Fort Lauderdale Inshore Fishing for Skilled Anglers
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Expertguided inshore fishing targeting powerful Fort Lauderdale gamefishPrivate charters accommodate up to 6 skilled anglersToptier equipment and local expertise at prime fishing spots
If you're serious about fishing and want to put your skills to the test, this Fort Lauderdale inshore charter is built for you. We're talking about fast-paced action in some of South Florida's most productive waters, where experienced anglers come to chase trophy gamefish. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and we'll put you on fish that'll make your drag scream. With top-shelf tackle and a boat that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws our way, you'll spend your day working prime structure and current breaks where the big boys hang out. This isn't your typical tourist trip – we're here to fish hard and target species that'll give you stories to tell for years.
Your day starts early because that's when the fish are most active. We'll hit the water before sunrise and work our way to spots that have been producing consistent action. The inshore waters around Fort Lauderdale offer incredible diversity – one minute you're working a wreck for cobia, the next you're trolling the edge for sailfish or kings. Our captain reads the conditions daily and adjusts tactics accordingly, whether that means working live bait on structure or pulling lures through temperature breaks. You'll be hands-on throughout the trip, from rigging baits to fighting fish. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers comfortably, but we keep groups small enough that everyone gets plenty of rod time. Expect steady action with fish ranging from respectable table fare to legitimate trophy candidates that'll test your skills and gear.
We fish smart out here, using a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what's working best. You'll see everything from slow-trolling ballyhoo for sailfish to sight-fishing cobia around channel markers and wrecks. Our tackle selection includes spinning and conventional gear rated for everything from 20-pound kings to 60-pound cobia. We carry plenty of circle hooks for live bait fishing, and our lure spread includes everything from spoons and feathers to diving plugs that trigger reaction strikes. The key to consistent success in these waters is reading the bait – when you find the pilchards, sardines, or ballyhoo, you'll find the gamefish. We use quality electronics to locate structure and bait schools, but ultimately it comes down to time on the water and knowing how these fish behave in different conditions. You'll learn techniques that work specifically in South Florida waters, from proper bait presentation to fighting fish around structure.
Blackfin Tuna are some of the hardest-fighting fish you'll encounter inshore, and Fort Lauderdale's waters hold good populations year-round. These fish typically run 10-25 pounds and hit like freight trains, making multiple blistering runs that'll test your endurance. They school up around structure and current breaks, feeding aggressively on small baitfish. The best action usually comes early morning or late afternoon when they push bait to the surface. What makes blackfins so addictive is their raw power – pound for pound, they're one of the strongest fish swimming.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida inshore fishing, and our waters see excellent numbers during their peak season from December through April. These acrobatic fighters average 6-7 feet and put on aerial displays that'll leave you speechless. Sailfish are intelligent predators that require precise bait presentation and quick hooksets. They often travel in small groups, so when you hook one, there's a good chance his buddies are nearby. The key is keeping live baits frisky and working them through the water column where sails are feeding.
King Mackerel are speed demons that patrol our reefs and wrecks, hitting baits with explosive strikes that'll snap you to attention. These toothy predators range from schoolie-sized fish around 10 pounds to trophy kings pushing 40-plus pounds. They're structure-oriented fish that ambush prey from below, making them perfect targets for slow-trolling live baits or working the bottom with heavy jigs. Kings are year-round residents, but the biggest fish typically show up during cooler months when they're feeding heavily.
Mahi Mahi bring tropical colors and acrobatic fights to Fort Lauderdale's inshore scene, especially during warmer months when they follow floating structure and weed lines close to shore. These fish are pure excitement – they hit hard, jump repeatedly, and display brilliant gold and green colors when hooked. Mahi are opportunistic feeders that respond well to both live baits and lures, and they often travel in schools, meaning multiple hookups are common. Bull mahi over 20 pounds are legitimate trophies that combine size with spectacular fighting ability.
Cobia are the bulldogs of the inshore world, using their broad shoulders and stubborn nature to test your tackle and technique. These fish cruise around markers, wrecks, and other structure, often visible just below the surface. Sight-fishing for cobia is addictive – you'll see them coming and have to make perfect casts with live baits or jigs. They're curious fish that often follow hooked fish to the boat, creating opportunities for multiple hookups. Cobia fights are all about endurance, as they use their size and strength to wear you down rather than making flashy runs.
