5.0(1 Reviews)Customizable Inshore Fishing Fort Lauderdale
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target sailfish, tuna, cobia, and mahimahi inshoreExpert crew provides toptier gear and local knowledgePrivate charters accommodate up to 6 guests
Fort Lauderdale's inshore waters are calling your name, and trust me, you're going to want to answer. This isn't your average fishing trip – it's a fully customizable adventure where you call the shots and we make it happen. Whether you're looking to chase trophy sailfish, load up the cooler with blackfin tuna, or introduce the kids to the rush of their first king mackerel, we've got you covered. Our local crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and with space for up to 6 anglers, you can bring the whole crew for a day they'll be talking about for years.
The beauty of Fort Lauderdale inshore fishing lies in the variety – one minute you're working a grass flat for cobia, the next you're trolling a reef edge for mahi-mahi. Our captains read the conditions daily, checking water temps, bait movements, and current breaks to put you on the fish. We're talking about waters that range from 20 to 200 feet, offering everything from sight fishing opportunities to deep drop action. The boat comes rigged with top-shelf tackle, from spinning setups perfect for live bait presentations to trolling gear that can handle whatever pelagic species decides to crash the party. Since this is your trip, we'll adjust our approach based on what you want to target – whether that's filling the fish box or going after that wall-hanger you've been dreaming about.
Inshore fishing here means adapting to what Mother Nature serves up, and that's where our local knowledge really shines. We'll run everything from live goggle eyes under kites for sailfish to slow-trolling ballyhoo along the reef for kings and mahi. When the bite calls for it, we'll anchor up and chunk bait for blackfins, or work the structure with jigs and live pinfish for cobia. The gear selection is dialed in for these waters – medium to heavy spinning tackle loaded with 20-30 pound test, conventional reels spooled with 40-50 pound mono for the bigger fish, and a full spread of outriggers and downriggers when we're covering water. Circle hooks are the standard for live bait work, and we keep a solid selection of artificials from feathers to spoons ready to deploy when the fish want something different.
Blackfin tuna are the workhorses of Fort Lauderdale's inshore scene, and for good reason. These 10-30 pound footballs are available year-round, with peak action from fall through spring when they school up in massive numbers. They're absolute bulldogs on the line – once hooked, they'll make blistering runs and test your drag system to its limits. What makes blackfins special is their willingness to bite when other species are finicky, plus they make fantastic table fare whether you're going sashimi-style or throwing them on the grill.
Atlantic sailfish steal the show when they're around, typically from December through April during their annual migration. These acrobatic giants average 6-8 feet and put on a display that'll have you fumbling for your camera – multiple jumps, tail walks, and runs that'll strip 200 yards of line in seconds. The real magic happens when you hook into a double or triple header, which isn't uncommon when the bite is hot. Most anglers practice catch and release with sails, making for great photos and even better bragging rights.
King mackerel, or "smoker kings" as the locals call the big ones, are Fort Lauderdale legends. Spring and fall bring the best action, with fish ranging from 15-pound "schoolies" to 40+ pound bruisers that'll challenge any angler. Kings are notorious for their explosive strikes and sizzling runs, often jumping clear of the water when they realize they've been hooked. They're also prime table fare – nothing beats fresh king steaks on the grill after a successful day on the water.
Mahi-mahi, or dolphin fish, bring the color and chaos that makes inshore fishing special. These brilliant green and gold fish travel in schools, so when you find one, you've usually found many. They're most common from late spring through early fall, though resident fish can be caught year-round around floating debris and weed lines. Mahi average 10-25 pounds inshore, with larger bulls occasionally showing up to test your skills. Their aggressive nature means they'll hit both live bait and artificials, making them a favorite for anglers of all experience levels.
Cobia are the wildcards of the bunch – these brown sharks of the inshore world can show up anywhere from shallow grass flats to deep reef edges. Spring brings the best cobia action during their spawning migration, with fish ranging from 20-60 pounds. What makes cobia special is their curious nature – they'll often follow the boat or investigate baits before committing. Once hooked, they're powerful fighters that use their broad tails and stubborn nature to test your tackle. They're also fantastic eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Fort Lauderdale's inshore fishing scene doesn't wait for anyone, and the best dates fill up fast. This customizable charter gives you the flexibility to target what's hot while working with a crew that knows how to make it happen. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to cross species off your bucket list or a family wanting to create some lasting memories, we'll tailor the trip to match your goals. The water's calling, the fish are biting, and your boat is waiting – all that's missing is you. Give us a call and let's get your next fishing adventure on the books.
