3-Hour Offshore Fishing in Fort Lauderdale
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
3hour offshore fishing trip targeting deepsea speciesExpert crew guides up to 4 guests maximumPerfect introduction to offshore fishing without fullday commitment
Looking for a taste of deep-sea fishing without burning your whole day? This 3-hour offshore trip with Wicked Cuda Sport Fishing hits the sweet spot for anglers who want serious fishing action but need to keep things tight on time. We're talking real offshore waters here – not some bay trip where you're casting for snapper all morning. You'll be out where the big boys swim, targeting some of South Florida's most sought-after gamefish. Perfect for beginners ready to step up their game or seasoned anglers squeezing in a quick session between meetings.
We keep it intimate with just 4 anglers max, so you're not elbow-to-elbow fighting for rod time. The crew knows exactly where to find fish in these waters – we're talking about spots 3-5 miles offshore where the Gulf Stream brings in the good stuff. Fort Lauderdale's unique position gives us access to the continental shelf drop-off, reef structure, and blue water all within a short run. You'll spend more time with lines wet than most half-day charters because we don't waste time getting there. The boat's rigged and ready, tackle's sorted, and we're hunting fish from the moment we clear the inlet. Expect fast-paced action with multiple species opportunities – this isn't a lazy drift trip.
We fish these waters primarily by trolling, which means covering water fast and hitting multiple structure areas in one trip. The boat runs 4-6 lines typically – a mix of ballyhoo, bonito strips, and lures that trigger strikes from pelagic species. You'll see us working different depths with downriggers and planer boards to spread the spread. The gear's all Penn and Shimano reels spooled with 30-50lb test depending on what we're targeting. When we mark fish or hit a hot bite, we'll switch to live bait or pitch jigs to structure. The beauty of Fort Lauderdale offshore is the variety – one minute you're pulling drags on a king mackerel, next you're battling a mahi that came up behind the boat. We adjust techniques based on conditions, but trolling lets us cover the most productive water in our 3-hour window.
Goliath Grouper: These absolute units are what fishing dreams are made of. We're talking fish that can push 200-400 pounds hanging around the wrecks and ledges 4-6 miles out. Peak season runs May through October, and when you hook one, everybody on the boat knows it. The fight is pure power – no fancy runs, just bulldogging straight down trying to get back to structure. They're catch-and-release only, but getting one boatside for photos is a bucket-list moment. The crew will walk you through the fight because these fish will test your technique and endurance.
King Mackerel: Smoker kings are the bread and butter of South Florida offshore fishing. These speed demons hit trolled baits like freight trains, often launching themselves clear of the water on the initial run. Fall and winter months are prime time, with fish ranging 20-40 pounds common in our waters. Kings have razor-sharp teeth and blistering speed – they'll peel drag off your reel faster than you can react. What makes them special is the eat – when a king hits, it's violent and unmistakable. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you're looking to take dinner home.
Mahi Mahi: Dolphin fish are the most colorful fighters in our waters, literally changing colors during the fight from brilliant gold to electric blue-green. Spring through fall brings schools of these acrobatic fighters to Fort Lauderdale's offshore waters. They travel in schools, so finding one usually means multiple hookups. Mahi are famous for their aerial displays – expect jumps, tail walks, and pure athleticism. They're also fantastic eating, which is why they're a customer favorite. Size ranges from schoolie dolphins at 5-10 pounds up to bulls pushing 30-40 pounds.
Greater Amberjack: AJs are the ultimate test of angler stamina. These reef dwellers fight dirty – straight down toward structure with power that'll make your arms burn. Peak season is fall through spring, with fish commonly hitting 40-60 pounds in our deeper waters. They're ambush predators hanging around wrecks and hard bottom, and when they eat, they mean business. The fight is all about keeping them out of the structure – lose that battle and you're retying. What makes them exciting is their unpredictability and the sheer power they bring to every fight.
Great Barracuda: Cuda are the speed merchants of the flats and reef edges. These toothy predators are lightning-fast strikers that'll cut through baits with surgical precision. Year-round residents in Fort Lauderdale waters, they're opportunistic feeders that add excitement to any trip. Their strikes are explosive, and their runs are blistering fast. They're also incredibly smart – hook one and the rest of the school gets educated quickly. What anglers love about cuda is their aggression and the visual aspect – you can often see them following baits before they strike.
