Fort Lauderdale Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private offshore fishing charter for up to 6 guestsTarget sailfish, marlin, and mahimahi with experienced captainsChoose from 2 to 8 hour trips in Atlantic waters
When you're looking for world-class offshore fishing, Fort Lauderdale delivers like nowhere else on the Atlantic coast. Good Hit Sportfishing runs these waters daily, and we know exactly where the fish are biting. Your private charter accommodates up to 6 anglers for 2 to 8 hours of serious fishing action. We're talking about the Gulf Stream edge, where the deep blue water holds some of the ocean's most prized gamefish. Our captains have been working these waters for years, reading the currents, watching the birds, and putting clients on fish when other boats go home empty-handed. You'll fish from a well-equipped sportfishing vessel with all the gear you need – no experience required, just bring your appetite for adventure.
Your day starts early at one of Fort Lauderdale's premier marinas, where you'll meet your captain and crew. We'll give you a quick rundown of safety protocols and get you situated with the right tackle for the day's conditions. Once we clear the inlet, it's a short run to the fishing grounds where the real magic happens. The boat carries everything from light spinning tackle for smaller species to heavy conventional gear for the big boys like marlin and sailfish. You'll be fishing in 100 to 1,000 feet of water along the continental shelf, where warm Gulf Stream waters create the perfect hunting ground for pelagic species. The crew handles all the technical stuff – rigging baits, setting the spread, and coaching you through each fight. Your job is simple: hang on and enjoy the ride when something big decides to eat your bait.
Offshore fishing here is all about trolling – we'll pull a spread of baits at varying distances behind the boat, covering different depths and presentations. The crew rigs everything from ballyhoo and bonito strips to high-speed lures that drive pelagics crazy. We run four to six lines at a time, each rod matched to the target species and current conditions. When the water's rough, we might slow-troll live bait near structure. When it's calm and blue, we'll pull lures at 8 knots along the current breaks. The boat's equipped with outriggers to spread the baits wide and downriggers for getting deeper when needed. All tackle is tournament-grade – Penn and Shimano reels spooled with fresh line, matched to rods that can handle everything from 20-pound mahi to 200-pound marlin. You don't need to bring anything except sunscreen, snacks, and drinks. We've got the fishing covered.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Fort Lauderdale fishing, and for good reason. These acrobatic fighters show up in late fall through early spring, with December through March being absolutely prime time. A typical sail runs 6 to 8 feet long and puts on an aerial display that'll have you shaking with adrenaline. They hunt in small schools along the reef line and current breaks, feeding on ballyhoo, sardines, and squid. When one eats your bait, expect multiple jumps and long runs that'll test your endurance. Sailfish are what dreams are made of – pure speed, grace, and fighting power wrapped up in one beautiful package.
King Mackerel patrol these waters year-round, but spring and fall offer the best action when schools of big "smokers" move through. These fish are speed demons, capable of 40-mph runs that'll strip line faster than you can blink. A good king weighs 20 to 40 pounds, though 50-pounders show up regularly along the deep reef. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes on both live bait and fast-trolled lures. Kings are excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for anglers who want both sport and a fish dinner.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and excitement that make offshore fishing addictive. These brilliant gold and green fighters love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges where they hunt in small schools. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, when dolphin from 5 to 30 pounds provide consistent action. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from ballyhoo to jigs, and they fight with surprising power for their size. Plus, mahi are hands-down one of the best eating fish in the ocean – firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Wahoo represent the speed freaks of the offshore world, capable of runs that'll make your reel smoke. These torpedoes show up along the deep drop-offs, usually as single fish or small groups. Winter months tend to be best, when wahoo from 20 to 60 pounds cruise the 200 to 400-foot depths. They're ambush predators with a mouth full of teeth, known for cut-offs and screaming runs that can empty a spool in seconds. High-speed trolling with wire leaders is the way to connect, and the payoff is both an amazing fight and some of the finest eating fish you'll ever taste.
