Half Day Inshore/Offshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday inshore and offshore fishing adventure for familiesAccommodates up to 6 guests with Fish LauderdaleProfessional guided fishing experience for all skill levels
Picture yourself standing on the deck with a bent rod in your hands and drag screaming as something big takes off for the horizon. That's exactly what you'll get with Fish Lauderdale's half-day combo trip that gives you the best of both worlds - productive inshore waters and the deep blue offshore grounds. This isn't your typical harbor cruise; we're talking about real fishing where you'll target some of South Florida's most prized gamefish. With room for up to six anglers, it's perfect for families, buddy trips, or anyone ready to feel what a proper fish fight is all about.
Your day starts early when the bite is hot and the water's still calm. We'll begin working the inshore flats and structure where snook, redfish, and trout hang out before making the run to deeper water. The beauty of this half-day setup is you get variety without burning a full day on the water. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand - every reef, wreck, and drop-off that holds fish. We'll adjust our game plan based on conditions, tides, and what's been biting lately. Some days we'll spend more time inshore if the action's red hot, other days we'll make a beeline for the offshore grounds where the big boys swim. The boat comes equipped with quality tackle, but feel free to bring your own rods if you've got favorites. Just remember to pack sunscreen, snacks, and drinks since meals aren't included on this trip.
Inshore, we'll be sight fishing, working live bait around structure, and throwing artificials when the fish are aggressive. You'll learn to read the water, spot rolling tarpon, and feel the difference between a snook hit and a redfish pickup. Once we head offshore, it's a whole different ballgame. We'll set up a trolling spread with lures and live bait to cover water and locate schools. When we find them, we'll switch to live bait fishing, chunking, or whatever method is producing. The captain will have you rigged with appropriate tackle for the target species - lighter gear inshore for sport, heavier offshore rigs when we're after kings, wahoo, and sailfish. Circle hooks are standard for conservation, and we practice proper catch-and-release techniques for species that need protection. Don't worry if you're new to this; the crew will show you how to fight fish properly, when to pump and wind, and how to land them safely.
Black grouper are the bruisers of the reef, and they're exactly as stubborn as their reputation suggests. These thick-bodied fighters average 15-25 pounds but can push 40-plus if you're lucky. They hang around rocky bottom and ledges in 60-120 feet of water, and when you hook one, your first job is keeping it away from the rocks where it wants to cut you off. Fall through early spring is prime time, and there's nothing quite like the solid thump of a big grouper inhaling your bait. They're also fantastic table fare if you're keeping a legal-sized fish.
Blackfin tuna might be the smaller cousins of yellowfins, but they make up for size with pure speed and stamina. Running 10-20 pounds on average, these little rockets travel in schools and provide non-stop action when you find them. They're year-round residents but peak in spring and fall. Blackfins fight way above their weight class - expect screaming runs, multiple jumps, and a battle that'll leave your arms burning. They love trolled small lures, live pilchards, and will absolutely crush a well-presented bait.
Atlantic sailfish are the showstoppers that every angler dreams about. These acrobatic billfish put on an aerial display that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. Winter months bring the best sailfish action when they migrate through our waters in good numbers. At 6-8 feet long, they're manageable on appropriate tackle but still give you that bucket-list billfish experience. Most captains practice catch-and-release with sails, so you'll get photos with your trophy before watching it swim away healthy.
King mackerel, or "smoker kings" as locals call the big ones, are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These toothy predators range from schoolie-sized 10-pounders to smokers pushing 40-50 pounds. They're structure-oriented fish that love wrecks, reefs, and temperature breaks. Kings hit trolled baits hard and make blistering runs that can strip line faster than you'd believe. Spring and fall migrations bring the biggest fish, but you'll find resident kings year-round in the right spots.
