Offshore Fishing in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing adventure targeting dolphinfish, wahoo, and sailfishAtlantic Ocean trips with experienced Captain Will HowardSmall group experience accommodating up to four guests
Get ready to trade the dock for deep blue water with Captain Will Howard and the crew at Ft Lauderdale Offshore. This isn't your typical half-day trip close to shore – we're talking serious offshore action where the Atlantic Ocean opens up and the real fish live. You'll be targeting some of South Florida's most prized gamefish, from screaming wahoo runs to those Instagram-worthy mahi shots. With space for just four anglers, you get the personal attention and prime rod time that makes all the difference between telling fish stories and actually having fish to show for it.
Captain Will knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not the type to waste time in unproductive spots. You'll head out from Fort Lauderdale into the Gulf Stream, where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and the temperature breaks just right to hold baitfish – and everything that feeds on them. The boat's equipped with quality tackle and all the gear you need, so you can focus on what matters: getting tight to some serious fish. Expect to be out there for several hours, covering water and working the areas where Captain Will's been putting clients on fish consistently. The small group size means everyone gets plenty of chances at the rod, and you're not fighting a crowd when something big comes up behind the boat.
This is primarily a trolling operation, which is hands-down the most effective way to cover water and find active fish in the offshore environment. You'll be pulling a spread of lures and baits at varying distances behind the boat, creating an irresistible buffet that triggers strikes from pelagic species cruising the blue water. Captain Will runs everything from diving plugs and spoons to ballyhoo rigs and artificial squid, adjusting the spread based on conditions and what's been producing. When something hits, you'll know it – offshore fish don't nibble, they slam baits and take off like freight trains. The captain handles the boat positioning and coaching while you focus on the fight, working fish up from depths that can test your arms and your drag system.
Northern Kingfish are the bread and butter of Fort Lauderdale offshore fishing, and for good reason. These silver torpedoes average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ when you connect with a smoker king. They're aggressive feeders that love trolled baits, especially during the cooler months from November through March. What makes kings so exciting is their initial run – they'll scream drag off your reel for hundreds of yards, testing your equipment and your nerve. Plus, they're fantastic table fare when handled properly.
Atlantic Bonito might be smaller than their king mackerel cousins, but they make up for size with pure speed and numbers. These 5-15 pound bullets travel in schools and create some of the most action-packed fishing you'll find offshore. Fall and winter are prime time for bonito, and when you find a school, it's not uncommon to hook doubles or even triples. They fight way above their weight class and are perfect for light tackle action.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish are what offshore dreams are made of. These stunning gold and green gamefish are as beautiful as they are delicious, and Fort Lauderdale's position along the Gulf Stream makes it prime mahi territory. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks. Mahi typically run 10-40 pounds in these waters, and their acrobatic fights – complete with tail-walking and aerial displays – make them a favorite among anglers of all skill levels.
Wahoo Fish are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting trolled baits at 60+ mph. These elongated predators average 20-50 pounds locally and are renowned for their blistering initial runs that can empty a reel in seconds. Winter months tend to be most productive for wahoo, and they're often caught while targeting other species. Their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes make every wahoo hookup an event, and their white, flaky meat is considered among the best eating in the ocean.
Albacore Tuna round out the target species list with their incredible stamina and deep-water battles. These silver-sided fighters typically show up in the 15-40 pound range and are known for their long, sustained runs rather than flashy jumps. Albacore prefer cooler water temperatures and are most common during winter and early spring. What sets them apart is their endurance – they'll pull steady pressure for 20-30 minutes, making you earn every inch of line you gain back.
Fort Lauderdale's offshore fishing scene is world-class year-round, but the limited capacity on Captain Will's boat means prime dates fill up fast. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to your list or a first-timer ready to experience what real offshore fishing is all about, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of Captain Will's local knowledge, quality equipment, and productive fishing grounds makes for the kind of day that has you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock. Don't wait – the fish are out there, and your spot on the boat is just a booking away.
