Deep Sea Sportfishing with Don't Tell Mom
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
5hour offshore fishing trip aboard 46' Hatteras vesselTarget mahi mahi, tuna, sailfish, and sharks with professional crewAccommodates up to 6 guests with premium fishing equipment included
Looking for a solid day of offshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale? Captain Will Daley's got you covered aboard his 46-foot Hatteras "Don't Tell Mom." This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking five hours of serious fishing time targeting some of South Florida's most sought-after pelagic species. With space for up to six anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between having enough room to fish comfortably and keeping the group size manageable so everyone gets their shot at the big ones.
Captain Daley runs a professional operation from stem to stern. The 46-foot Hatteras comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day offshore – fighting chair for those bigger fish, outriggers to spread your lines wide, livewells to keep your bait frisky, and modern electronics including GPS and fishfinder to put you on the fish. You'll meet at 301 Seabreeze Blvd, and from there it's a straight shot to the blue water where the action happens. The captain and his first mate know these waters like the back of their hands, and they're not just along for the ride – they'll be actively working to put you on fish all day long. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of offshore fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Florida species to your logbook, this crew adapts their approach to match your group's experience level.
Out here in the deep water off Fort Lauderdale, trolling is king. The boat's rigged with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from screaming mahi runs to the powerful surges of a big king mackerel. The outriggers let you spread a proper trolling pattern – typically running a mix of ballyhoo, diving plugs, and maybe some strip baits depending on what's been producing. The captain reads the water constantly, looking for weedlines, color changes, and bird activity that signals feeding fish below. When you hook up, that fighting chair becomes your best friend, especially if you tie into something substantial like a wahoo or a bull shark. The first mate stays busy keeping baits fresh, clearing lines during fights, and coaching anglers through their battles. Don't worry about bringing tackle – everything's provided, from the heavy spinning gear for live bait fishing to the trolling outfits that can stop a freight train.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing, and Fort Lauderdale sits right in the heart of their migration route. These acrobatic fighters typically show up in good numbers from December through April, with peak action often happening in the cooler months when they're feeding heavily on pilchards and ballyhoo. When a sail eats your bait, you'll know it immediately – they often greyhound across the surface, tail-walking and throwing spray in all directions. Most fish run between 6-8 feet long, and the fight combines raw power with aerial displays that'll have your heart pounding.
King Mackerel, or "smoker kings" as the locals call the big ones, patrol these waters year-round but really turn on during the fall and winter months. These speed demons can stretch over 40 inches and weigh north of 30 pounds when you get into the good ones. They hit trolled baits like a freight train, often making blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Kings are excellent table fare too, so don't hesitate to keep a few for the dinner table – just watch those razor-sharp teeth when bringing them aboard.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and the chaos to any offshore trip. These brilliant gold and green fighters love floating debris, weedlines, and anything else that concentrates baitfish. During the warmer months, schools of smaller "schoolies" provide non-stop action, while the bigger bulls and cows show up throughout the year. Mahi are notorious for their aggressive feeding behavior – when you find one, there's usually more around, so the crew will work fast to capitalize on the bite before the school moves on.
Wahoo fishing separates the men from the boys when it comes to tackle and technique. These torpedo-shaped predators are arguably the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of speeds over 60 mph. They typically cruise the deeper blue water and have a preference for high-speed trolled baits – wire leaders are absolutely essential because their teeth will slice through mono like a hot knife through butter. A good wahoo will peel line off your reel faster than you thought possible, and their initial runs are legendary among offshore anglers.
Bull Sharks add some serious muscle to the mix. These apex predators aren't picky eaters and will take both live and dead baits with equal enthusiasm. What makes bulls special is their incredible strength and stamina – they don't give up easily, often making multiple powerful runs before coming to the boat. The bigger specimens can push 8-10 feet and provide a workout that'll leave your arms burning. While most are released, tangling with a bull shark is an experience that stays with you long after the trip ends.
