Pompano Beach Bottom Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Bottom fishing targets barracuda, grouper, and snapper species offshoreFamilyfriendly charter accommodates all experience levels with guided assistanceFresh seafood dinner opportunity from daily catch available
Looking for some serious action on the water? Reel Floridian Fishin's bottom fishing charters out of Pompano Beach deliver exactly what South Florida anglers crave. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned pro looking to load the cooler, these trips consistently produce fish and memories. With space for up to 5 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without feeling crowded, and our local knowledge of Pompano's productive bottom structure means you'll be fishing the right spots at the right times.
Bottom fishing off Pompano Beach puts you right in the sweet spot of South Florida's fishing scene. We'll head out to proven reef structures and ledges where the fish stack up thick, usually within a reasonable run from the inlet. The beauty of bottom fishing is its accessibility - you don't need tournament-level skills to have a blast and catch dinner. We'll set you up with the right tackle, show you how to read the bottom machine, and put you on fish that'll keep your rod bent. Expect a mixed bag throughout the day as different species move through the area, and don't be surprised when something big decides to test your drag system. The boats we run are set up specifically for bottom fishing, with plenty of rod holders, fish boxes, and all the tackle you'll need for a productive day.
Bottom fishing success comes down to presentation and patience. We'll rig you up with circle hooks and enough weight to hold bottom in the current - usually anywhere from 4 to 8 ounces depending on conditions. Live bait is king out here, and we'll have a livewell full of pilchards, goggle eyes, and whatever else is running. For the bigger predators like kings and cuda, we'll also have some cut bait ready to go. The technique is straightforward but effective: drop your bait down, feel for the bottom, then reel up a few cranks to keep your bait in the strike zone just off the reef. When the current's running hard, we might drift fish over the structure, but most of the time we'll anchor up on productive spots and let the fish come to us. Don't worry if you've never done this before - we'll walk you through everything from reading your rod tip for bites to setting the hook properly on different species.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of these bottom fishing trips, and Pompano Beach waters hold some real smokers. These fish typically range from 15 to 40 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 50-plus during peak season. Kings are most active from spring through fall, with the best action happening when the water temperature sits in that sweet 75-80 degree range. What makes kings so exciting is their initial run - when a good one grabs your bait, it'll scream line off your reel like nothing else. They're also fantastic on the dinner table, especially when you butterfly them on the grill with some blackening seasoning.
Great Barracuda bring the attitude that makes every angler's heart race. These toothy predators average 10 to 20 pounds around here, but the big girls can push 40 pounds and stretch over four feet long. Cuda are year-round residents, but they're most aggressive during the warmer months. What sets barracuda apart is their speed and unpredictability - they'll hit like a freight train, jump, run, and generally raise hell once hooked. The key to landing them is keeping steady pressure and watching for their infamous last-second lunges at the boat. Many anglers release cuda, but smaller ones make excellent ceviche if you're looking to try something different.
Mutton Snapper represent the premium eating fish on these trips, and they're smart enough to keep things interesting. These beautiful fish typically run 3 to 8 pounds, with trophy-sized muttons reaching 15 pounds or better. They're most cooperative during warmer months and around the new moon phases when they move shallow to feed. Muttons are notorious for their light bites - you'll feel more of a subtle weight than a hard strike. Once hooked, they'll make strong runs toward the bottom structure, so you need to turn them quick. Their white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality, making them a favorite target for anglers planning a fish dinner.
Lane Snapper might be smaller than their mutton cousins, but they make up for size with numbers and flavor. These colorful fish typically run 8 to 14 inches and rarely exceed 2 pounds, but they school up thick around structure. Lanes are active year-round but peak during summer months. They're perfect for kids and novice anglers because they bite aggressively and fight well for their size. The technique for lanes is all about smaller hooks and fresh bait - they can be picky when they want to be. Don't let their size fool you; lanes are some of the best eating fish in these waters, with sweet, firm flesh that's perfect for fish tacos or a whole fried fish dinner.
Bottom fishing off Pompano Beach with Reel Floridian Fishin gives you the best of South Florida saltwater fishing without the complexity of offshore trolling or the expense of deep-water charters. You'll target multiple species, learn proven techniques, and likely head home with a cooler full of fresh fish for dinner. Our local knowledge of the bottom structure and seasonal patterns means you'll spend more time with bent rods and less time wondering where the fish are hiding. With space for up to 5 anglers, these trips work great for families, groups of friends, or solo anglers looking to get in on some consistent action. Book your bottom fishing charter today and see why Pompano Beach has earned its reputation as one of Florida's top fishing destinations.
Get ready to hit the waters off Pompano Beach aboard this solid 33-foot Contender center console! This 2015 beauty packs twin 300HP Suzuki engines that'll cruise you out to the fishing grounds at a smooth 55 knots, getting you to where the fish are biting fast. Built for serious bottom fishing, she's loaded with everything you need - a reliable fish finder to locate those productive spots, GPS to keep you on course, and a spacious icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to move around and fight fish, while the onboard facilities keep your group comfortable during those longer days targeting grouper, snapper, and mackerel. With space for your party and all the gear, this boat is perfect for going after bottom dwellers in the deeper offshore waters where the big ones hang out.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the wolves of our reefs - aggressive, fast, and always ready to strike. Most run 2-4 feet long, but the big ones can hit 5-6 feet and really test your drag. You'll find them patrolling coral reefs, grass flats, and drop-offs in 10-60 feet of water year-round, though spring and summer are prime time. They hunt by sight and love anything flashy, making them perfect targets for spoons and live bait. The fight's intense but short - they'll make a few screaming runs then give up quick. While the meat can be tricky due to ciguatoxin, the battle makes them worth targeting. My go-to trick: use a wire leader and work a silver spoon fast near structure. When you see one following, stop the lure - they usually strike immediately.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are some of the fastest fish you'll hook off Pompano Beach. These silver torpedoes average 20-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds when you find the big ones. Look for them cruising in 40-150 feet of water, especially around temperature breaks and bait schools. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding heavily on blue runners and sardines. What makes kings special is that blistering first run - they'll peel line like nothing else. The meat's great smoked or grilled too. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and hook your live bait through the nose with a stinger hook in the back. Kings love to hit from behind and that second hook saves a lot of cutoffs.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snappers are perfect for families and new anglers - they bite well and fight hard for their size. These colorful pink fish with yellow stripes typically run 8-14 inches, making them ideal for kids to handle. You'll find them around coral reefs and sandy bottoms in 30-150 feet, often mixed with other snapper species. They bite year-round but really turn on during spawning season from March through September. Guests love them because they're aggressive biters and make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Plus, you usually catch multiples once you find a school. Best bait is fresh shrimp on a small hook with light tackle. Here's my tip: lane snappers feed heavily at night, so if the day bite is slow, try fishing the evening hours when they really come alive.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are the prize of our bottom fishing trips - beautiful pink and red fish that put up a solid scrap. Most run 2-5 pounds, but the big ones can push 15+ pounds and really bend the rod. You'll find them around coral heads, ledges, and sandy areas in 60-200 feet, especially where current flows. Spring and summer are best when they're more active and feeding. What guests love about muttons is the combination of good fight and excellent table fare - they're some of the best eating fish we catch. They're smart though, so presentation matters. Keep your bait fresh and use just enough weight to hold bottom. Here's the trick: when you see that pink flash coming up through clear water, don't rush it. Let them tire out completely or they'll dive back to structure and break you off.
Key West