This 3-hour offshore experience delivers legitimate deep-sea fishing without the full-day commitment. You're getting access to world-class fishing grounds with a crew that knows exactly where to put you on fish. Whether you're testing the waters before booking a longer trip or you're a regular who needs a quick fishing fix, this charter hits different than anything closer to shore. Fort Lauderdale's offshore fishery is world-renowned for a reason – the variety and quality of fish are exceptional year-round. Don't sleep on booking early, especially
Meet the Wicked Cuda, your ticket to Fort Lauderdale's offshore fishing grounds. This restored 28-foot Downeaster center console cuts through the waves with twin 250HP Suzuki engines, hitting 45 knots to get you out to the fish fast. Built in 1990 and given new life in 2021, she's equipped with everything serious anglers need - fish finder to locate the action, GPS to mark productive spots, radar for safe navigation, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the waters without bumping elbows. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, while the twin outboards provide the power and reliability to reach those deeper waters where the real action happens. Perfect for targeting offshore species in Fort Lauderdale's productive waters.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese giants are the ultimate catch-and-release experience. Goliath Grouper can reach 800 pounds and 8 feet long, making them true ocean monsters. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and artificial structures in 40-150 feet of water. They're curious fish that aren't shy - sometimes they'll even follow divers around. The fight is intense but short-lived, so be ready for that first pull to test your grip. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at one. Remember, all Goliaths must be released - they're protected due to overfishing. Use heavy tackle with 400-600 pound test and big circle hooks. My tip: bounce your bait off the bottom to create noise and get their attention.
Sphyraena BarracudaCuda are the ocean's speed merchants - built like torpedoes and twice as aggressive. These silver bullets typically run 2-4 feet but can hit 6 feet and 100+ pounds. You'll spot them cruising shallow reefs, grass flats, and structure, often alone except during spring spawning. They're visual hunters that'll slam anything shiny or moving fast. The fight is explosive but short - they'll make screaming runs and aerial displays before burning out quick. While the meat can be good, most anglers target them for the pure adrenaline rush. Troll fast with spoons, tube lures, or live bait. Here's the trick: once you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse it - those razor teeth can slice through leaders, and big ones will try to jump right into the boat if you're not careful.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjacks are the bulldozers of the reef - thick, powerful fish that'll test your drag system. These bluish-grey bruisers average 39 pounds but can push 100, living up to 17 years around wrecks and deep reefs. Look for that amber stripe down their sides and the way it darkens when they're fired up. Spring is prime time during their spawning run from April to May. They're not picky eaters, hammering live bait, jigs, and plugs with equal enthusiasm. The fight is all about brute strength - long, punishing runs that'll make your arms burn. Use heavy tackle with 50+ pound test because they'll try to cut you off in the structure. My advice: once hooked, get them up and away from the bottom fast, or they'll wrap you around every piece of reef down there.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and tackle. These sleek fish average 30 pounds but can hit 90, with females growing bigger than males. You'll find them in 40-150 feet around reefs, weed lines, and temperature breaks. Fall through spring is prime time when cooler water brings them closer to shore. They're lightning fast - only wahoo can match their speed - and they fight hard with blistering runs. The meat is excellent grilled or blackened. Troll with live ballyhoo or artificial lures, keeping them skipping on the surface to mimic flying fish. Here's the key: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks - one in the nose, one trailing behind - because kings love to hit the tail of their prey first.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure eye candy with their electric colors and acrobatic fights. These beautiful fish average 15-30 pounds and put on a light show when hooked, flashing gold, blue, and green before jumping clear of the water. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in deeper blue water. They're most active spring through fall when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes them special is the combination of spectacular jumps, strong runs, and some of the best eating you'll find offshore. The white, flaky meat is perfect for the grill. Troll ballyhoo or small lures near any floating objects - even a single board can hold a school. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep it in the water while rigging another rod because they travel in schools.
Fort Lauderdale