Half Day Fishing Trip - Fort Lauderdale
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday offshore fishing targeting mahi, tuna, mackerel, and sailfishProfessional crew aboard 46foot Hatteras with premium fishing equipmentAccommodates up to six guests with fighting chair and outriggers
Captain Will Daley knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish aboard his 46' Hatteras "Don't Tell Mom." This isn't your typical charter boat experience – Will's been working these Fort Lauderdale waters for years, and his boat comes loaded with everything you need for a productive morning on the water. With room for up to six anglers, this four-hour trip strikes the perfect balance between getting out there early when the fish are active and having you back to shore with time to spare for whatever else your day holds.
You'll meet Captain Will and his first mate at 301 Seabreeze Blvd for an early morning departure, which is prime time for the species we're targeting. The "Don't Tell Mom" is set up like a proper fishing machine – she's got outriggers for spreading lines, a fighting chair for when you hook into something big, and all the livewells and electronics you'd want. Will keeps his GPS and fishfinder dialed in to the hottest spots, and he's not shy about moving around to find where the fish are biting. The first mate will handle the details like rigging baits and gaffing fish, so you can focus on what you came here for. This isn't a hands-off trip where you just hold a rod – you'll learn why certain spots produce, what the fish are feeding on, and how to work different baits depending on what we're seeing.
We'll be running a spread of lines designed to cover water and attract multiple species. The outriggers let us run baits wide, while we'll also have lines fishing different depths and positions behind the boat. Captain Will switches up the trolling pattern based on conditions – sometimes we're pulling ballyhoo, other times live bait or lures depending on what's working. The fighting chair comes into play when you hook something that wants to make long runs, like a wahoo or sailfish. You'll get hands-on experience with quality tackle that's matched to the fish we're after. The boat's fishfinder helps us locate bait schools and structure that hold fish, and Will's got the experience to read what he's seeing on the screen. We'll adjust our spread throughout the trip based on what we're marking and what kind of action we're getting.
Blackfin Tuna are some of the most reliable fighters you'll find in these waters. These fish typically run 10-20 pounds and they're absolute bulldogs once hooked. They school up around structure and bait, and when you find them, you can often catch several. The meat is excellent, and they fight way above their weight class. Best action usually happens in the morning hours, which is exactly when we'll be out there. What makes blackfins special is their speed – they'll make screaming runs and test your drag system. Atlantic Sailfish are the glamour species that every angler wants to tangle with. These fish can hit 8 feet long and put on an aerial show that'll have you scrambling for your camera. They're most active in the cooler months, and Fort Lauderdale sits right in their migration path. Most captains practice catch and release with sails, and the fight is what it's all about – long runs, jumps, and a battle that can last 20 minutes or more. King Mackerel are the bread and butter of many trips out here. These fish average 15-30 pounds but can push 50 or more. They're aggressive predators that'll hit trolled baits hard, and they're excellent eating. Kings are around most of the year, with peak action in spring and fall. They're perfect for anglers who want consistent action with good table fare. Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish, are probably the most colorful fighters in the ocean. These fish change colors when excited and are incredibly acrobatic. They school around floating debris and weed lines, and Captain Will knows how to spot the signs. Mahi are excellent eating and typically run 10-30 pounds in our waters. They're most common in the warmer months and provide fast, exciting fights. Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world. These fish can hit 60 mph and will burn line off your reel like nothing else. They're built like torpedoes and have razor-sharp teeth. Most wahoo here run 20-40 pounds, and they're considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean. They're less predictable than other species but when you hook one, you'll never forget the initial run.
Captain Will's morning trips consistently produce fish because he understands the timing, the tides, and the seasonal patterns that drive success in Fort Lauderdale waters. The "Don't Tell Mom" is equipped for serious fishing, and Will's first mate ensures every detail is handled professionally. Whether you're looking to put fish in the cooler, experience the fight of a lifetime with a sailfish, or just spend a few hours learning from someone who really knows these waters, this trip delivers. The four-hour window gives you prime fishing time without eating up your whole day, and the six-person limit means you won't be crowded at the rail when the action heats up. Don't wait too long to book – the good captains in Fort Lauderdale stay busy, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot.
