Private 4 Hour Sportfishing In Pompano Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Sailfish, and other premium species offshore47foot sportfish accommodates up to 6 guests for 4hour tripsLive bait available for purchase to maximize fishing success
Picture this: you're heading out on a world-class 47-foot sportfish with Don't Panic Sport Fishing, coffee still warm in your hands, watching the Pompano Beach coastline fade behind you. For the next four hours, you and up to five buddies have the entire boat to yourselves, chasing some of the Atlantic's most prized gamefish. This isn't your average half-day charter—this is serious offshore action where sailfish dance on their tails, mahi light up in electric blues and greens, and kingfish make blistering runs that'll test your drag settings. Whether you've been fishing these waters for decades or you're still learning to work a reel, our top-rated crew knows exactly where to put you on fish.
Once we clear the inlet, you'll feel that familiar rumble of twin diesels settling into cruise speed as we head to the fishing grounds. The 47-footer cuts through the swells like butter, giving you a stable platform that makes fighting fish a pure joy instead of a wrestling match with the boat. Your captain reads the water like a favorite book—watching for temperature breaks, current lines, and bird activity that signal where the action's happening. The atmosphere stays relaxed but focused; this is your time to disconnect from everything onshore and get into that fishing rhythm where hours feel like minutes. We keep the group small at six anglers max, so there's plenty of room to work a fish without bumping elbows, and everyone gets quality time with the rod.
We run a proven spread of lures and teasers designed to trigger strikes from pelagic predators cruising the blue water. Our trolling setup typically includes ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, colorful skirted lures that mimic flying fish, and diving plugs that work different levels of the water column. When the bite gets tough or we want to target specific structure, we'll switch to live bait fishing—and trust me, there's nothing like watching a sailfish light up a live goggle-eye or seeing a big mahi crush a pilchard. Live bait is available for purchase at an additional cost, but it's worth every penny when conditions call for it. The crew handles all the rigging, net work, and tackle management, so you can focus on what matters: feeling that rod load up and hearing the reel sing.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida sportfishing, and Pompano Beach sits right in their migration highway. These magnificent fish average 6-8 feet long and put on an aerial show that'll have you fumbling for your phone camera. Peak season runs from December through April when cooler water temps push baitfish close to shore and the sails follow. What makes them special isn't just their size—it's the way they fight, greyhounding across the surface in a series of spectacular jumps that can cover 100 yards of ocean. Customer favorite for a reason: landing your first sailfish is a rite of passage that serious anglers never forget.
King Mackerel, or "kings" as we call them locally, are the speed demons of the reef. These silver torpedoes can hit 40 mph and make runs that'll empty half your spool before you know what happened. Spring and fall bring the best king fishing, when schools of 15-30 pounders patrol the drop-offs looking for easy meals. They're not picky eaters, but they are smart—kings have incredible eyesight and will inspect your bait before committing. The payoff comes when one finally eats: kings fight dirty, using their speed and the current to try every trick in the book. Plus, they're excellent table fare when handled properly, making them a top pick for anglers who like to eat what they catch.
Mahi Mahi, also called dolphinfish or dorado, are pure eye candy with their electric colors and acrobatic fighting style. These fish are nomads, following floating debris, weed lines, and current edges throughout the year, with peak action typically in spring and early summer. What makes mahi special is their habit of traveling in schools—find one and you'll often find a dozen. They average 10-20 pounds offshore Pompano Beach, but 30-pounders show up regularly. Mahi are aggressive feeders that'll eat almost anything, but they're also notorious for their short attention spans. When you hook into a school, the action can be non-stop for 20 minutes, then suddenly they're gone, leaving you wondering if it really happened.
Wahoo are the ghosts of the offshore world—incredibly fast, surprisingly smart, and absolutely devastating when they decide to eat your bait. These fish are built for speed, with a torpedo-shaped body and razor-sharp teeth that can slice through wire like butter. Wahoo fishing peaks in fall and winter when they move into South Florida waters, often showing up around temperature breaks and current edges. They're not the most common catch, but when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. Wahoo make one explosive run that can peel off 200 yards of line in seconds, then they'll fight deep and strong all the way to the boat. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best in the ocean, making them a prized catch for both sport and table.
