Fort Lauderdale Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fivehour offshore charter accommodates up to six guestsTarget king mackerel, sailfish, mahi mahi, and grouperExtended time allows flexible tactics and broader coverage
Looking for the sweet spot between a quick morning trip and committing to a full day on the water? This 5-hour offshore charter hits that perfect balance. You'll head out into Fort Lauderdale's prime fishing grounds with up to five other anglers, giving your captain enough time to really work the water and adjust tactics based on what the fish are doing. It's become a customer favorite for groups who want serious fishing time without burning their entire day.
Your morning starts early as we head out past the reef line into deeper offshore waters where the real action happens. The extra hour compared to shorter trips makes all the difference - your captain can cover more ground, hit multiple spots, and switch up techniques when one isn't producing. We're talking about a mix of trolling spreads for pelagics like mahi and kingfish, plus dropping down to the bottom structure for amberjack and other reef dwellers. The boat accommodates six anglers comfortably, so you'll have room to work without getting tangled up in each other's lines. Fort Lauderdale's offshore waters are world-class, and this time frame lets us really take advantage of what's out there.
We run a combination approach that keeps the action varied and the fish boxes full. Trolling is our bread and butter for covering water - we'll pull a spread of ballyhoo, feathers, and spoons at different depths to target whatever's moving through. When we mark fish or hit known structure, we'll switch to bottom fishing with live bait or jigs. The boat comes equipped with quality tackle, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. Circle hooks are standard for catch and release, and we carry everything from light spinning gear for smaller species up to heavy conventional tackle for the bruisers. Your captain reads the conditions and adjusts the game plan accordingly - some days the fish want fast-moving baits, other days they're finicky and require a more finesse approach.
King Mackerel are the backbone of Fort Lauderdale offshore fishing, and for good reason. These silver bullets average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ during peak season from October through March. They're aggressive predators that hit trolled baits hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Kings school up along the reef edge and around bait concentrations, making them a reliable target when conditions are right. What makes them special is their fighting ability - they're fast, they jump, and they don't give up easily.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish, are the poster fish for offshore excitement. These colorful fighters average 10-25 pounds in our waters, with bulls occasionally hitting 40+. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when we find floating debris or weed lines that hold bait. Mahi are acrobatic fighters that go airborne repeatedly, and their electric blue and gold colors make them stunning to see. They also travel in schools, so when you hook one, there are usually more around - leading to some fast-paced action.
Greater Amberjack are the powerhouses of the reef. These bruisers average 20-50 pounds and are notorious for their strength and determination. They live around wrecks and hard bottom, fighting straight down toward their home structure. AJs are year-round residents, but spring and fall produce the best action. What anglers love about amberjack is their raw power - they'll test your tackle and your arms in equal measure. They're also excellent table fare when prepared properly.
Great Barracuda are the wolves of the reef, patrolling the edges with lightning speed and razor-sharp teeth. These predators average 5-15 pounds locally but can exceed 30. They're visual hunters that often hit trolled baits or tube lures with explosive strikes. Barracuda are year-round residents that provide consistent action, especially when other species are being finicky. Their speed and aggressive nature make them a blast on lighter tackle, and they're surprisingly good eating despite their reputation.
Cobia are the wild cards of offshore fishing - solitary hunters that show up when you least expect them. These brown sharks (they're actually not sharks at all) average 20-40 pounds and are renowned for their curious nature and bulldogging fight. Spring migration brings the best action, but resident fish are around year-round. Cobia are special because they'll often cruise right up to the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities that get your heart pumping. They're also considered among the best eating fish in the ocean.
This 5-hour format has become a top-rated option for good reason - it gives you serious fishing time without eating up your whole vacation day. Whether you're after that first sailfish, looking to load the cooler with kings and mahi, or just want to experience what Fort Lauderdale offshore fishing is all about, this trip delivers. The morning bite is typically the most productive, and you'll be back at the dock by early afternoon with stories to tell and hopefully some fish to show for it. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Fort Lauderdale's offshore waters fish well year-round, but each season brings different opportunities - your captain will put you on whatever's biting best when you're here.
Step aboard this well-equipped 38' Hatteras and get ready to chase fish in Fort Lauderdale's offshore waters. Twin 330hp Cummins engines power this fishing machine through blue water while you stay comfortable in the air-conditioned salon between bites. The spacious cockpit gives your crew of six plenty of room to work, with 35' outriggers for serious trolling action. When you hook into that king mackerel or sailfish, you'll have space to fight it properly. The captain uses top-notch fish finder and GPS to locate the action, whether you're dropping baits for snapper and grouper or trolling for mahi and wahoo. Keep your catch fresh in the livewell and your drinks cold in the icebox. The flybridge gives your captain a great view to spot birds and bait, while the onboard head means no cutting trips short. This boat handles offshore conditions with ease, getting you to productive fishing grounds and back safely.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the sharks that got away - dark brown, single dorsal fin, and they cruise just under the surface around structure. These fish average 30-50 pounds but can push 80+ pounds. They're loners, hanging around buoys, wrecks, and reefs in 30-100 feet of water. Spring migration through summer gives us the best shots, especially April through June. Guests love them because they're sight-fishing targets - you can see them coming and make the cast. Plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that rivals grouper. They fight strong and steady, not flashy but determined. Here's the trick: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig or live bait well ahead of where it's swimming. They spook easily, so don't drop it right on their head. Let it sink and work it slowly.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the ocean's missile - all teeth and attitude wrapped in silver. Most run 3-5 feet long and 10-20 pounds, but 6-footers show up regularly. They cruise shallow reefs, wrecks, and edges in 20-80 feet, hunting by sight with those razor teeth. We catch them year-round, but they're most active in warmer months. Anglers love the explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps - they'll clear the water multiple times trying to throw the hook. The fight is intense but short-lived since they burn energy fast. Fair warning: they're not great table fare due to occasional toxin issues. My tip for landing them: use a wire leader and keep tension steady. When they jump, don't bow to them like a billfish - maintain pressure or they'll shake free. Have the net ready because those teeth are no joke.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - powerful fish that'll test your arms and drag system. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds, with some monsters pushing 80+. They hang around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 80-200 feet of water year-round, but spring and fall give us the most consistent action. What makes them special is that pure power - they dive straight down and fight like a freight train all the way to the boat. The meat is excellent too, firm and white with a mild flavor. You'll find them most active during moving water on the tide changes. Here's the key to landing a big one: when they dive for structure after being hooked, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. Let your drag work and be patient - try to turn their head gradually or they'll cut you off on the reef.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are one of our most reliable catches here off Fort Lauderdale. These speedsters typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see some pushing 40+ during peak season. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth, so we always use wire leaders. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water, often along the reef edge or temperature breaks. Best fishing happens spring through fall when the water stays above 70 degrees. Kings are popular because they fight hard with long runs and make great eating - firm, flaky meat that's perfect grilled. Here's a local tip: when trolling, use a stinger hook setup with live bait like ballyhoo. Kings love to hit the tail section of baitfish, so that trailing treble hook will save you from a lot of short strikes and missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the crown jewel of our offshore trips - they're absolutely beautiful fish with those electric blues and golds that flash like neon underwater. Most fish we catch run 15-30 pounds, though bulls can push 40+. They love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in blue water, usually within 10 miles of shore. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit the mid-70s. Guests love them because they jump, fight hard, and taste amazing - sweet, firm white meat that's restaurant quality. The color show when you boat one is something you'll never forget. Pro tip: when you hook one mahi, keep trolling around the same area. They travel in schools, and where there's one, there's usually more. We often catch multiple fish from the same spot.
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