Fort Lauderdale 6-Hour Charter Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour morning and afternoon offshore fishing trips availableTarget sailfish, tuna, mahi, grouper, and king mackerelSmall group charter accommodates maximum four guests
There's nothing quite like getting out on the blue water off Fort Lauderdale for a solid 6-hour fishing trip. Captain and crew at Wicked Cuda Sport Fishing know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're hitting the morning bite or making the most of an afternoon session. With six hours on the water, you've got real time to work different techniques, move between spots, and dial in on what's biting. The Gulf Stream runs close to shore here, bringing in pelagics and creating the kind of fishing Fort Lauderdale is famous for. You'll be fishing alongside a maximum of 3 other anglers, so there's plenty of room to work and everyone gets their shots at the good fish.
Morning trips kick off early when the bite is hot and the water's still calm from the night. You'll start by running out to the edge where the color changes, setting up a trolling spread for tuna and mahi. The crew knows exactly where to find the weed lines and temperature breaks that hold fish. If conditions are right, they'll break out the kites for some serious sailfish action - there's nothing like watching a sail come up on a dangling bait. Afternoon charters have their own rhythm, starting with live bait fishing on the shallow reefs where kings and cobia cruise. As the day progresses, you'll work your way to deeper structure - the wrecks and ledges where grouper and snapper stack up. The crew handles all the rigging and knows when to switch tactics based on what's happening. You just need to bring your A-game and be ready to reel when that rod bends over.
This boat runs the full arsenal of offshore techniques depending on what's biting. Trolling makes up a big chunk of the program, pulling a spread of ballyhoo, bonito strips, and lures at different depths to cover water and find active fish. The captain adjusts speed and direction based on water temperature, current, and bird activity. When sailfish are around, kite fishing becomes the name of the game - flying baits on the surface to trigger strikes from these apex predators. For bottom fishing, you'll be using circle hooks and heavy tackle to pull grouper and snapper off the structure before they can cut you off in the rocks. Live bait fishing with goggle eyes or pilchards is deadly on kings and cobia, especially around the reef line. The crew provides all rods, reels, and terminal tackle - they keep everything maintained and matched to the fishing you'll be doing. All you need to bring is sunscreen, snacks, and drinks for the trip.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter fish off Fort Lauderdale, and for good reason. These speedsters can hit 40+ pounds and make screaming runs that'll test your drag and your arms. Kings are most active during the cooler months from October through March, when they move inshore to feed on the abundant baitfish. They love live goggle eyes and bonito strips trolled along the reef line in 60-120 feet of water. What makes kings so exciting is their initial run - they'll take off like a freight train and jump clear out of the water. The fight stays hot until they're in the boat, and they make excellent table fare when prepared fresh.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and acrobatics that make offshore fishing addictive. These brilliant gold and green fish love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature changes where baitfish congregate. Bulls can push 30+ pounds and put on an aerial show that'll have you laughing and screaming at the same time. Mahi are most consistent from late spring through early fall when the Gulf Stream is closest to shore. They're aggressive feeders and will often travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. The crew knows to keep a few baits in the water when fighting a mahi because their buddies often follow the hooked fish to the boat.
Indo-Pacific Sailfish are the crown jewel of Fort Lauderdale fishing. These magnificent billfish can exceed 8 feet and 60 pounds, with a dorsal fin that lights up electric blue when they're fired up. Peak sailfish season runs from November through March, when they migrate through South Florida waters in impressive numbers. Kite fishing with live pilchards or goggle eyes is the preferred method, keeping baits dancing on the surface to trigger strikes. When a sail comes up on the bait, it's pure magic - they'll light up, raise their sail, and often jump multiple times during the fight. Most sails are released after a quick photo, ensuring this fishery stays strong for future generations.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of reaching speeds over 60 mph. These torpedo-shaped predators have razor-sharp teeth and hit trolled baits like they're shot out of a cannon. Wahoo are most common during the winter months when they follow baitfish migrations along the reef line and drop-offs. They prefer fast-trolled lures and ballyhoo rigged with wire leaders due to their cutting ability. The strike is usually violent and immediate - no subtle bites with these fish. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in the ocean, making them a favorite target for both sport and the dinner table.
