Half-Day Offshore Fishing Charter in Dania Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour offshore charter targeting kingfish, tuna, and wahooTrolling and bottom fishing over reefs and wrecks includedAll gear, bait, and fishing licenses provided onboard
Looking to get your line wet in some of South Florida's most productive offshore waters? This 4-hour afternoon charter out of Dania Beach puts you right in the action without burning your whole day. We're talking about getting after some serious fish here – from screaming kingfish runs to heavy grouper coming up from the bottom. This isn't your typical pier fishing trip. We'll head out past the reef line where the big boys live, and trust me, they're hungry.
We kick off this charter in the afternoon when the bite often heats up and the crowds thin out. The plan is simple but effective – start by trolling the blue water for pelagics like kings, tuna, and wahoo, then transition to bottom fishing over some of my favorite reef spots and wrecks. The boat maxes out at 4 anglers, so you're not going to be fighting for rail space or waiting forever for your turn to fight a fish. Everything you need is included – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and even your fishing license. Just bring yourself, some snacks if you want them, and maybe a cooler for your catch. The afternoon timing works great because you'll still have your morning free, and we often see increased fish activity as the day progresses toward evening.
We'll start the trip pulling a spread of trolling lures and rigged baits behind the boat. I'm talking about running anything from deep-diving plugs to ballyhoo rigs, depending on what's been producing lately. The trolling game is all about covering water and finding active fish. Once we mark some structure or get into an area that's been holding fish, we'll switch gears to bottom fishing. This means dropping baits down to the reef and wreck structure where grouper, snapper, and other bottom dwellers hang out. We'll use circle hooks with live or cut bait, and I'll walk you through the technique if you're not familiar with bottom fishing. The key is feeling the bite, setting the hook properly, and then muscling these fish up before they can get back into the rocks. Don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing – I'll have you dialed in within the first few drops.
Red grouper are the crown jewel of our bottom fishing efforts down here. These chunky, hard-fighting fish typically run anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds, with occasional larger specimens showing up. They're most active during the cooler months from November through March, but we see decent action year-round. What makes red grouper special is their fight – they'll try to get back into the structure the second they feel the hook, so it becomes a battle of wills between you and the fish. Plus, they're absolutely fantastic on the dinner table with their firm, white meat.
King mackerel, or "kings" as we call them locally, are the speed demons of our offshore waters. These fish can reach 30+ pounds and will absolutely scream drag when they hit a trolled bait. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring, but we catch them throughout most of the year. The fight is what brings people back – a big king will make multiple long runs and might even jump. They're also excellent eating when prepared properly, despite what some people say about mackerel.
Mutton snapper are one of the prettier fish we target, with their distinctive red coloration and attitude to match. These guys are smart and can be finicky, but when they're feeding, they'll stack up over the reefs in good numbers. They typically run 2 to 8 pounds, with the occasional larger fish keeping things interesting. Muttons are most active during the warmer months and are considered by many to be the best-eating snapper species.
Lane snapper might be smaller than their mutton cousins, but they make up for it in numbers and willingness to bite. These colorful little fighters are perfect for keeping the action steady between larger fish, and they're phenomenal in a fish fry. They're active pretty much year-round and will often save the day when the bigger fish are being stubborn. Don't underestimate these guys – they fight hard for their size and are a blast on lighter tackle.
This half-day charter gives you the perfect taste of what Dania Beach offshore fishing is all about. You're getting access to proven fishing spots, quality gear, and local knowledge that takes years to develop. Whether you're looking to put some fresh fish in the cooler, experience the rush of a big king mackerel run, or just spend a few hours doing something different, this trip delivers. The afternoon timing works great for families, couples, or anyone who doesn't want to commit to a full day on the water. Book your spot now and get ready to see why anglers keep coming back to these waters year after year.
Hit the waters off Dania Beach aboard this sharp 24' Cobia center console that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. Twin 150HP Yamaha engines push this beauty up to 50 knots, so you'll spend more time fishing and less time getting there. Built in 2020, she's loaded with everything you need for a productive afternoon on the water - GPS to navigate the offshore spots, fish finder to mark your targets, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Whether you're trolling for kingfish and wahoo or dropping lines on the reefs for snapper and grouper, this boat's designed to handle whatever the Atlantic throws at you. The reliable Yamaha power means smooth rides out and back, while the onboard facilities keep everyone comfortable during those longer battles with trophy fish.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are pure speed demons that'll test your gear and skills. These silvery rockets typically weigh 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds during peak season. We find them trolling in 40-150 feet of water, especially around temperature breaks and bait schools. Spring through fall is prime time when they migrate through our waters. What makes kings so popular? That blistering first run when they hit your bait - it's pure adrenaline. They'll strip line fast and jump, making for an exciting fight. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for grilling. Here's a local trick: rig two hooks on a wire leader when using live bait. Kings often grab the tail end of baitfish first, so that back hook will nail them. Keep your drag smooth - these fish can snap you off in a heartbeat if your drag sticks.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snappers are the perfect species for anglers wanting consistent action and great table fare. These colorful fish with their pink and yellow striped sides typically run 10-14 inches and 1-3 pounds - perfect pan-size fish. They're aggressive feeders that hang around coral reefs and sandy areas in 70-150 feet of water. You'll often catch them while targeting other snappers, which is why we call them "bonus fish." Spring through fall is peak season, especially during their spawning months of March to September. What guests love about lanes is their willingness to bite and steady fighting ability. They're not as spooky as other snappers, making them great for newer anglers. The meat is sweet and flaky - perfect for fish tacos or whole fried. Best tip: they feed most actively at night, so if we're fishing late afternoon, expect the bite to pick up as the sun gets lower. Shrimp and cut bait work great.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are the prize of our reef fishing - big, beautiful fish with that distinctive pinkish color and blue streaks around the eyes. Most run 3-8 pounds, but the big ones can push 15+ pounds and really test your tackle. You'll find them around coral reefs and rocky structure in 80-200 feet, often in sandy pockets near the edges. They're solitary fish, so when you find one, work the area thoroughly. Spring and summer are best when they're more active. What makes them special? They fight harder than most snappers and the meat is top-shelf - sweet, firm, and perfect for any preparation. These fish are smart, so presentation matters. Use the freshest bait with minimal weight, and let it drift naturally in the current. Once hooked, they'll head straight for the bottom or structure, so keep steady pressure and don't give them slack.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are one of the most rewarding fish to target on our reefs and wrecks. These robust, rusty-red colored fish typically run 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some monsters push 20+ pounds. They hang around rocky bottom and structure in 60-200 feet of water, making them perfect for our bottom fishing portion of the trip. What makes them special? They're tough fighters that'll give you a real battle, and the meat is outstanding - firm, flaky, and has this unique shellfish taste from their diet of crabs and shrimp. Best fishing is during cooler months when they're more active. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the structure. They'll try to wrap you up in the rocks, so muscle them up quickly. The fight is worth it - these are some of the best eating fish in our waters.
Fort Lauderdale, FL