Fort Lauderdale Offshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target mutton snapper, sailfish, hogfish, and amberjack offshoreCaptain Jedidiah leads trips with state-of-the-art fishing equipmentChoose between 4, 6, or 8-hour deep-sea adventures
Looking for some serious offshore action in South Florida? Captain Jedidiah and The Way Sportfishing know exactly where the fish are biting. These waters off Fort Lauderdale are legendary for a reason – the Gulf Stream runs close to shore here, bringing warm water and plenty of hungry pelagics right to our doorstep. With trips ranging from 4 to 8 hours, you've got options whether you want a quick morning bite or an all-day fish-fest. The boat holds up to 4 anglers, so you're not fighting for rod space or dealing with crowds. Just you, your crew, and some of the best blue water fishing Florida has to offer.
Captain Jedidiah runs a tight ship with top-notch gear that's ready to handle whatever we hook into. You'll be fishing aboard a well-equipped sportfisher with outriggers, downriggers, and all the tackle you need to tangle with billfish, dolphin, and everything in between. The boat's electronics package includes GPS, fishfinder, and radar – all the tools needed to put you on fish fast. Fort Lauderdale's offshore grounds start just a few miles from the inlet, so you're not burning half your day running to the fishing grounds. The Continental Shelf drops off quickly here, creating perfect conditions for both trolling and bottom fishing depending on what's biting. Expect to work depths from 100 feet out to 1,000 feet or more, following the fish and the conditions.
The name of the game out here is trolling, and Captain Jedidiah has it dialed in. We'll be pulling a spread of ballyhoo, bonito strips, and lures at varying speeds to cover different parts of the water column. The outriggers let us spread our baits wide, creating a natural feeding scenario that triggers strikes from cruising pelagics. When the water's right, we might switch to live bait – pilchards, goggle eyes, or whatever's available at the dock. For the bottom species like mutton snapper and hogfish, we'll anchor up on structure and drop down with live or cut bait. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. Circle hooks are the standard here for conservation, and the captain will walk you through proper fighting techniques to maximize your chances of landing that fish of a lifetime.
Mahi mahi are the bread and butter of Fort Lauderdale offshore fishing, and these fish are pure excitement on the line. Also called dolphinfish or dorado, mahi are known for their stunning colors and acrobatic fights. They show up in good numbers from spring through fall, with peak action typically from May through August. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks where the Gulf Stream meets cooler inshore water. A good mahi will go 10-30 pounds, with bulls occasionally pushing 50-plus. What makes them so popular with anglers is their aggressive feeding behavior – when you find one, there's usually more nearby.
Hogfish are one of South Florida's most prized table fare, and these bottom dwellers require some skill to target successfully. They hang around structure in 80-200 feet of water, using their snouts to root around in the sand for crabs and small fish. Hogfish are spooky and smart, so light tackle and natural baits work best. A nice hog will run 3-8 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing double digits. They're most active during cooler months from November through March, making them perfect targets for winter fishing when the pelagics slow down.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60 mph and stripping line like you wouldn't believe. These fish patrol the edge of the Continental Shelf, usually in 400-1,000 feet of water. Wahoo fishing is best from late fall through early spring, when these toothy predators move through Fort Lauderdale waters. They'll hit high-speed trolled lures and rigged ballyhoo, often taking the bait on the initial drop-back. A typical wahoo runs 15-40 pounds, but 60-pounders aren't unheard of. Their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs make them a favorite among serious offshore anglers.
