Pompano Beach Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing charter targeting Snapper, Grouper, and KingfishExperienced crew provides local expertise and fishing licensesSmall group adventure accommodates up to 6 guests
Picture yourself casting lines in the deep blue waters off Pompano Beach, where the Gulf Stream's warm currents create perfect hunting grounds for some of Florida's most prized game fish. Fish And Dip Charter's offshore trips put you right where the action happens – miles out where the big boys live and feed. With our seasoned crew navigating these waters daily, you're not just booking a fishing trip; you're signing up for a masterclass in offshore angling. We keep groups small at just six anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from our guides who've been working these reefs and wrecks for years.
Your day starts early when we fire up the engines and head out into the Atlantic. The ride out gives you time to rig up, talk strategy with the captain, and watch the sunrise paint the ocean in shades of gold and pink. Once we hit our fishing zones – anywhere from 80 to 200 feet of water – the real fun begins. This isn't your typical pier fishing experience. Out here, you're dealing with structure fishing around reefs, wrecks, and ledges where trophy fish hang out. The water changes color from green nearshore to that deep cobalt blue that gets every angler's heart racing. Weather plays a big role in where we fish each day, but that's the beauty of having local knowledge. Our captains read the conditions and adjust the game plan to put you on fish, whether that means working the northern reefs or running south to productive bottom structure.
We fish multiple techniques depending on what's biting and where we find the action. Bottom fishing with heavy tackle is the bread and butter for targeting grouper and snapper around structure. We're talking circle hooks, heavy sinkers, and live bait or cut bait presented right where these fish live. For the pelagic species like mahi and tuna, we'll run trolling patterns with colorful lures and ballyhoo rigs that trigger aggressive strikes. When the bite gets tough, we might switch to live bait fishing with goggle eyes or pilchards. The tackle we provide is commercial-grade stuff that can handle the punishment these fish dish out. Penn and Shimano reels spooled with quality line, rods matched to the technique, and terminal tackle that won't let you down when that fish of a lifetime grabs your bait. Your fishing license is covered, and we supply everything you need to fish effectively. Just bring your appetite for action and maybe some snacks and drinks for the day.
Mahi Mahi, also called common dolphinfish, are absolute crowd pleasers and one of the most sought-after species in these waters. These fish are pure gold and green beauty when they come to the boat, and they fight like nothing else in the ocean. Mahi love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, which we find consistently off Pompano Beach from late spring through early fall. They're schooling fish, so when you find one, there's usually more around. What makes mahi special isn't just their stunning colors – it's their acrobatic fight. These fish will jump, run, and shake their heads like they're trying to throw the hook. Plus, they're fantastic table fare, which makes the whole experience even better.
Cobia are the ultimate challenge fish that serious anglers dream about hooking. These brown sharks, as some folks call them, can reach impressive sizes – we're talking fish that can push 50 pounds or more. Cobia are curious fish that often swim right up to the boat, giving you a shot at sight fishing when conditions are right. They love structure, especially around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris. Spring and early summer are prime time for cobia fishing off Pompano Beach, when these fish are moving along the coast. What gets anglers fired up about cobia is their power – they make long, determined runs that test your drag system and your arms. They're also excellent eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling.
Mutton Snapper represent the premium end of the snapper family, and they're a real prize when you can get them to bite. These fish are notoriously finicky and smart, which makes landing one a genuine accomplishment. Muttons have distinctive blue lines along their sides and can grow to impressive sizes around the deeper reefs and wrecks we fish. They're typically more active during warmer months and often require precise presentations with lighter tackle and natural baits. The challenge of fooling a big mutton snapper keeps experienced anglers coming back – these fish have seen every trick in the book. When you do connect with one, expect a strong fight with powerful runs toward structure.
Gag Grouper are the kings of structure fishing and what many consider the ultimate bottom fish. These bruisers live around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom, where they ambush prey with lightning-fast strikes. Gags can reach substantial sizes, with fish over 20 pounds being genuine trophies in these waters. What makes gag grouper so exciting is their initial strike – it's often so violent it nearly pulls the rod out of your hands. Then comes the real battle as they try to get back to their rocky hideouts. The trick with grouper fishing is stopping that first run before they can reach cover and break you off. These fish are incredibly strong for their size and know exactly how to use structure to their advantage.
