Fort Lauderdale Offshore Sport Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore sportfishing targeting mahi, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, king mackerelProfessional crew uses trolling, kite fishing, live bait, jigging techniquesChoose between 4-hour or 7-hour Fort Lauderdale fishing trips
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale, Reel Floridian Fishin knows exactly where the big pelagic fish are hanging out. These waters off South Florida's coast hold some of the best sportfishing opportunities you'll find anywhere, and Captain and crew have been putting anglers on trophy fish for years. Whether you've got four hours to burn or want to make a full day of it with their seven-hour option, you're looking at prime time on the water targeting sailfish, mahi, wahoo, king mackerel, and cubera snapper. The boat holds up to six anglers, so bring your crew or join a small group of fellow fishing fanatics ready to battle some serious gamefish in the blue water.
Once you clear the inlet and hit the deep blue, you're in for a different kind of fishing than what most people are used to. The Gulf Stream runs close to shore here, bringing warm water and baitfish that attract the predators you're after. Captain sets up the spread based on what's been biting and current conditions – some days it's all about the troll, other times you'll be flying kites or drifting live bait in the current. The four-hour trip gives you a solid shot at getting into fish without eating up your whole day, perfect for families or when you want to test the waters. Go with the seven-hour charter and you'll have time to really work different areas, change up techniques, and chase down whatever's showing on the fish finder. Don't expect to just sit there either – when a fish hits, everyone's got a job to do, and the crew will coach you through fighting these powerful fish that can strip line off your reel faster than you'd believe.
Reel Floridian's crew runs a tight ship when it comes to gear and methods. They've got heavy-duty trolling rods rigged with circle hooks and wire leaders for the toothy critters, plus lighter spinning gear for when the mahi are being finicky. Trolling is the bread and butter – running a spread of ballyhoo, bonito strips, and lures at different depths to cover water and find active fish. When conditions are right, they'll break out the kites, a South Florida specialty that lets you present live baits on the surface where sailfish and mahi can't resist them. Live bait fishing means you might find yourself over a wreck or reef, drifting goggle-eyes or blue runners down to where the big snappers live. Jigging comes into play when you mark fish on structure – it's hard work but deadly effective on everything from kings to wahoo. The crew handles all the rigging and re-rigging, so you can focus on the fishing, but they'll also teach you the tricks if you want to learn how it's done.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing, and Fort Lauderdale sits right in the heart of their winter migration route. From December through March, these acrobatic fighters stack up in the warm water, and there's nothing like watching a sail come up hot on a kite bait, bill slashing and dorsal fin up. They'll average 6-7 feet and put on an aerial show that'll have you shaking long after the release. Sailfish are almost always catch-and-release, and the crew knows exactly how to handle them for a quick, healthy release.
King mackerel are year-round residents that never disappoint when it comes to a hard fight and great table fare. These silver missiles will smoke your drag on the initial run, and a good king in the 20-30 pound range will test your arms and your tackle. They love trolled baits and spoons, and when you hook up, get ready for multiple screaming runs. Kings are also one of the best eating fish you'll catch out there, with firm white meat that's perfect on the grill.
Mahi mahi are the most colorful fighters in the ocean, flashing gold and green as they jump and bulldoze through the water. These fish travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. They'll hit trolled baits, live bait, and jigs with equal enthusiasm, and their curious nature means they'll often hang around the boat long enough for multiple hookups. Mahi are fantastic on the table too, with sweet, flaky meat that's a favorite at restaurants throughout South Florida.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60 mph and cutting through leaders with their razor-sharp teeth. When a wahoo hits a trolled bait, there's no mistaking it – they'll nearly tear the rod out of your hands with their blistering initial run. Most wahoo here run 15-40 pounds, and they're considered by many to be the best eating fish in the ocean. They're not as common as the other species, which makes landing one that much more special.
Cubera snapper represent the bottom fishing side of your trip, lurking around wrecks and reefs in deeper water. These bruisers can reach massive sizes, and a big cubera will use every trick in the book to get back to structure and break you off. They're ambush predators that require heavy tackle and quick reflexes when they bite. Landing a cubera over 20 pounds is a real accomplishment, and they're excellent eating if you decide to keep one for the table.