Jump aboard this well-equipped Bimini motorboat with Captain Will Howard for some serious offshore action in Fort Lauderdale's Atlantic waters. Built for fishing, this boat handles up to 4 anglers comfortably while you chase down Dolphinfish, Wahoo, Sailfish, and whatever else is biting out there. The GPS keeps you on course to the hot spots, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure where the big ones hang out. Whether you're targeting speedy Kingfish or battling a Sailfish, this boat gets you to the productive waters where Fort Lauderdale's best fishing happens. Captain Will knows these offshore grounds and will put you on the fish.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are the workhorses of the tuna family - smaller than their big cousins but just as determined. These bullet-shaped fish typically run 20-45 pounds and are built for endurance, cruising constantly since they need to keep moving to breathe. You'll find them in deeper blue water, often traveling in massive schools that can stretch for miles. They're around year-round but spring and fall offer the most consistent action. What draws people to albacore fishing is the combination of steady action when you find them and premium table fare - they're the only tuna that can be sold as "white meat." Trolling is the go-to method, and once you hook the first one, work that area hard since the whole school is usually there. Key tip: if that first fish breaks off, move quickly - the school will scatter and you'll lose your shot at multiple hookups.
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are speed demons that'll test your gear when they hit. These mackerel relatives typically run 2-8 pounds but can push 12, and they're built for speed - hitting 40 mph when they're fired up. You'll find them in schools feeding on the surface, often with birds diving overhead marking the action. They prefer open ocean waters but come within range during warmer months. The silver sides with dark stripes make them easy to identify, plus they swim with dorsal fins cutting the surface like mini sharks. Fast trolling works best - 12-15 knots with small lures or live bait. Once you find a feeding school, they'll hit almost anything you throw. Pro tip: use wire leaders since their teeth will cut through mono instantly. While they're oily and not great table fare here, the fight alone makes them worth targeting.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure gold when it comes to offshore fishing - literally. These gorgeous fish light up in brilliant yellows, blues, and greens before fading after the fight. Bulls average 15-30 pounds with that distinctive square head, while cows stay smaller and rounder. They hang around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in blue water. Spring through fall brings the best action here in South Florida. What makes them special is the combination - they fight hard with spectacular jumps, they're absolutely beautiful, and the white meat is some of the best eating you'll find. Trolling ballyhoo or small lures along weed lines is money, but once you hook one, keep the spread in the water. Here's the key: mahi travel in schools, so that first fish usually means there's more around. Work the area thoroughly before moving on.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisNorthern Kingfish are scrappy little fighters that hang out in shallow waters along sandy bottoms. These drum family members typically run 10-14 inches and rarely top 3 pounds, but don't let their size fool you - they'll give you a solid fight on light tackle. You'll spot them by their bronze-green backs with dark V-shaped bars and that single barbel under their chin. They use that whisker to hunt crabs, worms, and small fish along the bottom. Late summer brings the best action when they move closer to shore. Most guys catch them surf fishing or from piers using bloodworms or small pieces of clam. Here's a tip: use a small hook and light sinker - these fish have soft mouths and will drop the bait if they feel too much resistance. Their white meat makes excellent table fare too.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed freaks of the offshore world, hitting 60 mph when they want to. These slender torpedoes typically run 20-50 pounds around here, with blue-green backs and silver sides marked by dark bars. They're loners most of the time, cruising open blue water and current edges. July through November is prime time in our waters. What gets people hooked on wahoo fishing is the initial strike - it's explosive and violent, then they make blistering runs that'll test your drag. Plus, the white meat is fantastic eating - firm and mild. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots is the standard approach, but here's what many guys miss: use wire leaders and keep your lures 75-100 feet back. Those razor teeth will slice through anything else, and they're spooky of the boat. Dark-colored lures work better than bright ones for these guys.
Fort Lauderdale, FL