Offshore Fishing in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore Atlantic Ocean fishing adventure with Captain Will HowardTarget Dolphinfish, Sailfish, Wahoo, Kingfish, and Bonito speciesSmall group experience accommodating up to four guests
When you're ready to leave the crowds behind and chase serious fish in deep water, Captain Will Howard knows exactly where to take you. Fort Lauderdale's Atlantic waters are legendary among anglers, and for good reason – the Gulf Stream brings warm, nutrient-rich water close to shore, creating a highway for pelagic species that'll test your tackle and your skills. This isn't your typical harbor cruise; we're talking about real offshore fishing where the water runs deep blue and the fish run big.
Your day starts early at Fort Lauderdale's marina, where Captain Will Howard greets you and your group of up to four anglers. The boat's rigged and ready, tackle's organized, and the bait wells are loaded with fresh offerings that local fish can't resist. We'll punch through the inlet and head for the deep water where the real action happens. The ride out gives you time to wake up with some coffee while Captain Will breaks down the game plan based on current conditions, water temperature, and what's been biting lately. Fort Lauderdale's unique geography puts productive fishing grounds within reasonable range, so you're not burning half your day just getting to the fish. The Gulf Stream's western edge runs close enough to shore that we can reach multiple fishing zones in a single trip, from the reef edge to the true blue water where anything can happen.
Captain Will runs a tight ship when it comes to tackle and technique. We're primarily trolling with a spread of lures and baits designed to attract everything from schooling mahi to solitary wahoo cruising the current breaks. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels that can handle whatever decides to eat, plus a selection of proven lures that have put fish on the deck season after season. You'll learn how different lure positions in the spread target specific species – short riggers for aggressive mahi, long lines for wary wahoo, and everything in between. When we mark bait or structure on the sounder, we might switch to live bait or jigging depending on what's showing. The captain reads the water like a book, watching for color changes, current breaks, floating debris, and diving birds that signal feeding activity below. It's not just about dragging lures around – successful offshore fishing requires constant adjustments to speed, depth, and presentation as conditions change throughout the day.
Northern Kingfish are one of Fort Lauderdale's most reliable offshore targets, and they're absolute bulldogs when hooked. These silver torpedoes average 10-30 pounds in local waters and have a habit of making blistering runs that'll test your drag settings. Kings are most active during the cooler months from October through April, when they school up along the reef line and offshore wrecks. What makes them so exciting is their speed and the way they cut through the water – you'll feel every head shake and direction change. They're also excellent table fare, which makes the fight even more rewarding.
Atlantic Bonito might be smaller than some offshore species, but pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters. These little tuna relatives rarely exceed 10 pounds, but they make up for size with pure attitude. Bonito are speed demons that often travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. They show up consistently from spring through fall, and they're particularly aggressive on small lures and live bait. Their meat is rich and flavorful, perfect for sushi or searing on the grill.
Mahi Mahi are the crown jewel of Fort Lauderdale offshore fishing, and for good reason. These golden beauties are visual feeders that attack lures with spectacular aerial displays, often jumping repeatedly during the fight. Mahi range from small schoolies around 5 pounds to hefty bulls that can push 40 pounds or more. They're most abundant during the warmer months when the Gulf Stream pushes closest to shore, but sporadic catches happen year-round. What anglers love most about mahi is their willingness to bite and their acrobatic fighting style – they're pure entertainment from hookup to boat side.
Wahoo are the speed kings of the offshore world, capable of stripping line faster than almost any other fish in these waters. These torpedo-shaped predators can reach 6 feet in length and exceed 80 pounds, though most Fort Lauderdale catches run 20-40 pounds. Wahoo are notorious for their initial run – a screaming burst of speed that can empty a reel in seconds if your drag isn't set properly. They're typically solitary hunters that cruise current breaks and temperature changes, making them challenging to target consistently. When you do connect with a wahoo, the fight is fast, furious, and definitely memorable.
Albacore Tuna are the marathon runners of the tuna family, known for their stamina and determination once hooked. These silver bullets typically range from 15-50 pounds in local waters and fight with the relentless power that makes all tunas famous among anglers. Albacore are most common during the cooler months when water temperatures drop, and they're often found in deeper water along temperature breaks. Their meat is prized by sushi chefs and seafood enthusiasts, making them a valuable catch both for the fight and the table. They're also notorious for testing an angler's endurance – albacore fights can last 30 minutes or more of steady pressure.