Fort Lauderdale's offshore fishing scene is world-class year-round, but the best action happens when you're on the water with a crew that knows these waters inside and out. Reel Floridian Fishin has built their reputation on putting customers on fish and making sure everyone has a great time doing it. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add to your life list or someone who
Hit the blue waters off Fort Lauderdale aboard this 2015 Contender 33-foot center console, powered by twin 300HP Suzuki engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 55 knots. This sportfishing machine comes equipped with everything serious anglers need - fish finder to locate the action, GPS for navigation, icebox to keep your catch fresh, and even a head for those longer trips. The spacious center console design gives you plenty of room to fight fish and move around the deck. Perfect for targeting mahi, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, and kings using trolling, kite fishing, live bait, and jigging techniques. Whether you choose the 4-hour or 7-hour trip, this boat puts you in prime position for some serious offshore action in South Florida waters.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the speed demons of our waters, hitting speeds around 25-35 mph and putting on aerial shows that'll leave you breathless. These beauties average 7-8 feet and 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin they flash when hunting. We find them in 30-150 feet of water year-round, but winter months from December through April are prime time when they stack up along our coast. They love following baitfish and will hunt cooperatively, changing colors from blue to silver to communicate. The fight is what hooks most anglers - they'll jump, dive, and tailwalk across the surface. Here's a local trick: when kite fishing, watch for that sail to light up bright blue when they're fired up on your bait. That's when you know you've got their attention and should get ready for the battle of a lifetime.
Lutjanus CyanopterusCubera snapper are the heavyweights of the snapper family, true bruisers that can top 100 pounds and stretch over 5 feet. These gray-brown tanks have massive canine teeth and jaws that can crush just about anything. We find them around rocky ledges, reefs, and wrecks in 60-180 feet, where they ambush crabs, lobsters, and smaller fish. Summer months bring them shallow to spawn, making them more accessible. What draws anglers is the pure battle - they'll use every rock and crevice to try breaking you off, testing both your tackle and technique. The smaller ones eat well, but the big breeders are better released. They're smart fish that require patience and heavy tackle. Local secret: use live skipjack or big blue runners on circle hooks, and when they bite, don't hesitate - pull hard immediately to get their heads up and away from the structure before they can dive back into their rocky hideouts.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "smoker kings" as we call the big ones, are speed merchants that'll test your tackle and your patience. These silver bullets typically run 20-40 pounds but we see plenty over 50, with that distinctive olive back and razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono like butter. They cruise the 40-150 foot range along our reefs and wrecks, following baitfish up and down the coast. Fall through spring are peak seasons when cooler water brings them inshore. What makes them special is their raw power - they'll make screaming runs that'll empty your reel if you're not ready. The meat is excellent when bled and iced immediately. Pro tip: always use wire leader and rig two hooks on live bait - kings love to hit the tail first, so that trailing treble hook will save you from a lot of heartbreak when they bite short.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the rainbow warriors of the deep blue, flashing gold, green, and electric blue when they're fired up. Most run 15-30 pounds and 3-4 feet, but bulls can push 50-plus with those signature blunt foreheads. We find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 100-1000+ feet of water. Spring through fall are prime, especially when the water hits 75+ degrees. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - they'll attack anything that moves and often travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. They're also fantastic eating with firm, mild white meat. The fight is pure fun - lots of jumps and strong runs on the surface. Here's an old-timer's trick: when you hook one, keep it in the water and work the area thoroughly. The rest of the school will often stay with their hooked buddy, giving you shots at multiple fish.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the sleek torpedoes of the offshore world, built for pure speed with razor-sharp teeth to match. These chrome bullets typically run 20-60 pounds and 4-6 feet, with distinctive blue tiger stripes down their silver sides. We target them in 100-600 feet over structure and along current edges where they ambush baitfish. Best action is fall through spring when water temps drop into the 70s. What sets them apart is their blistering speed - they'll hit a trolled bait at 40+ mph and make runs that'll smoke your drag. The meat is premium table fare, white and flaky like premium tuna. They're loners mostly, but when conditions are right, you might find small groups. Here's the key to wahoo success: troll fast, 12-15 knots minimum, with wire leaders. Those teeth will cut anything else, and speed triggers their predatory instincts better than any slow presentation ever will.
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