Fort Lauderdale Offshore Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing charters targeting sailfish, snapper, and amberjackCaptain Jedidiah provides expert guidance with professional equipmentSmall group trips accommodate up to 4 guests maximum
Looking for some serious action on the water? Captain Jedidiah and The Way Sportfishing have you covered with world-class offshore trips right out of Fort Lauderdale. These aren't your typical inshore casting adventures – we're talking deep blue water where the big fish roam. With flexible 4, 6, and 8-hour options, you can tailor your trip to match your schedule and fishing appetite. Whether you're a seasoned angler who knows the difference between a ballyhoo and a bonito or someone who's never held a rod, Captain Jedidiah's got the skills to put you on fish.
Fort Lauderdale's offshore waters are legendary for good reason. We're pushing out beyond the reef line into the Gulf Stream's edge, where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and anything can happen. The boat heads out loaded with top-rated gear and fresh bait, ready to target everything from acrobatic sailfish to hefty mutton snapper. Captain Jedidiah knows these waters like the back of his hand – he'll read the current breaks, bird activity, and water temperature to position you over the most productive bottom structure and weedlines. The trips accommodate up to 4 anglers, so you're not fighting crowds for rail space or competing with a dozen other lines in the water. It's an intimate experience where everyone gets plenty of shots at quality fish. The boat's equipped with state-of-the-art electronics including GPS, fishfinder, and marine radar, plus all the safety gear required for offshore work.
Out here, we're primarily trolling with a spread of baits designed to trigger strikes from pelagic species. The captain typically runs a combination of ballyhoo, bonita strips, and artificial lures at different depths and distances behind the boat. When the conditions are right, we'll also deploy live bait like pilchards or blue runners near structure for species like mutton snapper and hogfish. The boat carries both conventional and spinning tackle in various weights, from lighter 20-pound class gear for sailfish up to heavier 50-pound outfits when the wahoo are running hot. If you've got preferences for tackle or techniques, speak up – Captain Jedidiah's happy to accommodate different fishing styles. Bottom fishing plays a big role too, especially when targeting those prized mutton snapper around the offshore reefs. We'll anchor up over productive ledges and drop live or cut bait down to where these smart fish are holding. The key is reading the sonar and understanding how these fish relate to structure in 80 to 150 feet of water.
The mahi mahi bite has been particularly strong this year, especially during the warmer months when these beautiful fish follow the weedlines and floating debris. These fish are pure excitement – when you hook into a bull dolphin, you're in for aerial displays and long runs that'll test your drag system. They typically range from 10 to 30 pounds out here, though the occasional bigger fish will surprise you. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with peak season running from April through September when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing, and Fort Lauderdale sits right in the heart of their migration route. These magnificent billfish arrive in numbers during the winter months, typically from December through March, when cooler water temperatures trigger their southward movement. A typical sail runs 6 to 8 feet and 40 to 60 pounds, but it's not about the weight – it's about the fight. When a sailfish eats your bait, expect multiple jumps, long runs, and a battle that'll leave your arms burning. Many anglers consider catching their first sailfish a rite of passage in offshore fishing.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of reaching speeds over 40 mph. These torpedo-shaped predators typically show up during the cooler months, from November through February, when they patrol the edge of the Gulf Stream. A wahoo strike is unmistakable – it'll nearly rip the rod from your hands. They're not great jumpers, but their initial run is absolutely blistering. Most wahoo caught here range from 20 to 50 pounds, and they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Mutton snapper are arguably the most challenging fish on this list to catch consistently, which makes them incredibly rewarding when you do connect. These reef dwellers are extremely structure-oriented, holding around ledges, wrecks, and coral heads in 60 to 200 feet of water. They're notorious for their wariness and will often inspect baits multiple times before committing. The best mutton fishing typically occurs during the warmer months when they move up onto the reefs to spawn. A quality mutton runs 5 to 15 pounds and is considered by many to be the best eating fish in South Florida waters.