Blackfin Tuna bring speed and endurance to the offshore experience, offering some of the most athletic fights you'll find in these waters. These smaller tunas are built for speed, with torpedo-shaped bodies and seemingly endless stamina. Blackfins are often caught while trolling or live bait fishing, and they provide non-stop action once hooked. What sets blackfin tuna apart is their fighting style – they make long, fast runs and keep constant pressure on your tackle. They're excellent light tackle fish that let you really feel every move they make. Blackfins are also prized for
Meet your fishing machine for the day – a beautifully restored 36-foot Yellowfin center console that's built to chase fish in Pompano Beach waters. This boat got a complete makeover in 2022 and runs on three screaming 300HP Mercury Verados that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 54 knots. Perfect for up to 6 anglers who want serious offshore action targeting snapper, grouper, and kingfish. She's loaded with everything you need: fish finder to locate the schools, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. There's even a head onboard for longer trips. The wide-open center console design gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, this boat handles the big water with ease while you focus on what really matters – landing those trophy fish that call these offshore waters home.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the speed demons of our offshore waters, typically running up to 39 inches and 46 pounds. These dark, torpedo-shaped fish with golden lateral lines prefer warm waters over 68°F along the continental shelf. Fall through spring brings the best action here in South Florida as they migrate through our area. What anglers love about blackfins is their lightning-fast runs and stubborn fight on lighter tackle. Plus, they're fantastic on the table with rich, red meat perfect for sashimi. They school up and feed aggressively, so when you find them, it's game on. The secret is scaling down your tackle - use 30-pound fluoro leaders and 5/0 circle hooks since these fish have sharp eyes. Live pilchards for chum will bring them right to the boat.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of the inshore game, averaging around 6 feet and 100 pounds when fully grown. These dark brown fish love hanging around structure like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration and spawning season from June through August is prime time. What guests love about cobia is their aggressive nature and bulldogging fight - they'll try to drag you straight to the bottom. Since they're usually solitary fish, each one is a trophy worth celebrating. The meat is firm and flaky, some say better than grouper. Here's the key: sight fishing works best since they cruise near the surface. When you spot one, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its nose and be ready for a serious tug-of-war.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the bottom, typically running 20 inches but capable of reaching 57 inches and 80 pounds. These grey, marbled fish love rocky structure, reefs, and wrecks where they can ambush prey. They're year-round residents, but cooler months often produce the best action. What makes gags special is their pure strength - once hooked, they'll try everything to get back to their hole in the rocks. The payoff is some of the finest eating fish in the ocean with firm, white, flaky meat. Since they change from female to male as they mature, the big ones are usually males with darker coloration. Keep your reel locked tight and your rod low when you hook one. The moment you give them slack, they'll dive straight into the structure and cut you off.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are what offshore dreams are made of. Mahi typically run 15-29 pounds but can hit 80+ on a good day. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and structure in warmer months when water temps climb above 68°F. They're incredible fighters with blazing speed and acrobatic jumps that'll test your drag. What makes them special is watching their colors change from brilliant gold and green to silver as you bring them up. The meat is firm, white, and delicious - perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled for more. Where there's one mahi, there's usually a school nearby, so have another rod ready to capitalize on the action.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are the pink gold of the reef. These olive-colored fish with blue streaks around their eyes typically run 20 inches, but the big ones can stretch to 37 inches and 34 pounds. You'll find them around reefs and sandy areas in 130-230 feet, though they move shallower near inlets with good tidal flow. They're strong fighters that'll test your drag when they make their run for the rocks. What sets muttons apart is their excellent table fare - firm, sweet meat that's hard to beat. They can be picky eaters, so fresh bait and light tackle are crucial. My go-to trick is using a knocker rig with the freshest shrimp or squid you can find, and let it drift naturally in the current. When you see that pink flash coming up, you know dinner is served.
Deerfield Beach, FL