Blue Shark encounters add an element of raw power that gets everyone's attention. These oceanic predators cruise the deeper waters beyond the continental shelf, where they hunt squid and baitfish along current breaks and temperature changes. Blues can reach impressive sizes – 6 to 8-foot fish are common, with larger specimens pushing 200 pounds or more. They're surprisingly acrobatic fighters that make long runs and show incredible stamina. Most blues are released after photos, but the experience of battling one of the ocean's apex predators is something you'll never forget.
Fort Lauderdale's offshore fishing scene is world-renowned for good reason – consistent action, diverse species, and relatively short runs to productive water make it a top-rated destination for serious ang
Jump aboard The Good Hit, a 38-foot fishing machine built to chase down sailfish, marlin, and mahi-mahi in the deep waters off Fort Lauderdale! Twin 225hp outboards power this recently upgraded charter boat straight to the best fishing spots on the Atlantic. Your group of up to 6 anglers gets the full setup - GPS and fish finder to locate the action, radar for safe navigation, plus VHF radio to stay connected. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, while the multimedia system adds some tunes between strikes. Complete Coast Guard safety gear means you can focus on what matters - landing that trophy fish. Whether you're targeting pelagics offshore or working the reef, this boat delivers the speed and stability serious anglers demand.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of Fort Lauderdale fishing. These gorgeous fish average 7-8 feet and 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin and brilliant blue coloring. They cruise the surface waters 30-65 feet down, usually closer to shore during our winter months when they're most active. What makes them special is the fight - they'll jump, dive, and put on a real show once hooked. We find them year-round, but winter gives you the best shot at multiple hookups. They're built for speed, hitting 30+ mph, so they'll test your skills. Here's a local trick: when one takes your bait, keep the pressure steady but don't horse it. Let them run first, then work them in gradually. The jumping display alone makes it worth the trip.
Prionace GlaucaBlue sharks are the ocean's wanderers, showing up in deeper water when conditions are right. These sleek predators average 7-10 feet and can weigh 60-200+ pounds, with that beautiful deep blue coloring that earned them their name. They prefer deeper water, typically 200+ feet, and are most active during cooler months when water temps drop. What draws people to shark fishing is the raw power and the bragging rights - it's a totally different fight than any other fish. We practice catch and release to keep populations healthy. They're curious by nature, which makes them respond well to chum. Here's the deal: patience is everything. Set up a proper chum slick, keep your baits 50+ feet from the boat, and use heavy tackle with at least 200-pound test. Circle hooks work best for safe releases.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are serious fighters that'll give you a workout. These silver bullets average 30 pounds but can hit 90+ pounds, with razor-sharp teeth that'll cut right through your leader if you're not careful. They patrol depths from 40-150 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks. Spring through fall is prime time here in Fort Lauderdale when they're following baitfish along our coast. What guests love is the initial run - kings will peel line like crazy when they first feel the hook. They're also excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. Pro tip: always use a wire leader, at least 40-50 pound test. These fish bite the back half of your bait, so rig with two hooks - one in the nose, one trailing behind. When they hit, let them run before setting the hook.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure eye candy with their golden sides and electric blue-green backs that light up like a neon sign when fighting. Most run 15-30 pounds and 3-4 feet, but we've seen them over 50 pounds. They love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 200+ feet of water. Peak season runs spring through fall when water temps stay warm. What makes them crowd favorites is the acrobatic fight and those color changes - they'll flash every shade of yellow and green. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, firm white meat. Here's what works: once you hook one, keep it in the water and look for the school. Mahi travel in groups, so where there's one, there are usually more. Work fast and you can often boat several before they spook.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep, hitting 60 mph and built like torpedoes. These silvery rockets average 3-5 feet and 30-40 pounds, with razor teeth that'll slice through anything but wire. They cruise open water around 60 feet deep, often near floating objects or current breaks. Best fishing is July through November when they're most active in our area. What makes them special is that blistering first run - nothing prepares you for a wahoo's initial surge. They're also top-shelf eating with delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill. The key is speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders and bright lures. When one hits, it's usually game over before you know what happened. Local secret: rig a second rod ready to go - wahoo often hunt in pairs, and you might get a double header if you're quick.
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