Great Barracuda might not win beauty contests, but they're pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These toothy predators patrol the reefs and structure year-round, using their incredible speed and aggression to ambush prey. Barracuda are visual hunters that'll often follow lures for long distances before striking, giving you a front-row seat to their predatory behavior. When they finally commit, it's explosive—barracuda can reach 35 mph in short bursts and will jump, run, and thrash with surprising power for their size. They're also one of the most reliable species in our waters, meaning
The Don't Panic is a fully restored 47' Buddy Davis sportfishing machine that'll get you to the best fishing grounds off Pompano Beach. This classic 1986 beauty runs on twin 450HP Detroit engines, cruising smoothly at 20 knots to where the mahi, tuna, and sailfish are biting. The 2022 restoration means you get all the modern comforts - A/C to beat the Florida heat, a multimedia system for your downtime, and a full galley with fridge and icebox for your catch and cold drinks. The flybridge gives your captain perfect visibility to spot fish and navigate, while the onboard fish finder and GPS take the guesswork out of locating your next trophy. With radar for those afternoon storms and a comfortable cabin complete with bed and head, you're set for serious offshore action. This boat handles up to 6 anglers, so bring your crew and get ready to battle some serious gamefish in the deep blue waters off South Florida's coast.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the speed demons of our waters, hitting up to 35 mph and averaging 7-8 feet long. These blue-gray beauties with their signature sail-like dorsal fin hunt in 30-65 feet, often near the surface where they corral baitfish. Winter through spring gives us our best action when they migrate through. What makes them special is the fight - they'll jump, dive, and put on a real show once hooked. The meat's decent, but most folks release these magnificent fish. Pro tip: when you see that sail pop up, don't rush the hookset. Let them take the bait and run a bit first, then set the hook firm. They'll try to shake it right off, so be ready for that first explosive jump.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the neighborhood bullies - aggressive, fast, and always looking for trouble. These silver missiles average 2-4 feet but can push 6 feet and 50 pounds. We find them around reefs, grass flats, and structure in 10-80 feet. They're here year-round, but spring and summer offer the most consistent action. Guests enjoy the explosive strikes and hard initial fight, though they tire quickly. They're curious fish that'll follow lures and often hit right at the boat. The trick is using a wire leader and not being afraid to work your lure fast and erratic - they like aggressive presentations. When one follows your bait, speed up rather than slow down. That sudden burst of speed usually triggers the strike.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are some of our most popular targets, averaging 20-40 pounds with the big girls pushing 50-plus. These silver speedsters with razor-sharp teeth cruise 40-150 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks. Fall and winter are prime time when they move through in good numbers. What guests love is the initial screaming run - they'll peel line like crazy before settling into a solid fight. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm white meat. The key trick here is running a stinger hook rig since kings love to bite the tail end of your bait. Thread that ballyhoo or use a wire leader with dual hooks - one in the nose, one trailing behind. They'll cut you off in a heartbeat without proper wire.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure gold - literally. These colorful fish average 15-30 pounds and put on a light show when brought to the boat. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges, usually in 100-600 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit 75-80 degrees. Guests love them for the acrobatic fight and the fact they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean - mild, sweet, and firm. They often travel in schools, so when you hook one, keep lines in the water. My go-to tip: look for frigate birds working debris piles. Where there's birds diving, there's usually mahi below feeding on the same baitfish.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and average 30-50 pounds. We target them in 60-200 feet, often around drop-offs and current edges. Winter months bring the best wahoo fishing when they move closer to shore. What makes them special is that blistering initial run and the fact they're premium table fare - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're solitary hunters, so it's usually one at a time. The secret is high-speed trolling with wire leaders - their razor teeth will slice through anything else. Run your lures at 12-15 knots, and when one hits, it's like getting struck by lightning. Keep that drag tight and be ready for a fight.
Pompano Beach, FL