Great Barracuda are year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species are finicky. These aggressive predators can reach impressive sizes in South Florida waters, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. Cuda are opportunistic feeders that will hit both live baits and lures, often providing exciting surface strikes when sight fishing over the reefs. They're known for their impressive jumps and bulldogging runs close to the boat. While not typically kept for the table due to potential ciguatera, they're fantastic sport fish that test light tackle and provide plenty of excitement, especially for younger
Meet the Wicked Cuda, your ticket to Fort Lauderdale's best fishing grounds. This beautifully restored 28-foot Downeaster center console cuts through the waves with twin 250HP Suzuki engines, hitting 45 knots to get you on the fish fast. Built in 1990 and given new life in 2021, she's rigged for serious angling with GPS, radar, and fish finder to locate your targets. The spacious center console layout gives all 4 anglers room to work, whether you're trolling for mahi and tuna in the morning or drifting for sailfish and sharks. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long battles with king mackerel and amberjacks. From shallow reefs to deep wrecks, this boat handles it all with the speed and stability that puts more fish in the box.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the neighborhood bullies of the reef, averaging 3-4 feet but capable of reaching 6 feet and 50+ pounds. We encounter them everywhere from shallow grass flats to deep reef edges, usually in 10-100 feet. They're year-round residents, but fall and spring fishing is prime when they're most active. What guests love is the visual game - you can often see them following lures before they strike, and that attack is lightning fast. They're scrappy fighters with impressive jumps, though they tire quickly. The meat's decent if prepared right, but most folks are after the sport. These fish are curious and aggressive, making them relatively easy targets. Wire leaders are essential - those razor teeth will cut anything else. Try bright, flashy lures or live bait near structure where they like to ambush prey.
Istiophorus PlatypterusSailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore trips, averaging 6-7 feet and 60-90 pounds of pure athleticism. We hunt them in 80-300 feet along the reef edge and current breaks where they ambush bait schools. Winter through spring gives us prime sailfish season when they're thick on our reefs. The thrill is all about that sail - when one comes up behind your bait with that massive dorsal fin spread, then launches into the air, you'll understand why people travel the world for this. They're built for speed, hitting 60+ mph, and the fight is just spectacular. Most folks release them since they're not great table fare. Here's the key: when kite fishing, keep that bait skipping on the surface. Sailfish can't resist a panicked ballyhoo struggling at the top.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are some of the fastest fish you'll encounter off Fort Lauderdale, typically running 15-30 pounds with the occasional monster hitting 50+. We find them cruising the reefs in 40-150 feet, especially around structure and bait schools. Fall through spring gives us our best action when water temps drop into the 70s. What makes kings special is that explosive first run - they'll peel line like nothing else, then come back for more. The meat's decent if you ice it right away, but honestly, most folks are here for the fight. Local trick: use a wire leader with two hooks on your live bait - one through the nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit from the rear, so that stinger hook will save you from a lot of cutoffs.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the rainbow warriors of offshore fishing, typically running 15-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50+ on a good day. We target them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-600 feet of water. Spring through fall offers our best shots, especially when the water's warm and blue. What guests love about mahi is the show - they light up in crazy colors when hooked and put on aerial displays that'll have you reaching for your camera. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with that sweet, flaky white meat. The fight's honest too - no dirty tricks, just pure power and acrobatics. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep other lines in the water. Mahi travel in schools, and where there's one, there's usually more.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the deep blue, built like torpedoes and hitting speeds up to 60 mph. Most run 20-40 pounds, but 60+ pounders aren't uncommon off our reefs. We find them in 200-1000 feet, often around drop-offs and current edges. Best action comes fall through spring when they move through our waters following bait schools. What makes wahoo special is that blistering initial run - they'll strip 200 yards before you know what hit you. The meat's fantastic too, white and flaky with a mild flavor that grills perfectly. Their razor teeth will slice through mono like butter, so wire leaders are mandatory. Speed is everything with wahoo - we troll fast at 12-15 knots with diving plugs and skirted baits. The faster you go, the more likely you'll trigger that strike.
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