This charter fills up fast because word gets around when you're putting people on quality fish consistently. We're targeting anglers who appreciate technical fishing and want to improve their skills while catching fish they'll remember. The combination of Fort Lauderdale's productive waters, quality equipment, and experienced crew creates the perfect setup for serious fishing. Whether you're looking to add new species to your list or just want to fish hard with like-minded anglers, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait too long to book – the best fishing dates go quick, especially during peak seasons when
Our 27-foot SeaVee motorboat is built specifically for serious saltwater fishing in Fort Lauderdale's productive inshore waters. This reliable fishing machine carries up to 6 anglers comfortably while its powerful 200 HP Volvo engine pushes you to the hottest fishing spots at 35 knots. The boat comes loaded with everything skilled anglers need: outriggers for trolling, tuna tubes for live bait storage, a quality fish finder to locate schools, and GPS navigation to hit precise coordinates. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard refrigerator and your live bait lively in the aerated bait tank. Whether you're targeting snook in the backcountry or chasing tarpon near the inlets, this well-equipped vessel puts you right where the action is. The SeaVee's proven saltwater design handles South Florida's conditions with ease, letting you focus on perfecting your technique and landing those hard-fighting gamefish that make Fort Lauderdale waters famous.
Istiophorus AlbicansFort Lauderdale sits right in "Sailfish Alley," and these fish are the reason many anglers make the trip here. Most sailfish run 7-8 feet long and around 50 pounds, but it's not their size that gets your heart pumping - it's the aerial show. These fish will jump, dive, and tail-walk like nothing else in the ocean. They cruise the surface waters from 30-65 feet deep, following baitfish along current edges and temperature breaks. Winter through early spring gives us our best action when they're thick along the coast. The meat's decent, but most folks release these beauties for the next angler. Here's what works: slow-troll live bait and when one shows up behind your bait, don't get excited and reel too fast. Let it eat, then wait for that first run before setting the hook. Their bills are soft, so steady pressure beats jerky movements every time.
Thunnus AtlanticusThese smaller tunas rarely grow past 39 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. Blackfins are built for speed with their sleek, dark bodies and distinctive bronze finlets. You'll find them schooling in warm waters over 68°F, usually within 40 miles of shore around structure and current breaks. They're most active during fall through spring here in South Florida. Anglers love targeting them because they fight way above their weight class - these fish will test your drag and your patience. The meat is fantastic too, with rich, red flesh that's perfect for sashimi or searing. Here's a local trick: scale down your tackle and use 30-pound fluoro leaders with 5/0 circle hooks. Their eyesight is razor-sharp, so keep your gear light and your pilchards lively. When you see birds working, get ready - blackfins often feed in the same areas.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the ultimate sight fishing target - big, brown, and cruising solo just under the surface like submarines. These fish average 40-60 pounds and can hit 100+ pounds, making them serious tackle-testers. You'll spot them around buoys, wrecks, reefs, and sometimes just free-swimming in 30 feet or less. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're moving through on their migration patterns. What makes them special? They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. Plus, the meat rivals any fish in the ocean - firm, white, and absolutely delicious. Here's the key to success: when you see one, cast ahead of where it's swimming, not right on top of it. A bucktail jig in any color works great, but don't overthink the presentation. Let it sink and work it slow. These fish will eat if you don't spook them first.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the speed demons of our local waters, and they'll smoke your reel if you're not ready. These silver torpedoes average around 30 pounds but can push 90+ pounds, with the females growing much larger than males. You'll find them anywhere from 40 to 150 feet deep, hanging around reefs, wrecks, and structure where baitfish gather. Spring through fall gives us the best king fishing as they follow warm water and food sources along the coast. What makes them special? Pure speed and that initial run that'll test your drag settings real quick. The meat's great too - firm and flaky, perfect for grilling or smoking. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on your live bait - one through the nose, one near the back. Kings love to hit baits from behind, so that second hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll encounter out here - electric blues and golds that put on a light show when they come to the boat. Most run 15-30 pounds and about three feet long, though we see some real bulls that push 50+ pounds. Look for them around any floating debris, weed lines, or structure in blue water. They're surface feeders, so you'll often spot them from a distance. Best fishing runs spring through early fall when water temps hit the mid-70s. Anglers love them for two reasons: they fight hard with lots of jumps and headshakes, plus the meat is some of the best eating in the ocean - mild, firm, and versatile. Here's a tip from years of experience: when you hook one, keep it in the water and look around. Mahi travel in schools, so there's usually more where that one came from. Have a second rod ready to capitalize.
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