Hogfish round out the target list and are another prized table fish that inhabits the offshore reef structure. These unique-looking fish with their elongated snouts are bottom dwellers that feed on crustaceans and small fish around rocky areas. They're year-round residents but tend to bite best during the spring and fall months when water temperatures are moderate. Hogfish typically range from 2 to 8 pounds and require finesse fishing with lighter tackle and small hooks.
Fort Lauderdale's offshore fishing scene is competitive, and Captain Jedidiah's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak season. The beauty of offering multiple trip lengths means you can find something that fits your schedule and budget. The 4-hour trips are perfect for families or first-timers who want a taste of offshore action without committing to a full day. The 6-hour option hits the sweet
This sleek 29-foot Goldline center console is your ticket to productive waters off Fort Lauderdale. Fresh from the 2024 build, she's powered by a dependable 300HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at 40 knots through South Florida's azure waters. The spacious deck layout gives all four anglers plenty of room to work, whether you're battling amberjack on the reefs or chasing sailfish in the blue water. An onboard fish finder helps locate the action, while GPS keeps you on the productive spots. The icebox ensures your catch stays fresh and drinks stay cold during those long days targeting mutton snapper and hogfish. Built for serious offshore fishing, this center console handles the Atlantic swells with ease, getting you out to where the big fish live and back to port safely.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing with that massive dorsal sail and electric-blue coloring. These billfish average 6-8 feet and 40-80 pounds of pure athleticism. We find them in 100-600 feet of water along current edges and temperature breaks. Winter months are magic here in Fort Lauderdale - December through March brings the best sailfish action when they're thick along our coast. What makes sails special is the show they put on - jumping, diving, and bulldogging with that sail flared out. It's the fight of a lifetime every time. We practice catch and release to keep this fishery strong. The trick is live bait fishing with kite rigs or slow-trolling ballyhoo. When a sail comes up behind the bait, let it eat before setting the hook - patience pays off with these smart fish.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the reef's most unique characters with that pig-like snout and bright orange spines. They average 2-8 pounds but can push 15+ pounds when you find the big ones. You'll find them rooting around coral reefs and hard bottom areas in 30-100 feet, using that snout to dig out crabs and shellfish. They're year-round residents here, but spring and summer offer the most consistent action. What draws people to hogfish is twofold - they're crafty fighters that test your reflexes with lightning-fast strikes, and the meat is absolutely primo, sweeter than grouper with a delicate flavor that's hard to beat. Here's the key: use live shrimp or small crabs on a light rig, and make noise - tap the boat or drop anchor. These curious fish are attracted to sounds and will come investigate.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are some of the most colorful fish you'll encounter offshore, with brilliant blues and greens that put on a light show when they come out of the water. Most mahi run 15-30 pounds, but we see plenty in the 40+ range. They love floating debris, weedlines, and structure in 100-1000 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action here in Fort Lauderdale, especially when the water temps climb above 75°F. What makes mahi special isn't just their stunning looks - they fight hard with long runs and acrobatic jumps, plus they're absolutely delicious table fare with that sweet, flaky white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled for more - they school up and where there's one, there's usually several more waiting.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are the heavyweight champions of the snapper family, with their olive-pink coloring and distinctive blue streaks around the face. Most run 5-15 pounds, but the big breeders can push 25+ pounds. We target them around reefs and structure in 80-300 feet, though they'll move into shallower water during spawning season. Spring and summer months are prime time when they're most active and feeding heavy. What guests love about muttons is that they're serious fighters - once hooked, they'll head straight for the bottom and test your tackle. The table fare is top-shelf too, with firm white meat that's perfect for any preparation. Key tip: use the freshest bait you can get on a knocker rig, and when you see that pink flash coming up through the water, that's your mutton coming home.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - these sleek, torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and average 20-50 pounds, though we've seen 80+ pounders come over the rail. They cruise the blue water from 100-600 feet, often around floating debris or current edges. Our best wahoo fishing runs July through November when they're thick offshore. What makes them special is that blistering speed and the way they'll smoke your drag on that first run - it's pure adrenaline. Plus, the meat is outstanding, white and flaky with a mild flavor that's perfect for the grill. The secret to wahoo success is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through anything else. Look for temperature breaks and weedlines where bait concentrates.
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