Cast off aboard the 46-foot Hatteras "Don't Tell Mom" for some serious fishing action in Fort Lauderdale waters. This well-rigged sportfisher comes loaded with everything you need to hook into mahi, tuna, mackerel, sailfish, and sharks. Twin Detroit Diesel engines power you to the fishing grounds while outriggers spread your lines wide for maximum coverage. When you hook up, settle into the fighting chair and battle your catch with confidence. The boat's equipped with live wells to keep your bait fresh, plus GPS and fish-finder electronics to locate the best action. Between strikes, stay cool with onboard AC, grab cold drinks from the refrigerator, and take advantage of the full galley and head. The flybridge offers great visibility for spotting birds and baitfish. Captain Will and his crew know these waters inside out, putting you on fish while handling all the details. Up to 6 anglers can fish comfortably with plenty of deck space to work the rods. Whether you're after pelagic speedsters offshore or reef dwellers closer to shore, this Hatteras has the range and equipment to make it happen.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of our waters here - they average 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, but it's that massive dorsal fin and blistering speed that makes them special. We find them cruising the 30-100 foot range along current edges and temperature breaks, with peak season running November through April when they migrate through our area. The fight is what draws people back - they'll tail-walk, make long runs, and put on an aerial show like no other fish. Plus, they're catch-and-release only, so you're part of conservation. My advice: when we get a bite, resist the urge to horse them. Keep steady pressure but let them run. A tired sailfish is much easier to handle for a safe release than one you've fought too hard.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, averaging 20-30 pounds with occasional fish hitting 40+. They're beautiful fish with dark backs, silver bellies, and that signature gold stripe that fades once they're out of the water. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water over structure and drop-offs, especially during fall through spring when they move into our warmer coastal waters. These fish are absolute bulldogs - they'll give you a serious fight on medium tackle and the meat is top-notch for sashimi or grilling. Here's the key: scale down your tackle and use fluorocarbon leaders. Their eyesight is sharp, so lighter 30-40lb fluoro and smaller circle hooks will get more bites than heavy wire.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll average 15-30 pounds, with bigger fish in the 40-50 pound range showing up regularly. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths along ledges and structure, feeding heavily on baitfish. Best action is typically fall through spring when water temps are in the 70s. What makes kings special is their explosive strike and sustained runs - they're built for speed and will test your drag system. The meat is excellent grilled or blackened, though larger fish can have higher mercury levels. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks - one in the bait's nose, one trailing behind. Kings often hit the tail section of live bait, so that trailing hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are hands down one of the most exciting fish we target - they average 15-25 pounds but can push 40+, and their colors are absolutely stunning until they fade after the catch. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in blue water, usually within 20 miles of shore. Peak season is late spring through early fall when they follow the Gulf Stream north. What makes mahi special is their aggressive nature and acrobatic fight, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. They often travel in schools, so when you hook one, keep other lines ready. Here's my secret: always troll past floating debris slowly, then circle back. Mahi will often follow the boat, and that second pass triggers strikes from fish that were just curious the first time.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the reef - they'll average 20-40 pounds but can hit 60+ and reach speeds of 50+ mph. We target them along the reef line in 60-200 feet, especially around structure and drop-offs. July through November is prime time when they're most active in our waters. The initial strike is violent and the runs are blistering fast - your reel will scream like nothing else. The meat is premium table fare, white and flaky with a mild taste that's perfect for fish tacos or grilling. You need wire leaders because their teeth will slice through anything else. My tip: troll fast, around 12-15 knots with diving plugs or skirted ballyhoo. Most wahoo are caught on the outside lines of your spread, so keep those riggers wide.
Fort Lauderdale, FL