Fort Lauderdale Offshore Sport Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing charters targeting mahi, sailfish, tuna, and wahooProfessional crew uses trolling, kite fishing, and live bait techniquesChoose between 4hour or 7hour Fort Lauderdale fishing trips
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, Reel Floridian Fishin delivers the kind of sport fishing adventure that keeps anglers coming back season after season. We're talking about real blue water action just off Fort Lauderdale's coast, where the Gulf Stream brings in some of Florida's most prized gamefish. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and with both 4-hour and 7-hour options, you can pick the trip that fits your schedule and fishing goals. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to land your first sailfish or a seasoned angler chasing that trophy mahi, we've got the experience and local knowledge to put you on fish.
Your day starts with a well-equipped sportfishing vessel designed for offshore work, accommodating up to 6 anglers comfortably. The crew wastes no time getting you to the productive waters where pelagic species roam, typically within 30 minutes of leaving the dock. Fort Lauderdale's proximity to deep water is one of its biggest advantages – you're not burning half your trip just getting to the fishing grounds. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused, with everyone working together to maximize hook-ups. Expect plenty of action as the crew keeps multiple lines in the water and stays ready to adapt tactics based on what's biting. The 4-hour trips are perfect for families or first-timers wanting a taste of offshore fishing, while the 7-hour charters give serious anglers the time needed to work different areas and target multiple species throughout the day.
This crew doesn't rely on just one method – they're masters of multiple techniques that produce consistent results in South Florida waters. Trolling remains the bread and butter for covering water and locating active schools, with a spread of lures and baits running at different depths and distances. When conditions are right, you'll see the kite fishing setup come out, a deadly technique for presenting live baits naturally on the surface that drives sailfish and mahi absolutely crazy. Live bait drifting comes into play when fish are located but not actively chasing lures, allowing for a more finesse approach that often triggers strikes from wary gamefish. Jigging gets the call when marks show up on the bottom machine or when working structure that holds wahoo and king mackerel. The captain reads the conditions – water temperature, current, bait activity, and weather – then adjusts tactics accordingly. That's the difference between a fishing trip and a catching trip.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Fort Lauderdale offshore fishing, and for good reason. These acrobatic fighters average 6-8 feet long and put on a show that'll have your heart pumping from the moment they eat your bait until they're released boat-side. Peak sailfish season runs from December through March, when cooler water temperatures stack these fish along the reef line in impressive numbers. What makes sailfish special isn't just their size – it's the way they fight, with those spectacular jumps and lightning-fast runs that test your skills as an angler. Most crews practice catch and release with sails, ensuring these magnificent fish continue to thrive for future generations.
King Mackerel, or "kings" as locals call them, are pure speed and aggression wrapped in a streamlined package. These fish typically range from 10-40 pounds in local waters, with the occasional monster pushing 50-plus pounds during peak season from October through March. Kings are notorious for their blistering initial runs and sharp teeth, making them both challenging and rewarding to catch. They respond well to trolled spoons, live bait, and slow-trolled dead baits, often striking with the kind of violence that'll nearly rip the rod from your hands. Many anglers consider king mackerel the perfect combination of size, fight, and table fare.
Mahi Mahi bring tropical beauty and excellent eating to your offshore adventures. These colorful fighters typically range from 5-25 pounds, though bull dolphins can exceed 40 pounds when conditions are right. Peak mahi season runs from April through September, coinciding with warmer water temperatures and the arrival of floating sargassum weed lines that attract baitfish. What makes mahi special is their willingness to bite almost anything when they're feeding, plus their habit of traveling in schools – meaning where you catch one, you're likely to find more. Their brilliant colors and acrobatic fights make them a favorite among both experienced anglers and newcomers to offshore fishing.
Wahoo represent the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of reaching speeds over 50 mph and armed with razor-sharp teeth that can slice through wire leaders. These fish typically range from 15-50 pounds in local waters, with their torpedo-shaped bodies built for explosive power. Wahoo fishing peaks during the cooler months from November through March, when these fish move closer to shore following baitfish migrations. They're notorious for striking trolled lures at high speeds, often cutting themselves off before you even know you had a bite. Successfully landing a wahoo requires quick reflexes, quality tackle, and a bit of luck – making each one a true trophy.
