Charter Fishing Pompano Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour offshore charter targeting snapper, grouper, and sailfishAll fishing gear and licensing included with tripSixperson capacity with Fish And Dip Charter
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of a top-rated charter boat, the Florida sun warming your back as we head out beyond the breakers into the deep blue waters off Pompano Beach. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to tangle with some of the Atlantic's most prized gamefish. Our 4-hour offshore charters put you right in the action, whether you're an experienced angler or just getting your feet wet. We've got everything covered, from your fishing license to all the gear you'll need, so you can focus on what really matters: landing the catch of a lifetime.
When you step aboard with Fish And Dip Charter, you're getting the full Pompano Beach offshore experience. We'll cruise out to our proven fishing grounds where the continental shelf drops off and the big fish roam. The waters here are legendary among South Florida anglers, and for good reason – this is where the Gulf Stream brings in nutrient-rich currents that attract everything from schooling mahi to trophy sailfish. Our morning trips typically launch around sunrise when the bite is often most active, while afternoon charters take advantage of the shifting currents and feeding patterns that kick in later in the day. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out and work different techniques without crowding each other. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading the conditions and adjusting our strategy based on what the fish are telling us that day.
We run a mix of fishing methods designed to put you on the most fish possible during our time out there. Trolling is a huge part of what we do – we'll have multiple lines out at different depths, covering water and searching for active schools of mahi, kingfish, and wahoo. The spread typically includes a combination of ballyhoo, strip baits, and lures that mimic the baitfish these predators can't resist. When we mark fish on the finder or spot a weedline holding life, we'll switch gears to live bait fishing or vertical jigging. The tackle we provide is perfectly matched to the species we're targeting – medium-heavy spinning and conventional setups that can handle anything from a scrappy cobia to a jumping sailfish. Circle hooks are the standard for live bait work, while we'll rig up with J-hooks when the situation calls for it. Don't worry if you're not familiar with offshore techniques – our crew will get you rigged up and walk you through everything from setting the hook to fighting the fish properly.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing, and Pompano Beach sits right in the heart of their migration route. These acrobatic fighters typically show up in good numbers from November through April, with peak action often happening in the winter months when cooler water pushes baitfish closer to shore. What makes sailfish so special isn't just their size – though a typical fish runs 6-7 feet long and 40-60 pounds – it's the spectacular fight they put up. When a sail eats your bait, get ready for a show of jumping, tail-walking, and line-peeling runs that'll have your heart pounding. We fish for them primarily with live pilchards and goggle-eyes, either kite fishing or slow-trolling depending on conditions.
King Mackerel, or "smoker kings" as we call the big ones, are year-round residents that always seem hungry. These toothy predators can range from schoolie-sized fish around 10-15 pounds up to genuine monsters pushing 40-50 pounds or more. Spring and fall tend to produce the biggest kings, but you can catch them any time of year off Pompano. They're ambush feeders that love structure and bait schools, hitting trolled baits with authority and making screaming runs that'll test your drag system. Kings are also fantastic tablefare when handled properly, making them a customer favorite for anglers who like to take fish home.
Mahi Mahi, or common dolphinfish, are pure excitement on the end of a line. These colorful fighters typically arrive with warmer water, peaking from late spring through early fall, though we can find them year-round when conditions are right. Dolphin are school fish, so when you hook one, there's usually more around – we'll keep one fish in the water while everyone else gets rigged up for multiple hookups. They're also some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean, with brilliant gold, green, and blue colors that light up when they're fighting. Most mahi we catch range from 5-20 pounds, but bigger bulls over 30 pounds show up regularly.
