5.0(1 Reviews)Private Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charter - 5 Hours
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 5hour inshore fishing charter for up to 6 guestsMorning 7:00 AM and afternoon 1:00 PM departure options availableExpert guides provide tailored fishing experience in Fort Lauderdale waters
Looking for a solid day of fishing without the crowds? This 5-hour private charter puts you and up to 5 buddies on prime Fort Lauderdale waters with a captain who knows these reefs like the back of his hand. You've got two departure times to choose from - hit the water at 7:00 AM when the fish are actively feeding, or take the 1:00 PM slot if you prefer sleeping in and fishing through the afternoon bite. Either way, you're getting a full five hours to work the best spots and put some serious fish in the boat.
Fort Lauderdale's inshore waters offer some of the most consistent fishing on the East Coast, and this charter takes full advantage of that. Your captain will read the conditions - wind, current, bait movement - and adjust the game plan accordingly. Some days that means working the reef edges where the structure holds snapper and grouper, other days it's trolling the current breaks where pelagics like mahi and wahoo cruise. The boat comes rigged with quality tackle, fresh bait, and all the gear you need to handle whatever decides to bite. You just need to bring sunscreen, snacks if you want them, and maybe a cooler for your catch. The morning trip gives you that prime early bite when fish are most active, while the afternoon charter lets you fish into the evening hours when sailfish often show up to feed.
This charter runs a mix of trolling and bottom fishing depending on what's biting. For the pelagic species like sailfish, mahi, and wahoo, we'll pull a spread of ballyhoo, strip baits, and lures at varying depths to cover the water column. The captain sets the lines at different distances behind the boat - some long riggers, some flat lines, maybe a couple down the middle. When you hook up, you're fighting the fish on quality spinning or conventional reels spooled with enough line to handle those long runs. For bottom fishing, we'll anchor up or drift over structure using circle hooks and live bait or cut bait to target snapper and other reef species. The boat's fish finder helps locate structure and bait schools, while the captain's local knowledge puts you on the spots that consistently produce fish.
"We had an incredible time with JJ! JJ knew exactly where to take us. We caught 5 Blackfin tuna, 1 Barracuda, 1 Mahi Mahi, and we ended up getting 2 beautiful sailfish fights jumping 10 feet out the water! We ending up getting some nice pictures and videos of the 40" Mahi we caught then decided to get her mounted to be able to remember the fishing day of a lifetime." - David
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida fishing, and Fort Lauderdale sits right in their migration highway. These fish show up year-round but peak from November through April when the cooler water temperatures bring them closer to shore. A typical sail runs 6-8 feet long and puts on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. They're notorious for their multiple jumps and blistering runs, often clearing the water completely as they try to throw the hook. What makes sailfish special is their fighting spirit - they never give up easy and will test your tackle and technique right to the boat.
Blue Marlin represent the ultimate prize in these waters, with fish ranging from smaller school-size marlin around 100-200 pounds up to true giants pushing 400 pounds or more. Spring and summer months offer the best shot at blues, when they follow the Gulf Stream edge and hunt the same baitfish you're targeting. These fish are pure power - when a marlin eats your bait, you'll know it immediately. They make incredibly long runs and have the size to really challenge your drag system and fighting ability.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphin fish as locals call them, are hands-down one of the most fun fish to catch in Fort Lauderdale waters. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Mahi are aggressive feeders that will hit trolled baits, live bait, and even lures with equal enthusiasm. They're also great eating, making them a favorite for anglers who want to take fish home. Peak season runs from spring through fall, with the bigger bulls and cows showing up during summer months.
Wahoo are speed demons that will test your reflexes and your drag system. These torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and are known for their initial screaming runs that can strip line faster than you'd believe. They're most active during the cooler months, from November through March, and prefer deeper water along drop-offs and current edges. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth that can slice through leader material, so wire leaders are essential when targeting them specifically.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of bottom fishing in this area, though regulations change seasonally so your captain will know what's currently legal to keep. These fish live around structure - reefs, wrecks, ledges - and are notorious for their hard initial run straight back toward the bottom when hooked. A good-sized red snapper will test your ability to turn the fish's head and work it up from the reef. They're excellent table fare and a favorite target for anglers who prefer the technical aspects of bottom fishing over trolling.
