Premium Offshore Fishing Adventures in Fort Lauderdale
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore drift fishing targeting snapper and bottom speciesChoice of 4hour or 7hour Fort Lauderdale adventuresSmall group capacity with maximum 4 guests aboard
Fort Lauderdale's offshore waters hold some serious fish, and Reel Floridian Fishin knows exactly where to find them. Our drift fishing trips target the productive bottom structure where snapper and other quality species hang out, just a few miles from shore. With 4-hour and 7-hour options, you get to pick your adventure level while we handle the rest. We keep groups small at just 4 anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of elbow room and personal attention from our crew.
We're talking real drift fishing here – no trolling around looking for surface action. Our trips focus on working the bottom where the snapper live, using techniques that consistently produce fish. The 4-hour trips give you a solid taste of what Fort Lauderdale's offshore scene offers, while the 7-hour adventures let you really settle into the rhythm and work multiple spots. We'll position the boat over productive structure, drop lines, and let the current do its work while we drift across prime feeding zones. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, from the nearshore reefs to the deeper ledges where the bigger fish cruise. You'll be fishing in 80 to 200 feet of water depending on conditions and what's biting best. Don't worry about bringing tackle – we've got you covered with quality rods, reels, and all the terminal gear you'll need.
Drift fishing is an art form, and it's hands down the most effective way to target bottom species in South Florida. We set up over known structure – think coral heads, ledges, and rocky bottom – then let the boat drift naturally with the current. This covers more ground than anchoring and presents baits naturally to fish below. We use circle hooks with live and cut bait, dropping down to where the snappers, grouper, and other bottom dwellers are holding. The key is reading the current, wind, and structure to position drifts perfectly. Our crew will show you how to feel the bottom, work different depths, and adjust your presentation based on what the fish want. We're fishing heavy enough sinkers to get down quick in the current, but light enough to feel every bump and bite. When the drift gets too far off the structure, we motor back up-current and start another pass. It's efficient, effective, and gives everyone onboard the best shot at consistent action.
Mahi Mahi, also called common dolphinfish, are the crown jewel of Fort Lauderdale offshore fishing. These fish are pure energy – bright gold and green colors that light up when they're fighting, and they never give up easy. Mahi typically show up in our waters from spring through fall, with peak season running April through September. They love floating debris, weed lines, and structure, often traveling in small schools. What makes them special is their acrobatics – expect multiple jumps and long runs that'll test your drag system. Most of our mahi run 10 to 25 pounds, with the occasional bull pushing 40-plus. They're also fantastic table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish tacos.
Mutton snapper are the heavyweight champions of the snapper family around here. These bruisers can push 15 to 20 pounds when mature, and they know how to use every ounce fighting in the structure. Muttons are picky eaters with excellent eyesight, so presentation matters. They're most active during summer months and prefer deeper reefs and ledges. What anglers love about mutton snapper is the challenge – they're smart, strong, and absolutely delicious. Their meat is firm and sweet, making them a prized catch for the dinner table.
Lane snapper might be smaller than their mutton cousins, but they make up for it with attitude and numbers. These scrappy fish are beautifully marked with yellow stripes and pink hues, and they're always ready to bite. Lanes are year-round residents on our reefs, though they're most active in warmer months. They typically run 1 to 3 pounds, perfect for light tackle action. What guests love is the consistent action – when you find lanes, you usually find plenty of them, making for steady rod-bending fun.
Grey snapper, better known as mangrove snapper locally, are the smartest fish in the reef. They're incredibly wary and can spot a poorly presented bait from a mile away. These fish are available year-round but are most cooperative during warmer months when they're actively feeding. Greys typically run 2 to 8 pounds in our offshore waters, though the occasional doormat will surprise you. They're prized for their challenging nature and excellent eating qualities – their meat is flaky, mild, and perfect for any preparation.
Blackfin tuna add serious speed and power to any fishing trip. These smaller members of the tuna family are built for speed, with dark backs and distinctive fin markings. Blackfins are most common in our waters during cooler months, typically from fall through early spring. They usually run 5 to 20 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. These fish will peel line off your reel in long, steady runs, and their meat is excellent for sashimi or searing. Finding blackfins often means you're in good water with plenty of baitfish around.