Mutton snapper are the kings of South Florida's reef fish, growing larger and fighting harder than their smaller cousins. These fish live around ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom in 60-200 feet of water. Muttons are notoriously finicky, often requiring precise bait presentation and light leaders to get them to bite. But when you hook one, you'll know it – they make powerful runs toward structure and test every knot in your rig. Prime mutton snapper season runs from April through July, coinciding with their spawning period. A keeper mutton starts at 18 inches, but the real prizes are the 5-10 pounders that make excellent table fare.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of Fort Lauderdale fishing, and hooking one is an experience you'll never forget. These billfish show up in good numbers from December through April, when cooler water temperatures bring them close to shore. Sailfish average 6-8 feet long and 30-50 pounds, using their bills to stun baitfish before swallowing them. When hooked, they put on an aerial display that's second to none, jumping repeatedly and shaking their heads violently. Captain Jedidiah practices catch and release for all billfish, ensuring these magnificent fish remain available for future generations of anglers.
Fort Lauderdale's offshore fishing scene is world-class, and trips with The Way Sportfishing book up
Get ready to chase sailfish and mutton snapper aboard this brand-new 29-foot Goldline center console! This 2024 beauty cuts through Fort Lauderdale's offshore waters at speeds up to 40 knots, powered by a rock-solid 300HP Suzuki engine. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Your catch stays fresh in the onboard icebox while the fish finder helps locate those productive bottom structures where amberjack and hogfish love to hang out. GPS navigation keeps you on the productive spots and gets you back to port safely. Whether you're dropping lines for bottom fish or trolling for pelagics, this boat delivers the perfect platform for serious offshore fishing in South Florida waters.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the showboats of offshore fishing, with their massive dorsal fin and acrobatic jumps that'll get your heart pumping. These billfish average 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, with some reaching 100+ pounds. We target them in 80-400 feet of water along current edges and temperature breaks. Winter months, especially December through March, are prime time when they're thick off our coast - we call this area "Sailfish Alley" for good reason. What makes them special is the fight - they'll jump, dive, and make long powerful runs that can last 20 minutes. It's all about the experience since most get released. The secret is slow-trolling live bait and being patient when they show up to tease. Once hooked, keep steady pressure but let them run when they want to.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the prettier fish on the reef, with their pig-like snout and bright orange-pink colors that vary depending on mood and habitat. They typically run 3-8 pounds, though bigger ones can hit 15+ pounds. You'll find them around hard bottom structure, coral heads, and rocky ledges in 20-100 feet of water. They're curious fish that'll often swim right up to divers, but hooking them is tricky business with that unusual snout. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them when they're more active. What guests love is the challenge - they're smart, fast strikers that require good reflexes. And the table fare is outstanding, sweet and flaky like premium grouper. My trick: use live shrimp and make some noise in the water - they're attracted to the commotion and think you've got food.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are one of the most colorful fish you'll see out here, with brilliant blues and golds that put on a light show when you bring them to the boat. These fast-growing fish typically run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen some push 50+ pounds. They love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100-600 feet of water. Peak season here is April through October when the Gulf Stream brings warmer water closer to shore. What makes them special is the aggressive fight - they'll jump, dive, and make long runs that'll test your arms. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, firm white meat. Pro tip: when you see one, there's usually more underneath, so keep a second rod ready while fighting the first.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are the pink ghosts of the reef, with their distinctive olive-to-pink coloring and blue streaks around the eyes. These solid fighters typically run 3-8 pounds, though trophy fish can push 20+ pounds. You'll find them around coral reefs, rock piles, and sandy edges in 60-200 feet, especially where there's good current flow. Spring and early summer are best when they're spawning and more aggressive. What guests love is the fight - they're stronger than most snappers and will try to get back into the structure. The meat is excellent too, firm and sweet. The trick is using the freshest bait you can get on a knocker rig, and letting it drift naturally in the current. When you see that pink color coming up through the clear water, you know you've got a good one.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - hitting 50+ mph and making blistering runs that'll test your drag. These sleek fish average 20-40 pounds but can top 100, with razor-sharp teeth and a beak-like snout. We find them in blue water over 200 feet, often around current edges and drop-offs. July through November is prime time here in South Florida when they're most abundant. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the way they scream line off your reel - pure adrenaline. They're also top-shelf eating, with white flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or fish tacos. The key is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their teeth will cut through anything else. When you hook one, hold on tight because they don't give up easy.
Miami