Wahoo are the Formula One cars of the fish world - built for speed and absolutely gorgeous. These torpedo-shaped gamefish can hit 60 mph and will back up that speed with runs that'll make your reel smoke. Most wahoo run 20-40 pounds, but 50-pounders aren't unheard of. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes on high-speed trolled lures. Winter months are peak season, and landing one is always a highlight of any offshore trip. Plus, they're incredible on the dinner table with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
This half-day combo gives you maximum variety in a manageable timeframe, making it perfect for families with kids, first-time offshore anglers, or anyone who wants to sample the best of South Florida fishing without committing to a full day. With only six spots available, these trips fill up fast, especially during peak season. The captains at Fish Lauderdale know how to put you on fish, and their local knowledge is worth its weight in gold. Whether you're after that first sailfish, want to tangle with a king
Get ready to chase some serious fish aboard this well-equipped motorboat designed for both inshore and offshore action! With room for up to 6 anglers, this vessel comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The fish finder will help you locate those hidden schools, while GPS keeps you on track to the hottest fishing spots. When nature calls, there's an onboard toilet so you don't have to cut your fishing short. The flybridge gives you elevated views to spot diving birds and surface action, plus an ice box keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold. Whether you're targeting coastal species or heading out to deeper waters for the big ones, this boat handles both inshore and offshore fishing with ease. Perfect for families looking to create lasting memories while battling fish together!
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore trips. These magnificent fish average 7-8 feet and 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. They cruise warm surface waters between 30-65 feet, hunting schools of baitfish near the coast. Peak season runs through winter and spring when they migrate through our waters. What makes sailfish special is the show they put on - jumping, diving, and tail-walking across the surface in spectacular fights that can last 20+ minutes. They're also one of the fastest fish in the ocean. Most anglers practice catch-and-release with these beauties. Here's the trick: when a sail takes your bait, let it run before setting the hook. They'll often grab the bait and swim off, then stop to turn it around. That's when you engage the drag and get ready for the fight of your life.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are some of the strongest fighters you'll hook on our trips. These olive-gray fish with dark rectangular blotches typically run 2+ feet, though monsters up to 5 feet and 125 pounds have been caught. They hang around offshore wrecks, ledges, and reefs from 30 feet in winter to 300 feet during warmer months. These ambush predators use their massive mouths to vacuum up anything that swims by. What makes them special is the raw power once hooked - they'll try dragging you straight back to the rocks. The meat is fantastic with a mild flavor and firm texture. Pro tip: when you feel that thump, start reeling immediately. They don't nibble - they inhale the bait whole, and you need to get them up before they can dive back into structure and break you off.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the perfect size for families - typically running 2-3 feet and averaging around 20-30 pounds. These beautiful fish have dark backs with golden side stripes that fade quickly after catch. You'll find them in warm offshore waters, usually traveling in schools with other tunas. They're most active during fall, winter, and spring months when water temps stay above 68°F. What guests love about blackfins is they fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare - some of the best tasting tuna around. They're also great for kids since they're not too overwhelming. The key to landing more blackfins is scaling down your tackle. Use #30 fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0-6/0 circle hooks - these fish have sharp eyes and will spook from heavy gear. Vertical jigging and chunking with pilchards works best.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings," are speed demons that'll test your reflexes. These olive-backed fish with white bellies typically weigh 20-40 pounds, though 90+ pounders get caught regularly. You'll find them cruising 40-150 feet of water in temps between 68-84°F, often around structure or baitfish schools. They're available year-round but peak during warmer months when they move closer to shore. What makes kings exciting is their blistering speed - they'll smoke line off your reel faster than almost any fish in the ocean. Plus, they're excellent eating with flaky white meat, though larger ones can have higher mercury levels. The secret to consistent king fishing is using a two-hook rig on wire leader. Put one hook through the bait's nose, let the second treble dangle near the tail. Kings always bite the back end first.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are pure speed and muscle - built like ocean torpedoes that can hit 60 mph. These sleek fish with blue zebra stripes typically run 3-5 feet and 30-60 pounds, though the record is 184 pounds. They roam open water but get drawn to floating debris, oil rigs, and drop-offs in the top 60 feet. Best action happens during cooler months when they move closer to shore following baitfish. Wahoo are prized for two reasons: they fight like freight trains and taste amazing - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for tacos or grilling. The trick with wahoo is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots. Use wire leaders because their razor teeth will slice through anything else. When you hook one, hold on tight - they'll make blistering runs that'll smoke your reel. Those zebra stripes fade fast once boated, so get your photos quick.
Fort Lauderdale, FL