Fort Lauderdale's offshore waters are fishing great right now, and our drift fishing trips are producing consistent action for groups who want to get on quality bottom fish. Whether you choose the 4-hour adventure or go all-in with our 7-hour expedition, you're looking at a day of serious fishing with a crew that knows how to put you on fish. We handle all the details – bait, tackle, ice, and expert guidance – so you can focus on what matters: catching fish an
This 33-foot Contender center console is built for serious offshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale waters. Twin 300HP Suzuki engines push this boat to a top speed of 55 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and bringing you back with your catch. The spacious deck gives your group of up to 4 anglers plenty of room to work the lines while drift fishing for snapper and bottom fish. Modern fish finder technology helps locate productive spots, while GPS keeps you on course. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh on the ride back to shore. When nature calls, there's an onboard toilet so you don't have to cut the fishing short. This boat handles offshore conditions with confidence, letting you focus on what matters most - getting fish in the boat.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smaller cousins in the tuna family, but don't let their size fool you - they're pure muscle and attitude. Most run 5-15 pounds with that classic torpedo shape, dark back, and distinctive yellow stripe along their sides. We find them in blue water from 100-600 feet, usually around temperature breaks and current edges. Fall through spring is prime time here in South Florida when water temps are in the high 60s to 70s. What makes blackfins special is their blistering runs and non-stop fight - they're like hooking into a freight train. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean, perfect for sushi or searing. They often school up, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Pro tip: scale down your tackle and use fluorocarbon leaders - these fish have sharp eyes and will spook from heavy gear. Vertical jigging works great when you mark them on the bottom machine.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are smart fish that'll test your patience and skill. They run 1-4 pounds inshore, but the offshore ones can surprise you at 8-12 pounds. These fish love structure - docks, wrecks, ledges, and any kind of cover in 20-100 feet of water. They're opportunistic feeders that hunt mostly at night, making evening trips productive. What makes greys challenging and rewarding is they're extremely line-shy and cautious, so when you outsmart one, it feels earned. They're also fantastic table fare with white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. The fight is steady and strong - they'll use structure against you every chance they get. Local trick: when targeting greys, let your bait sit still on the bottom without a lot of movement. Use live shrimp hooked through the tail, drop it down, and wait. These fish like to study their meal before committing, so patience pays off big time.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snappers are those pretty pink and silver fish with yellow racing stripes that often show up as a bonus on our bottom trips. They typically run 1-3 pounds and about 12-16 inches, making them perfect for lighter tackle fun. You'll find them around coral reefs and sandy areas with good structure in 50-150 feet of water. March through September is when they're most active, especially during their spawning season. What makes lanes interesting is they're scrappy little fighters that punch above their weight class, and they're not as line-shy as other snappers. The meat is excellent - white, flaky, and sweet. They often get overlooked, but they're some of the best eating fish we catch. Here's what works: lanes feed heavily at night, so dusk trips can be fantastic. Use small hooks with fresh shrimp or cut bait, and don't be surprised if you catch several once you find a school.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here, with brilliant gold sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a color show when they come to the boat. These fast-growing fish typically run 15-29 pounds, though we've seen them push 40+ pounds on good days. They love hanging around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 100-400 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps climb above 70°F. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and tail-walk like crazy. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, mild white meat that's perfect for the grill. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, keep your lines in the water - mahi travel in schools and where there's one, there are usually more waiting.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are the prize of our drift fishing trips, known for their olive-green color with distinctive blue streaks under their eyes. Most run 3-8 pounds, but the bigger ones can hit 15-20 pounds and really test your drag. We find them around structure in 80-200 feet - wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom where they can ambush baitfish. Summer months are prime time when they're most active and feeding heavy. What guests love about muttons is their strong, determined fight once hooked - they'll head straight for the bottom or try to wrap you around structure. The meat is outstanding too, firm and sweet with a great flaky texture. My advice: use the freshest bait you can get, keep your sinker light, and let it drift naturally in the current. When you feel that first tap, wait for the second bite before setting the hook - muttons like to mouth the bait first.
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