Cubera Snapper round out the target species list as the heavyweights of the snapper family. These powerful fish can exceed 50 pounds and are known for their bulldog-like fighting style, using their massive heads and broad tails to power back toward structure. Cubera fishing is best during the warmer months when these fish move into shallower waters to spawn. They're typically found around reefs, wrecks, and ledges, where they feed on crabs, smaller fish, and squid. Landing a large cubera is a true test of angling skill, as these fish will do everything possible to wrap your line around structure and break free.
Fort Lauderdale's offshore fishing
Hit the deep waters off Fort Lauderdale aboard this 33-foot Contender center console, powered by twin 300HP Suzuki engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 55 knots. This 2015 sportfisher is built for serious offshore action, targeting mahi, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, and kings in the blue water beyond the reef. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a productive day - GPS navigation to find the best spots, fish finder to locate the action below, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's room to spread out whether you're trolling the edges, kite fishing for sailfish, or jigging structure for bottom dwellers. The onboard head means comfort during those longer offshore runs. Your experienced crew knows these waters and adapts tactics based on conditions, switching between live bait drifting and trolling to put you on fish. Choose between 4-hour or 7-hour trips depending on how deep you want to venture into Florida's legendary offshore fishing grounds.
Istiophorus AlbicansThese are the fish that put on a real show - leaping and tail-walking when hooked. Atlantic sailfish average around 7 feet and 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. We find them in 30-150 feet of water, usually cruising near the surface where they hunt baitfish like sardines and mackerel. Winter months are prime time here in South Florida - we're right in "Sailfish Alley" from Miami to Fort Pierce. What makes them special is their speed and acrobatics; they'll jump repeatedly during the fight, changing colors from blue to black as they get excited. The meat's decent, but most folks prefer catch and release with these beauties. Pro tip: when kite fishing, keep your baits swimming naturally and be ready to drop back when they come up to investigate - they're smart fish that spook easily if something looks off.
Lutjanus CyanopterusCubera snapper are the bruisers of the reef - the largest snapper species that can reach 100+ pounds and really test your tackle. Most of ours run 20-60 pounds, with thick bodies, big canine teeth, and an attitude to match their size. They hang around rocky ledges, reefs, and structure in 80-180 feet of water, using the cover to ambush prey. Summer months from May through August are prime time when they move up to spawn in shallower water. What guests love is the initial power and the way they try to get back to the rocks - it's a tug-of-war that'll leave your arms sore. The meat is excellent, though larger fish can carry ciguatoxin. These fish are smart and structure-oriented, so once hooked, you've got to get them up and away from the bottom fast. My advice: use heavy tackle, big live baits like blue runners, and don't give them an inch once you set the hook - they'll wrap you around the reef every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf Stream, and they'll test your drag system for sure. These silver bullets typically run 15-40 pounds, but we catch 50-60 pounders regularly, with the occasional monster pushing 70+. They cruise depths from 40-150 feet, often following temperature breaks and current edges where baitfish concentrate. Fall and winter are our best seasons - October through March when they migrate through our waters. What guests love is the initial screaming run when they hit - kings will peel line like few other fish. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. These fish hunt in schools, so once you find one, there's usually more around. Here's the key: use a wire leader and fish two hooks on your live bait - one through the nose, one trailing behind. Kings often attack from the rear, and that second hook will save you from a lot of heartbreak.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the golden beauties of the offshore world, and they put up a great fight for their size. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet long, though we see bulls pushing 50+ pounds during good years. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100-1000 feet of water. Spring through early fall are our peak months, especially when the water temperature hits that sweet spot of 78-82 degrees. What makes them special is the incredible color show they put on when fighting - flashing gold, green, and electric blue. The meat is outstanding too - firm, white, and mild-flavored, perfect for the dinner table. Mahi often travel in schools, so when you hook one, keep the other lines out. My tip: look for frigate birds working above floating objects. Those birds will lead you right to feeding mahi underneath.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and will burn your drag in a heartbeat. They average 30-50 pounds and 4-5 feet, with razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through regular leaders like butter. We find them in 100-600 feet of water along drop-offs and current edges, usually as loners or in small groups. Best fishing is fall through spring when water temps are in the high 70s to low 80s. What makes them sought-after is that blistering initial run - there's nothing quite like a wahoo taking off at full speed. The meat is exceptional too - white, flaky, and mild, often called the "chicken of the sea." High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots works best with diving plugs and rigged ballyhoo. Pro tip: use single-strand wire leaders at least 2 feet long. Their teeth are like razors, and they'll slice through anything else without even slowing down.
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