Full Day Deep Sea Fishing Fort Lauderdale
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing aboard 46' Hatteras with Captain Will DaleyTarget sailfish, mahi mahi, tuna, sharks using professional equipmentAccommodates up to 6 guests with first mate and fighting chair
Captain Will Daley knows these waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard his 46-foot Hatteras "Don't Tell Mom," you're setting yourself up for one of the best offshore fishing experiences South Florida has to offer. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting started when it's time to head back. Eight full hours on the water means we're heading out to where the big fish live, and you'll have plenty of time to get into some serious action with sailfish, mahi, tuna, and whatever else decides to bite.
The "Don't Tell Mom" is set up exactly how a serious fishing boat should be. You've got a proper fighting chair for when something big decides to test your drag, outriggers that let us spread our lines wide and cover more water, and twin live wells to keep your bait fresh and frisky all day long. The first mate knows his stuff too – he'll be there to help you with everything from rigging baits to gaffing fish, so whether you're a seasoned angler or this is your first time targeting pelagics, you're in good hands. We're launching from 301 Seabreeze Boulevard, which puts us close to some of Fort Lauderdale's most productive fishing grounds. The Garmin GPS and Furuno fish-finder aren't just fancy electronics – they're what help us locate structure, bait schools, and temperature breaks where the fish stack up.
Out here in blue water, trolling is the name of the game. We'll be pulling a spread of lures and rigged baits at different depths and distances to cover the water column. The outriggers let us run lines way out to the sides without tangles, while we might pull a few closer to the boat on the flat lines. Captain Will adjusts our trolling speed based on what we're targeting – sailfish like it a bit slower, while wahoo prefer when we pick up the pace. The live wells come into play when we find a good piece of structure or a weed line where we can stop and chunk bait or fly-line some live offerings. The fighting chair isn't just for show either – when you hook into a big bull shark or a decent-sized sailfish, having that back support and leverage makes all the difference in the world.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing, and Fort Lauderdale sits right in the middle of their winter highway. These acrobatic billfish show up in good numbers from December through March, and there's nothing quite like watching one come completely out of the water on its first jump. They're not huge fish – most run 6 to 8 feet – but they make up for size with pure athleticism. We typically target them with live pilchards or goggle-eyes, either slow-trolled or kite-fished when conditions are right. King mackerel are another customer favorite, especially the smoker kings we get in fall and winter. These fish can stretch over 40 inches and provide some serious drag-screaming runs. They're also excellent table fare, which makes them a hit with families who want to take something home for dinner. Mahi mahi, or dolphin as the locals call them, are probably the most reliable action we see out here. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. The bulls can push 30 pounds, and they're absolutely gorgeous fish with those electric blues and greens. Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting 60 mph when they want to. They've got razor-sharp teeth and a nasty habit of cutting you off if your leader isn't heavy enough, but when everything comes together, they're one of the best-eating fish in the ocean. Bull sharks keep things interesting when the fishing gets slow. These bruisers can weigh several hundred pounds and will test every inch of your tackle and technique.
Eight hours offshore with Captain Will aboard a top-rated Hatteras is exactly what serious anglers dream about. You're getting access to some of the most productive fishing grounds on the East Coast, professional-grade equipment, and the kind of local knowledge that only comes from years of working these waters. The boat accommodates up to six guests, making it perfect for families, groups of friends, or corporate trips where everyone wants to get in on the action. Fort Lauderdale's offshore fishing scene is world-class for good reason – we've got the Gulf Stream close to shore, consistent bait populations, and year-round opportunities for multiple species. This full-day trip gives you the best shot at experiencing everything our waters have to offer. Whether you're looking to check sailfish off your bucket list, stock the freezer with mahi and wahoo, or just spend a day doing some serious fishing with people who know what they're doing, this is your chance to get out there and see what all the fuss is about.
Step aboard the 46' Hatteras "Don't Tell Mom" and get ready to chase some serious fish in Fort Lauderdale's blue waters. Captain Will Daley knows these offshore grounds like the back of his hand, and this sportfisher is rigged to handle whatever's biting. Twin Detroit Diesels push you out to the good spots while outriggers spread your lines wide for trolling action. When something big hits, settle into the fighting chair and let the battle begin. Two live wells keep your bait frisky, while the Garmin GPS and Furuno fish-finder help locate the hotspots where sailfish, mahi, tuna, and kings are cruising. Between hookups, cool off in the air conditioning, grab a cold drink from the fridge, or head up to the flybridge for a better view. With room for six anglers, a helpful first mate, and all the amenities including a full galley and head, this boat turns a long day of fishing into pure comfort on the water.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of our waters here - these spectacular fish average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, though we've seen some push over 100. You'll find them in 30-150 feet of water, often near the surface where they hunt baitfish. Winter through spring offers our best action when they migrate through South Florida's "Sailfish Alley." What makes them special? That iconic dorsal fin and their ability to hit 30+ mph speeds, plus they put on a show with jumps and long runs that'll test your endurance. They're catch-and-release only, but the fight is what you're after anyway. Pro tip: when we're teasing one up, keep that bait moving naturally - they're smart and will turn away from anything that looks fake.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the ultimate power fighters - thick, muscular sharks that average 6-9 feet and 200-400 pounds of pure strength. We find them in 20-80 feet around structure, drop-offs, and anywhere baitfish concentrate. Summer months are prime when they move into our warmer waters. What sets them apart is their incredible pulling power and stamina - these fights can last an hour or more. It's all catch-and-release, but the experience of battling one of the ocean's apex predators is unforgettable. They're not picky eaters, but fresh chunks of bonito, mackerel, or whole mullet work best. Key tip: use heavy tackle and let them run initially - trying to muscle them too early will just result in broken line or pulled hooks.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are some of the hardest-fighting fish we target out here, typically running 20-40 pounds with occasional giants over 60. You'll find them from 40-150 feet deep around structure, weedlines, and temperature breaks. Fall through spring is prime time when cooler water brings them closer to shore. These silver bullets can hit 40+ mph and make blistering runs that'll smoke your drag. They're also fantastic table fare - firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill or fish tacos. The key to landing kings is using wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through anything else in seconds. We like to troll live bait or spoons, and when one hits, hang on tight because they don't give up easy.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure gold - literally and figuratively. These beautiful fish average 15-30 pounds and light up in brilliant yellows and greens when hooked. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100-300 feet of water. Spring through fall is peak season when they follow the warm water north. Guests love them for their acrobatic fights and premium eating quality - sweet, firm white meat that's restaurant-grade. Males have that distinctive square head while females are more rounded. Here's the trick: when you hook one, leave it in the water briefly because they often travel in schools. We'll circle back with different baits and often boat several from the same spot.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and average 30-50 pounds, though we've caught some over 80. They cruise the blue water beyond 200 feet, often around drop-offs and current edges. July through November is our best window here in South Florida. What makes them special is that blistering initial run and their premium table quality - flaky white meat that's even better than mahi. They're solitary hunters with razor teeth, so we always use heavy wire leaders. The secret is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with diving lures or rigged ballyhoo. When one hits, it's usually over quick - they either break off immediately or you land them fast.
Fort Lauderdale, FL