This private 5-hour charter gives you the flexibility to fish at your own pace without sharing the boat with strangers. Whether you're experienced anglers looking to target specific species or beginners who want to learn the ropes, having the boat to yourselves means the captain can tailor the trip to what you want to accomplish. The two departure times let you choose what works best for your
Step aboard the Marlin My Darlin, a classic 50-foot Hatteras sportfisher that's been turning heads in Fort Lauderdale waters since her 2016 restoration. This beauty packs twin Detroit Diesel engines pumping out 876 combined horsepower, cruising comfortably at 20 knots to get you to the fish fast. With room for up to 6 anglers, she's equipped with everything serious fishermen need – from top-notch fish finders and GPS to radar for those foggy mornings. The flybridge offers commanding views of the water while you scan for bait schools and birds. Between fights, relax in air-conditioned comfort, grab cold drinks from the fridge, or fire up the multimedia system. The full galley, private head, and comfortable sleeping quarters mean you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the box. Whether you're targeting sailfish, mahi, or whatever's biting offshore, this veteran sportfisher has the speed, space, and gear to make your 5-hour charter productive.
Istiophorus AlbicansThese beauties are what dreams are made of - averaging 7.5 feet and around 50 pounds, with that signature sail fin that'll take your breath away. We find them year-round here off Fort Lauderdale, especially in our famous "Sailfish Alley" stretch. They hang in 30-65 feet of water near the surface, though they'll dive deeper when hunting. Winter months are prime time when they migrate through our warm waters. What makes them special? Pure athleticism - they'll leap, dive, and change colors right before your eyes during the fight. Plus they're one of the fastest fish in the ocean. My tip: when you see that sail come up behind your bait, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Let them take it and run first, then nail 'em.
Makaira NigricansThe ultimate trophy fish - these giants are what serious anglers travel the world to catch. Females can hit over 1,000 pounds (we call those "granders"), while males typically stay under 350. They cruise our deep blue waters year-round, usually beyond the reef in 100+ feet. Summer through fall gives us the best shots when water temps hit that sweet spot of 78-82 degrees. What draws people to them? It's the fight of a lifetime - pure power mixed with aerial acrobatics that'll test every piece of your gear. The meat's decent, but most folks release these magnificent fish. Here's the deal: when we're trolling for blues, I always rig heavy wire leaders and industrial-grade tackle. One swipe from that bill will cut through anything lighter like butter.
Coryphaena HippurusThese colorful speedsters are always a crowd favorite, and for good reason. They average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ on a good day. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in blue water, usually within 30 miles of shore. Spring through fall is prime time here in South Florida when water temps are warm. What makes them great? They hit hard, fight strong, and those colors are absolutely stunning - gold, green, and electric blue that changes as they battle. Plus, they're hands down some of the best eating fish in the ocean - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your lines in the water. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. We often get doubles and triples on a single school.
Lutjanus CampechanusThese deep-water warriors are the gold standard of bottom fishing, averaging 2-8 pounds with occasional monsters pushing 20+. We find them on hard bottom, wrecks, and structure in 60-200 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall fishing is typically best when they're most active. What guests love about snappers? They fight like bulldogs straight down to the bottom, plus they're absolutely fantastic eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. The deeper you go, the bigger they get. My secret: use live pinfish or fresh squid on a knocker rig, and drop it right to the bottom. Keep tension on the line because snappers have soft mouths and will throw the hook if you give them slack. When you feel that thump, set the hook hard and winch them up fast before they run to cover.
Acanthocybium SolandriThese silver rockets are built for speed, hitting up to 60 mph and averaging 3-5 feet long. We target them year-round here, but July through November is when they really show up in numbers. They cruise the blue water along drop-offs and current edges, usually in 60-200 feet. What makes wahoo special? That initial strike will nearly rip the rod from your hands, followed by blistering runs that'll test your drag. They're also premium table fare - firm, white, flaky meat that's absolutely delicious grilled or blackened. The trick with wahoo is speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono instantly. I always run a spread of high-speed lures like bullets and minnows. Hit the gas and hold on tight when these torpedoes strike.
5.0 out of 5.0We had an incredible time with JJ! JJ knew exactly where to take us. We caught 5 Blackfin tuna, 1 Barracuda, 1 Mahi Mahi, and we e...
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