompano Beach isn't just an alternative to morning charters – it's a completely different experience that's quickly becoming a customer favorite. The combination of warmed-up water, active fish, and a more relaxed pace makes this trip perfect for anyone looking to get serious about inshore fishing without the early morning grind. With Deja Vu Fishing Charters, you're getting local knowledge, top-rated equipment, and a crew that knows exactly where to find these species when the sun's high. Whether you're a local angler looking to try something new or visiting South Florida for some world-class fishing, this afternoon adventure delivers the goods. Don't sleep on afternoon fishing – book your trip and see why more and more anglers are discovering that the best bite might just happen when everyone else is calling it a day.
The SeaHunter is your ticket to afternoon fishing success in Pompano's productive inshore waters. This 2012 center console runs on twin 300hp Mercury Verados that'll get you to the fish fast, cruising at 45 knots when needed. The elevated flybridge gives you perfect sight lines for spotting schools and structure, while the fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating Snapper, Kingfish, and Cobia. GPS keeps you on productive spots, and radar ensures safe navigation if afternoon weather rolls in. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining between bites, and there's a head onboard for longer trips. With room for 6 anglers, this boat strikes the perfect balance between fishing functionality and comfort for those afternoon sessions when the fish are hungry.
Coryphaena HippurusThese brilliant golden fish with electric blue and green markings are some of the most beautiful catches you'll see. They average 15-29 pounds and put on quite a color show when brought to the boat. We find them around floating debris and weed lines, usually in 30-100 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action here off Pompano. What makes mahi special is their aggressive fight - they'll jump and run hard once hooked. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, mild white meat. Pro tip: when you spot one, stay put and keep casting - they often travel in small schools, so where there's one, there's usually more nearby.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are pure speed demons - sleek, silver torpedoes with zebra stripes that can hit 60 mph. Most run 3-5 feet and pack serious muscle. These pelagic hunters cruise open water up to 66 feet deep, often around floating debris. Peak season here is July through November when they move closer to shore. The thrill with wahoo is that screaming run when they take your bait - nothing sounds quite like it. They're also premium eating with delicate, flaky white meat. Speed is everything with these fish, so we troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their razor teeth will slice through anything else. When one hits, hold on tight.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bulldozers of the reef - thick, powerful fish with dark rectangular blotches across olive-gray bodies. Most run over 2 feet, but they can reach 5 feet and 125 pounds. These ambush predators hang around wrecks, ledges, and reefs from 30 feet in winter to 300 feet in summer. Cold weather brings them shallow, making late fall through spring our best shots. Guests love the pure strength test - it's you versus them in a straight power match. The meat is excellent too, mild and firm. Key point: once you hook one, crank hard immediately. They'll try to get back into the rocks and break you off. Don't give them an inch or they'll win every time.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the reef - big, brown, and built like torpedoes. These fish average around 6 feet and can hit 100 pounds, making them serious fighters. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, buoys, and reefs in 30-70 feet, though they cruise shallower waters too. Spring migration and spawning season from June to August is prime time. What guests love about cobia is the sight fishing - spotting these giants just under the surface gets your heart pumping. They're also incredible table fare with firm, white meat. Here's the key: once you see one, get a bucktail jig down fast and work it right in their face - they can't resist it.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are the pink-tinted beauties of the reef world, averaging 20 inches but capable of hitting 37 inches and 34 pounds. These olive-colored fish with distinctive blue lines around their eyes love sandy areas near reefs and mangroves, typically in 130-230 feet but sometimes much shallower around inlets. They're year-round targets here, but spring and summer fishing can be outstanding. What makes muttons special is their strong, stubborn fight - they'll try to get back to structure once hooked. They're also top-notch eating. The secret is fresh bait presentation with minimal weight, letting it drift naturally in the current. When you see that pink glow coming up through the water, you know you've got one.
Pompano Beach, FL