3 Hour Offshore Fishing - Pompano Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday offshore trip targeting snapper and pelagic speciesExpert captain provides technique guidance and safety instructionSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests per trip
Looking for a solid half-day on the water without committing to a full day grind? This 3-hour offshore trip out of Pompano Beach hits that sweet spot perfectly. We're talking about a focused snapper bite with plenty of opportunities to tie into some bigger amberjack and other surprises that cruise these South Florida waters. The boat holds just 4 anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with crowds - it's intimate fishing at its best. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're genuinely stoked to put you on fish whether you've been doing this for decades or picked up your first rod last week.
Once we clear the inlet, you're looking at a quick run to productive structure where snapper stack up like cordwood. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility - some days we'll anchor up on a good piece of bottom and let the fish come to us, other days the drift bite is on fire and we'll work the current. Your captain reads the conditions and adjusts accordingly, which is exactly what you want in a guide. The 3-hour window keeps things focused and action-packed without wearing you out. Perfect for families, couples, or that buddy who says he wants to try offshore fishing but isn't ready for an all-day commitment. You'll spend more time with a bent rod than you will traveling, and that's the whole point of being out here.
We're running medium spinning tackle and conventional setups depending on what's biting and your comfort level. For the snapper bite, we're talking about bottom rigs with circle hooks - nothing fancy, just proven fish-catching setups that work day in and day out. When the amberjack show up, we might bump up the tackle a bit because these fish will test your drag and your patience. The crew handles all the rigging, baiting, and net work, so you can focus on feeling that bite and setting the hook. If you're new to offshore fishing, they'll walk you through proper technique for fighting fish in deeper water - it's different from inshore and knowing how to pump and wind makes all the difference between landing your fish and telling stories about the one that got away.
Greater Amberjack are the bruisers of this trip and the fish that'll make your arms burn. These guys hang around structure in 60-120 feet of water and when they hit, you know it. They make long, powerful runs that'll have you questioning your drag setting, then turn around and try to wrap you around whatever piece of bottom structure they can find. Peak season runs from fall through early spring when water temps drop a bit, but honestly, there's always a few around if you know where to look. What makes them special is that first screaming run - it's pure adrenaline and exactly why people get hooked on offshore fishing.
Lane Snapper might be smaller than their red snapper cousins, but don't let that fool you - they're scrappy little fighters and absolutely fantastic on the dinner table. These guys school up heavy around structure and once you find them, it's often non-stop action. They've got that classic snapper attitude - aggressive biters that'll hit everything from live shrimp to cut bait. Year-round residents here, but they really turn on during the warmer months. Perfect fish for newer anglers because they bite consistently and fight hard for their size. Plus, there's nothing quite like a fresh snapper dinner after a day on the water.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the speed demons of the amberjack family - smaller than their greater cousins but twice as fast. They'll hit a bait like a freight train and immediately head for the horizon, peeling line off your reel in a way that'll make you double-check your knots. These fish love the edges of structure where they can ambush baitfish, and they're notorious for showing up when you least expect it. Spring and summer are prime time, but like most South Florida species, you never know when they'll crash the party. What anglers love about yellowtails is their unpredictability and that explosive strike that wakes everyone up on the boat.
Scup, also known as porgy, are the underrated workhorses of this fishery. They might not make the hero shots for social media, but they're consistent biters and excellent eating fish. These guys school up around bottom structure and provide steady action when the bigger fish are being finicky. They hit small baits hard and fight surprisingly well for their size - perfect for keeping the action going between amberjack runs. Available pretty much year-round in these waters, and experienced anglers know that a cooler full of scup means dinner is sorted. Sometimes the best trips are measured not just in size, but in how many fish hit the deck.
This trip fills up quick, especially during peak season when everyone wants a piece of that South Florida offshore action. With only 4 spots available, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The 3-hour format makes it perfect for testing the offshore waters before committing to longer trips, or just getting your fix when time is tight. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before you commit. But honestly, once you experience that first offshore bite and see what's swimming around out there, you'll be planning your next trip before this one's even over. These Pompano Beach waters have been producing fish for decades, and there's a reason anglers keep coming back for more.
This classic 1993 Albemarle 36-footer is your ticket to productive offshore waters around Pompano Beach. Twin 470HP Caterpillar diesels push her at a comfortable cruise, getting you to the fishing grounds quickly while burning clean. The deep-V hull cuts through swells smoothly, and the spacious cockpit gives you plenty of room to work fish. Up top, the flybridge offers excellent visibility for spotting birds and baitfish. Down below, you'll find AC to cool off between bites, plus a fridge to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate structure and mark productive spots. Whether you're dropping lines on snapper or hoping for something bigger swimming by, this boat handles offshore conditions with confidence. The experienced crew knows these waters and will put you on fish while keeping everyone safe and comfortable throughout your half-day adventure.
Seriola dumeriliThese bruisers are what offshore dreams are made of. Greater amberjacks average 15-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds, and they'll test your drag from the first run. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 80-200 feet of water. That distinctive amber stripe and bluish-silver body makes them easy to identify. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? Pure power - they fight dirty, diving straight for structure to break you off. The meat is solid table fare too. Pro tip: when you hook one, tighten that drag and keep steady pressure. Let them run toward structure and you'll be retying. Heavy tackle and live bait work best, but they'll smash jigs and plugs when they're fired up.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snappers are the perfect starter fish for folks new to bottom fishing. These pretty pink and yellow striped fish usually run 10-14 inches and make great table fare. You'll find them around coral patches, artificial reefs, and sandy areas with some structure, typically in 30-80 feet of water. They're not shy about taking bait - shrimp, squid, or small cut bait works great. March through September is prime time when they're spawning and feeding heavily. What guests love is the steady action - they bite aggressively and fight well for their size. Plus, they're fantastic in the pan. The secret is fishing at night or early morning when they feed most actively. Use a light sinker to keep your bait just off the bottom, and don't be surprised if you catch them while targeting other snappers.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup might not be the main target, but they're solid fighters and great eating fish. These silver-sided bottom dwellers run 1-3 pounds on average, with their compressed bodies and sharp dorsal spines. Around here they're more of a bonus catch since we're at the southern edge of their range, but when conditions are right, they'll show up over rocky structure and artificial reefs. They're not picky eaters - squid, clams, or small chunks of cut bait work fine. What guests like is how they fight harder than their size suggests, and the meat is excellent fried up. Since they're bottom feeders with strong jaws for crushing shells, use a simple bottom rig. The trick is keeping your bait just off the bottom - they're aggressive but cautious, so a slow jig often seals the deal.
Seriola LalandiYellowtails are speed demons with those bright yellow fins that give them their name. Most run 15-25 pounds, but the occasional 40-pounder will remind you why you need heavy tackle. They cruise deeper structure and reefs, often 100+ feet down, but will come up to chase bait schools. The blue-green backs and silver sides make them beautiful fish, and they're prized for their firm, clean meat. Spring and summer offer the best shots when water temps climb. What makes them fun? Pure speed and endurance - they'll peel drag like a freight train and fight to the boat. The key is getting them away from structure fast since they'll wrap you up in a heartbeat. Live bait works best, but they'll crush jigs too. Keep steady pressure and don't rush the fight.
Sarasota