Cobia are the chameleons of the offshore world – these brown, shark-looking fish are incredibly curious and will often swim right up to the boat to check us out. Peak season runs from March through June, when big females loaded with eggs move through our area. These fish are strong, stubborn fighters that use their broad tails to make powerful runs toward structure. What really sets cobia apart is their personality – they're intelligent fish that often follow rays and sharks, looking for stirred-up prey. A typical cobia runs 25-40 pounds, but 50-pounders aren't uncommon during the spring run.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of offshore bottom fishing, though their season is heavily regulated and typically runs just a few days per year in federal waters. When the season is open, these crimson-colored fighters are absolute dynamite on the bottom rigs. They school around wrecks and hard bottom in 80-200 feet of water, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Snapper fight hard for their size, using their broad sides to bulldoze toward the bottom while you try to keep them out of the structure. Most red snapper run 2-8 pounds, but the occasional whopper over 10 pounds keeps things interesting.
Ready to chase some serious fish off Pompano Beach? Our 36-foot Yellowfin center console gets you to the deep water fast with triple 300HP Mercury Verados pushing her at 54 knots. This beauty was built in 2012 and completely restored in 2022, so she's dialed in for offshore action. We're talking snapper, grouper, kingfish, sailfish, wahoo, mahi-mahi, and cobia – whatever's biting in South Florida waters. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably with plenty of room to work the rails. Fish finder and GPS get us on the bite, while radar keeps us safe if weather rolls in. Ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. Even has a head onboard for longer trips. All your tackle, bait, and licenses are covered – just bring yourself and get ready to bend some rods. Four-hour morning and afternoon trips put you right where the fish are feeding.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the rockstars of offshore fishing here in South Florida. These gorgeous fish average around 7-8 feet and 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin and brilliant blue colors that shift as they fight. We find them year-round in our waters between 30-150 feet, but winter months from December through April are prime time when they school up and feed heavily. What makes sailfish so special is their lightning speed and acrobatic jumps - they'll leap clear out of the water multiple times during the fight. They're catch-and-release only, but the photos and memories last forever. My tip: when we hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse it - let the fish tire itself out with those spectacular jumps, then work it in slowly.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of the reef - dark brown sharks look-alikes that can really surprise you with their power. These fish average 30-50 pounds but can push 80+ pounds, and they're built like submarines with broad shoulders and attitude to match. We find them around wrecks, reefs, and floating structure in 30-100 feet of water, especially during their spring migration from March through May. What makes cobia fishing exciting is the sight-fishing aspect - we'll spot them cruising just under the surface and pitch baits right to them. They're also some of the finest eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and swordfish. Here's my secret: cobia are curious fish, so when we see one, I'll throw the boat in neutral and let it come investigate us before making the cast.
Scomberomorus CavallaKingfish are speed demons that'll test your tackle and your arms. These silver bullets typically run 15-30 pounds around Pompano, though we catch 40-50 pounders regularly in the deeper water from 60-150 feet. They're here year-round but really turn on during the cooler months from October through March. What guests love about kings is their blistering initial run - they'll strip 100 yards of line before you know what hit you. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. We target them with live bait like blue runners or slow-troll with spoons and diving plugs. Pro tip: always use a wire leader - those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When one hits, hold on tight because the ride's just getting started.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure eye candy with their electric gold and green colors that light up like a neon sign when they're hooked. These beauties typically run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet long around here. We find them in the blue water from spring through fall, usually around floating debris, weed lines, or anywhere the current breaks. They're surface feeders, so we often spot them jumping and splashing before we even cast. What makes mahi special is their aggressive fight combined with some of the best eating in the ocean - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. My go-to tip: once we hook the first one, leave it in the water while we cast to its buddies - they'll follow their hooked friend right to the boat.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing - those bright red colors and big eyes make them easy to spot in the box. These reef dwellers typically run 2-8 pounds in our area, though we catch some real doormat-sized fish pushing 15+ pounds on the deeper structure. You'll find them on hard bottom, wrecks, and artificial reefs in 60-200 feet, and they bite best during the cooler months from October through March. What guests love about snapper fishing is the steady action and fantastic table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for any recipe. They're scrappy fighters too, using that broad body to bulldoze toward the bottom. My best tip: use circle hooks with fresh cut bait, and when you feel that telltale snapper thump, don't jerk - just start reeling steadily and let the circle hook do its job.
Deerfield Beach, FL