Captain Will Daley and the Don't Tell Mom crew have built their reputation on putting anglers on fish while providing a safe, professional charter experience. Five hours gives you real time to work different areas and techniques, and with the boat's range and speed, you'll cover water that smaller boats simply can't reach. The 6-person capacity means your group gets personalized attention without feeling crowded, and the quality tackle and electronics stack the odds in your favor. Whether you're after your first sailfish, looking to tangle with a trophy king, or just want to experience what Fort Lauderdale's legendary offshore fishing is all about, this charter delivers the goods. Don't let this opportunity swim by – book your spot and get ready for some world-class offshore action in one
Set out on Fort Lauderdale's waters aboard the 46' Hatteras "Don't Tell Mom" – a serious fishing machine built for chasing mahi, tuna, and sailfish in the deep blue. Captain Will Daley's sportfisher comes loaded with everything you need: fighting chair for battling big fish, outriggers for spreading lines, live wells for keeping bait fresh, plus GPS and fish-finder to locate the action. The Detroit Diesel engines get you to the fishing grounds fast, while A/C, full galley, and onboard head keep your crew of up to 6 comfortable during those long fights. From the spacious flybridge you'll spot birds working bait schools, and the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. Whether you're targeting king mackerel on the reef or heading offshore for wahoo and sharks, this Hatteras has the range and gear to put you on fish.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the showstoppers of Fort Lauderdale waters - those iconic dorsal fins and lightning speed make them every angler's dream catch. These beauties average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, though we've seen some monsters over 100. They cruise the surface waters 30-65 feet down, especially along our famous "Sailfish Alley" from North Miami to Fort Pierce. Winter months are prime time here, when they migrate through in good numbers. What makes them special? That fight - they'll jump, dive, and put on an aerial show that'll have your adrenaline pumping. Plus they change colors during the battle, flashing blues and blacks. My tip: when one grabs your bait, let it run before setting the hook. They like to grab and shake first, so patience pays off.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the ultimate test of strength - thick, muscular predators that average 8-12 feet and 200-300 pounds of pure power. These gray bulldogs patrol shallow coastal waters year-round here in South Florida, moving into inlets, canals, and even brackish areas. Summer months are best when they're most active in our warmer waters. What makes them special is that raw, bulldogging fight - no fancy jumps, just brute force that'll wear you down. They're the apex predator experience most guests are looking for. We fish for them with heavy tackle and big baits like whole mullet, mackerel, or cut bonito. Fresh eel is my secret weapon - its high oil content drives them crazy. Set up with strong circle hooks and be ready for a long, grinding battle. These fish don't give up easy.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are speed demons that'll test your tackle and your arms. These silvery bullets typically run 20-40 pounds, but we hook into 50-60 pounders regularly. They cruise depths from 40-150 feet, often hanging around structures or temperature breaks. Fall and winter are our best seasons when they migrate down the coast in schools. What guests love about kings is that blistering first run - they'll peel line off your reel like nothing else. The meat's excellent too, firm white fillets that grill up perfect. These fish have razor-sharp teeth, so we always use wire leaders. Pro tip: rig your live bait with two hooks - one in the nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit baits from the rear, and that second hook will save you from a lot of missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure gold out there - literally. These stunning fish light up in electric blues and greens underwater, then flash that famous golden color when brought to the boat. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet, but we catch plenty of bulls over 40. They're surface dwellers, loving floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in warm water. Spring through fall is peak season here in Fort Lauderdale. Guests go crazy for mahi because they fight hard, jump like crazy, and make some of the best table fare in the ocean - mild, sweet, and firm. They're also great for families since they often travel in schools, so everyone gets action. Here's my secret: when you hook one, keep it in the water and it'll call in its buddies. We often catch multiple fish from the same school this way.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the deep - hitting lures at 50+ mph and making screaming runs that'll burn your drag. These torpedo-shaped speedsters average 30-50 pounds and 4-5 feet, with that distinctive zebra striping. We find them in open water, usually 60+ feet deep, often around drop-offs and current edges. July through November is prime time off Fort Lauderdale when they move through in good numbers. Anglers love wahoo for that blistering initial run and because they're absolutely delicious - firm, white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. High-speed trolling works best, running lures at 12-15 knots. Here's the key: use wire leaders because their razor teeth will slice through anything else in a heartbeat. When one hits, just hold on and enjoy the ride - they'll take you into your backing before you know it.
Fort Lauderdale, FL