The 27-foot SeaVee motorboat puts you in prime position to chase Fort Lauderdale's hottest inshore action. Built tough for saltwater fishing, this reliable vessel carries up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to work the flats and backcountry spots where Cobia, Mahi-Mahi, and other fighters hang out. The 200 HP Volvo engine pushes you to fishing grounds at a smooth 35 knots, while outriggers and tuna tubes keep your lines organized when the bite heats up. Essential fishing tech includes GPS navigation and a fish finder to locate schools and structure. The onboard bait tank keeps your live bait fresh and frisky, plus there's a refrigerator to ice down your catch. When you need a break from battling fish, snorkeling gear lets you explore the underwater world. Whether targeting trophy fish or filling the cooler with dinner, this SeaVee delivers the performance and features serious anglers demand in South Florida's productive inshore waters.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the rockstars of our offshore trips, growing up to 10 feet long but averaging around 7-8 feet and 50 pounds. These speed demons cruise the surface waters between 30-65 feet, though they'll dive to 650 feet when hunting. Winter through early spring is prime time here in Fort Lauderdale - we're right in the famous "Sailfish Alley" from North Miami to Fort Pierce. What guests love most is the show these fish put on - they'll leap, dive, and fight with that massive sail flared out. Their color-changing ability is amazing too, flashing blues and blacks during the battle. Pro tip: when you see one teasing your bait, let it run before setting the hook. They'll try to shake it immediately, so keep steady pressure and save your strength for the long fight ahead.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna species, averaging 15-30 pounds but can reach up to 46 pounds. These fast-moving fish have dark backs with distinctive yellow-gold stripes that fade when they're caught. You'll find them in warm waters over 68°F, typically around 40-150 feet deep near the continental shelf. They're most active during fall through spring here in South Florida. What makes blackfins special is their fierce fight - they're incredibly fast and will test your drag system. Plus, they're excellent table fare with tasty, firm flesh. One key tip: scale down your tackle with fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0-6/0 circle hooks since these fish have sharp eyesight. Use live pilchards as chum to draw them in, then try vertical jigging or chunking for best results.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these dark, torpedo-shaped fish average 30-50 pounds but can exceed 100 pounds and 6 feet long. They're loners, rarely schooling, and love structure like wrecks, reefs, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration and summer months are prime time when they're spawning and feeding aggressively. What makes cobia special is they're curious fish that will often approach the boat, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities. They're also phenomenal table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any fish. The fight is bulldogging strong with powerful runs. Here's a local secret: look for them following rays and sharks since they feed on stirred-up crustaceans. A bucktail jig in the 4-8 ounce range works great, and color doesn't matter much - just keep it moving near the bottom around structure.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kingfish" as we call them locally, are speed machines that'll average 20-30 pounds with some pushing over 50. These olive-backed predators with white bellies cruise depths from 40-150 feet, often around structure like wrecks and reefs. The bigger fish tend to move inshore to harbors and inlets during cooler months. What makes kings exciting is their blistering speed - they're nearly as fast as wahoo and will peel line like crazy on the initial run. They're also fantastic eating with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling. Here's an old guide trick: rig two hooks on a wire leader when using live bait - one through the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to bite the back half of baitfish, so that second hook will save you from short strikes.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi-mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll catch, with golden sides and electric blues and greens that flash underwater. They average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds, and they don't live long so they grow fast. Look for them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in warm surface waters. Spring through fall are our best months here in Fort Lauderdale. What guests love is the color show - they light up like a rainbow when hooked and change colors dramatically once boated. They're also top-notch table fare with mild, sweet white meat. The fight is strong and acrobatic too. My go-to technique is trolling ballyhoo or squid, making the bait skip on the surface like a flying fish. When you find one, slow down and work the area - they often travel in small schools.
5.0 out of 5.0Great trip got onto some nice black fin tuna and with captain brads expertise showed us some tips on how to make some great eats
Fort Lauderdale