Tournament Fishing in Pompano Beach, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Tournament fishing adventures off Pompano Beach watersOffshore charters accommodate up to six guests comfortablyCaptain Anthony specializes in deep sea fishing experiences
Captain Anthony knows these South Florida waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. When you step aboard with Deja Vu Fishing Charters, you're not just booking another fishing trip - you're signing up for tournament-level action in one of Florida's hottest offshore fishing destinations. Whether you're prepping for competition or just want to experience what champion anglers chase, this 6-angler max trip puts you right in the thick of Pompano Beach's legendary pelagic action.
This isn't your typical half-day charter where you're racing against the clock. Captain Anthony runs these trips with tournament mentality - that means serious fishing with the kind of focus and technique that wins prizes. You'll head out into the deep blue where the Gulf Stream brings in the big players: mahi, wahoo, blackfin tuna, and yellowtail amberjack. The boat's rigged and ready with tournament-grade tackle, and Captain Anthony's got the local knowledge to put you where the fish are feeding. Expect to cover water, work different depths, and adapt tactics based on what the fish are telling you. This is hands-on fishing where you'll learn why South Florida produces so many tournament champions.
Tournament fishing is all about presentation and persistence, and Captain Anthony runs a tight ship when it comes to technique. You'll be working with a spread of baits - everything from rigged ballyhoo and bonito strips to high-speed lures that trigger reaction strikes from wahoo and mahi. The boat's equipped with outriggers to spread your lines wide and downriggers to get baits down in the water column where the tuna cruise. You'll learn how to read the water, watch for bird activity, and recognize the signs that fish are in the area. When something hits, you're fighting it on quality spinning and conventional reels that can handle the blistering runs these offshore species are famous for. Captain Anthony will coach you through the fight, but make no mistake - you're doing the work.
Mahi mahi are the bread and butter of South Florida tournament fishing, and for good reason. These fish are aggressive, acrobatic, and absolutely stunning when they light up during the fight. Mahi travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. They love structure - floating sargassum, debris lines, or any kind of current break. Peak season runs spring through fall, but you can find them year-round in these waters. What makes mahi special is their willingness to eat just about anything and their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Plus, they're fantastic table fare, making them a favorite among tournament anglers who value both the fight and the dinner.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of blistering runs that can empty a reel in seconds. These torpedo-shaped predators patrol the edges of reefs and drop-offs, ambushing baitfish with lightning-fast strikes. Winter months are prime time for wahoo in South Florida waters, when cooler temperatures bring them in closer to shore. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth and their ability to cut through leaders, which is why Captain Anthony uses wire or heavy fluorocarbon. The initial run of a wahoo is something every angler should experience - pure, raw power that tests both your tackle and your nerves.
Yellowtail amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep, using their broad shoulders and powerful swimming ability to test your endurance. These fish hang around structure - reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs where they can ambush prey. They're year-round residents in South Florida, but spring and fall offer the best action when they're most active. Yellowtail fights are all about stamina - they don't jump like mahi or run like wahoo, but they'll pull steady and hard, trying to get back to the safety of structure. Tournament anglers love them because they're reliable, hard-fighting fish that can make the difference in a competition.
Blackfin tuna might be the smallest of the tuna species you'll encounter, but they make up for size with attitude. These fish are scrappy fighters that punch well above their weight class, making long runs and using their speed to try and break free. They're year-round residents in South Florida waters, often found in schools around baitfish concentrations. Blackfin respond well to both trolled baits and live offerings, and their dark, rich meat makes them highly prized for sashimi. In tournament fishing, they're valued for their consistent availability and the technical skills required to consistently hook up with them.
Captain Anthony's tournament-style charters fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when the bite is hottest. This is top-rated offshore fishing with a captain who understands what it takes to be successful on the water. You're getting world-class fishing instruction, quality tackle, and access to some of the best fishing grounds in South Florida. Whether you're sharpening your skills for actual tournament competition or just want to experience fishing at the highest level, this trip delivers the goods. The 6-angler limit means you get personalized attention and plenty of rod time. Book now and get ready to see why Pompano Beach produces so many fishing champions.
Captain Anthony's SeaHunter is your ticket to serious offshore tournament fishing in Pompano Beach waters. This 2012 center console runs on twin 300hp Mercury Verado motors that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, hitting 45 knots when conditions are right. The boat's rigged with everything you need for a successful day chasing trophy fish - GPS to mark your spots, radar for those early morning runs, and a quality fish finder to locate the action below. The flybridge gives you that extra height advantage when scanning for birds and bait, while the multimedia system keeps everyone entertained during longer runs. With space for up to 6 anglers and a head onboard for comfort, this setup is built for tournament-level fishing. Captain Anthony knows these South Florida waters inside and out, and his passion for putting clients on fish shows in every trip. Whether you're after mahi, sailfish, or whatever's running offshore, the SeaHunter has the speed and equipment to get you there and back with a cooler full of memories.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep, hitting 60 mph and averaging 3-5 feet long. We find them in 60-200 feet around structure and drop-offs, especially during our cooler months from July through November. These fish are loners or travel in small groups, and when they hit your bait at high speed, you'll know it. What sets them apart is that blistering initial run and their razor-sharp teeth - they'll slice through regular leader like butter. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - perfect for fish tacos. Most anglers love the challenge because wahoo are picky eaters with great eyesight. My go-to technique is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders and diving lures. The key is keeping your baits moving fast - slow presentations rarely work on these fish.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the scrappy little brothers of the tuna family, typically running 10-20 pounds with that classic tuna fight in a smaller package. They school up in 100-400 feet of water near drop-offs and current edges, with peak action during fall, winter, and spring months. These fish are fierce fighters that punch well above their weight class, making long runs and testing your drag system. The dark red meat has that rich tuna flavor that's perfect fresh or for sushi. They're also one of the most willing biters in the tuna family. Best technique is chunking with live pilchards or small ballyhoo on light fluorocarbon leaders - their eyesight is sharp so scale down your tackle. Circle hooks in the 5/0-6/0 range work best, and don't be afraid to get them fired up with some live chum first.
Seriola LalandiYellowtails are powerful swimmers that'll test your tackle and your patience. They typically run 15-25 pounds, though we see some pushing 40+ during peak season. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and kelp beds in 60-200 feet of water, especially during warmer summer months. What makes them a favorite is that dogged fight - they're strong, fast, and won't give up easy. The meat is rich and oily, prized for sushi and steaks. These fish respond well to live bait like sardines or mackerel, but they'll also hit jigs and artificials. Here's the trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them up too fast. They'll try to dive back into structure and break you off. Use heavy tackle and be ready for a long fight - they earned their reputation as tackle busters.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here, with brilliant gold sides and electric blues that shift colors as they fight. They average 15-29 pounds but can hit 80+ in tournament waters. These fish love floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 100-500 feet of water. Peak season runs March through November when they're thick along the Gulf Stream edge. What makes them special is that explosive topwater strike and the way they leap clear out of the water multiple times during the fight. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, sweet white meat. Pro tip: when you see frigate birds working debris piles, get your ballyhoo out there quick - mahi are probably feeding underneath and they go crazy for a bait skipping on the surface like a flying fish.
Pompano Beach, FL