Captain Will Howard's offshore trips book up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons when the bite is hot and word gets around the marina. This top-rated Fort Lauderdale fishing experience gives you access to some of the best offshore waters on the East Coast, with a captain who knows where to find fish when others are coming back empty-handed. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler looking to add new species to your list or a newcomer ready to experience what real
This Bimini motorboat is built for serious offshore action in Fort Lauderdale's Atlantic waters. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the lines while Captain Will Howard navigates to the best fishing grounds. The onboard GPS keeps you on course to prime spots, while the fish finder helps locate schools of Dolphinfish, Wahoo, Sailfish, and whatever else is running. Whether you're targeting fast-moving Kingfish or hoping to hook into a screaming Sailfish, this boat handles the offshore swells with ease. The setup gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up, and the captain knows these waters like the back of his hand. From Bonito blitzes to Albacore runs, this vessel gets you where the action is happening beyond the reef line.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore Tuna are the workhorses of offshore fishing, built like silver bullets with oversized pectoral fins and non-stop energy. These 20-45 pound fighters travel in massive schools that can stretch for miles, making for some of the most consistent action you'll find in deep water. They stick to the temperate zones offshore and are most active during daylight hours in our subtropical waters. Guests love them because once you find a school, the action rarely stops - they're aggressive feeders that'll hammer trolled baits and lures. Plus, it's the only tuna that can legally be called "white meat tuna" - premium eating that's worth the trip alone. The key to success is covering water with trolled mackerel or cedar plugs until you find that first fish - hook him clean and keep him tight, because lose that lead fish and the whole school disappears.
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are the speed demons of our offshore waters, hitting 40 mph when they're fired up and chasing bait. These silver rockets with dark racing stripes typically run 8-12 pounds and travel in massive schools that'll keep your arms burning. You'll spot them by the birds diving on feeding frenzies, often with their dorsal fins cutting the surface like mini sharks. They're most active in our warmer months and love to hunt in the mid-water column around debris and current edges. Guests get addicted to the non-stop action once we find a school - they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. While they're too oily for most American palates, they make great bait for bigger game. My go-to trick: when you hook the first one, get multiple lines out fast because the whole school will be in a feeding frenzy.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are the colorful crown jewels of offshore fishing, flashing gold, blue, and green as they dance on your line. These surface dwellers average 15-29 pounds but can push 40+ when we find the big bulls under floating debris and weed lines. They're most abundant during our warmer months and absolutely love chasing flying fish around current breaks and drop-offs. What makes guests fall in love is the aerial show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and change colors like a neon light before fading to that classic gold. Plus, the meat is fantastic - mild, firm, and perfect on the grill. The fishing action gets wild when we find a school because they're competitive feeders. Here's the secret: once you hook one, keep it in the water while others grab more rods - the splashing will keep the school fired up and feeding.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisNorthern Kingfish are scrappy little fighters that cruise the shallow coastal waters and sandy bottoms around Fort Lauderdale. These bronze and silver beauties typically run 10-14 inches and rarely top 3 pounds, but don't let their size fool you - they'll bend your rod and test your patience. You'll find them year-round in our waters, though late summer brings the best action when they move closer to shore. What guests love most is the challenge - these drum family members are picky eaters and require finesse to hook consistently. The payoff? Some of the sweetest white meat you'll find offshore. Pro tip: use small hooks with fresh clams or bloodworms, and fish right on the bottom where they're rooting around with that little chin barbel.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the ultimate offshore speed merchants, capable of peeling line at 60 mph and testing even the strongest drag systems. These torpedo-shaped predators typically range 20-40 pounds around Fort Lauderdale, with their distinctive blue stripes and razor-sharp teeth. They patrol the deeper blue water and current edges, usually solo or in small groups. Peak season runs July through November when they move through our waters chasing baitfish. Guests love the sudden, screaming runs and the challenge of a fish that can cut through regular leaders like butter. The bonus is incredible table fare - firm, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos. My number one tip: troll fast (12-15 knots) with wire leaders and minnow-style lures. When one hits, hang on tight because the first run will be unlike anything you've experienced.
Fort Lauderdale, FL