Full Day Deep Sea Fishing Fort Lauderdale
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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.
Trolling Tactics & Gear
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.
Top Catches This Season
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.
Time to Book Your Spot
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.