Fort Lauderdale Offshore Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Morning and afternoon 6-hour offshore fishing trips availableTarget multiple species including Tuna, Sailfish, Grouper and SnapperSmall group charters accommodating up to 4 guests maximum
When you're looking for serious offshore action in South Florida, our 6-hour morning and afternoon trips put you right where the fish are feeding. Fort Lauderdale's deep blue waters are home to some of the Atlantic's most sought-after gamefish, and with half a day on the water, we've got time to work multiple techniques and hit different zones. Whether you're after that screaming reel moment with a sailfish or hoping to boat a hefty king mackerel, these extended trips give us the flexibility to chase whatever's biting best.
Our 6-hour window is the sweet spot for maximizing your chances at multiple species without committing to a full day. Morning trips kick off early when the bite is hot – we'll start with trolling the blue water for tuna and mahi, then switch to kite fishing or drifting when conditions are right for sailfish and sharks. Afternoon charters let us work the shallow reefs with live bait for sailfish and kings, then head out to the deeper structure where snapper, grouper, and amberjacks hang out. With just 4 anglers max, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized attention from our crew. We keep the group small so you're not fighting for position at the rail when fish start coming over the gunwale.
We run a mix of techniques depending on what's working best that day. Trolling with spreader bars and ballyhoo is our bread and butter for covering water and finding active fish. When we mark bait or see birds working, we'll switch to live baiting with goggle-eyes or pilchards. Kite fishing is deadly effective here when the sailfish are up, letting us present baits naturally on the surface. All tackle is provided – we're rigged with Penn and Shimano reels spooled with fresh line, and our rods are matched to the target species. Circle hooks and proper leaders ensure we're fishing responsibly while giving you the best shot at landing your catch. Our electronics package includes quality fish finders and GPS to put us on productive bottom, and we monitor water temps and current breaks where pelagics like to hunt.
King mackerel are the bread and butter of our offshore fishery, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized "smokers" up to 40-pound slobs that'll test your drag system. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, and we target them around structure and temperature breaks. These fish are pure adrenaline – they hit hard and make blistering runs that can strip 200 yards of line before you know what happened. The meat is excellent when properly handled and iced immediately.
Mahi mahi bring the color and acrobatics that make offshore fishing special. Also called dolphinfish or dorado, these brilliant gold and green gamefish are famous for their aerial displays and cooperative feeding behavior. When we find one mahi, there's usually more nearby, leading to those epic multiple-hookup scenarios every angler dreams about. They're most common during warmer months and love floating debris or weed lines where baitfish congregate.
Indo-Pacific sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida fishing, and Fort Lauderdale sits right in the heart of their migration route. These magnificent billfish can exceed 8 feet and 60 pounds, with that signature dorsal fin that lights up electric blue when they're excited. Sailfish season peaks from December through April, and watching one greyhound across the surface or launch completely airborne is something you'll never forget. Most are released to fight another day, making this a sustainable fishery we can enjoy for generations.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60 mph and armed with razor-sharp teeth that can slice through wire leader. These sleek predators prefer the edge of the Gulf Stream and are notorious for inhaling trolled baits at full speed. A hooked wahoo means an instant screaming run and a fight that combines raw power with surprising endurance. The meat is prized for its mild flavor and firm texture.
Great barracuda add an element of surprise to every trip, striking with lightning speed and putting up a spectacular fight on lighter tackle. Fort Lauderdale's cuda grow large in our warm waters, with 4-foot specimens not uncommon. They're ambush predators with incredible acceleration, often following other hooked fish before deciding to grab a bait themselves. While not typically targeted specifically, they're always a welcome addition to the fish box.
Six hours gives us real flexibility to adapt to conditions and chase the bite wherever we find it best. You're not just buying a boat ride – you're getting a crew that knows these waters inside and out, quality tackle that won't let you down when it counts, and the kind of personalized attention that only comes with small group charters. Fort Lauderdale's offshore fishing is world-class year-round, but the best dates book up fast, especially during peak season. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add to your species count or a newcomer ready to experience what offshore fishing is all about, these trips deliver the goods. Don't wait – grab your crew and let's get you hooked up with some of the best gamefish swimming in the Atlantic.
Meet the Wicked Cuda, your ticket to Fort Lauderdale's best offshore fishing grounds. This restored 28-foot Downeaster center console cuts through the water at 45 knots with twin 250HP Suzuki engines, getting you to the fish faster and giving you more time with lines in the water. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, while the fish finder helps locate schools of tuna, mahi, and sailfish cruising the blue water. Whether you're trolling the morning bite for pelagics or working live bait around afternoon reefs for snapper and grouper, this boat's got the speed and fishability to make it happen. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, while GPS and radar ensure safe navigation to those productive wrecks and drop-offs where the big fish hang out.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are the ocean's apex ambush predators, reaching 4-6 feet with mouths full of razor teeth that can hit 35 mph in short bursts. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and structure from 10-100 feet, often lurking near the surface. They bite year-round here in South Florida, but spring through fall gives you the most consistent action. What makes cuda fishing addictive is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll test your drag system and try to cut you off on structure. While not the best table fare due to occasional ciguatera concerns, they're pure adrenaline on light tackle. The trick with big cuda is using wire leaders and being ready for their last-ditch jump at the boat - those teeth can do serious damage. Shiny spoons and tube lures work great, but don't wear jewelry in the water - they're attracted to anything that flashes.
Istiophorus PlatypterusSailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing here - these 6-10 foot billfish with their massive dorsal sails put on aerial shows that'll leave you speechless. They cruise the Gulf Stream and blue water in 100-600 feet, feeding on ballyhoo, sardines, and squid. Winter through spring is peak season when they migrate through our waters in good numbers. What makes sails special isn't just their beauty, but their incredible fight - they'll jump, dive, and tailwalk across the surface for what feels like hours. Most run 40-80 pounds, though 100+ pounders show up regularly. We practice catch and release to keep the fishery strong. The secret to consistent sailfish is proper kite fishing technique - flying baits on the surface drives them crazy. Keep your drag light and let them run when they grab it, or they'll throw that hook faster than you can blink.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are one of our most popular targets here in Fort Lauderdale, averaging 30 pounds with some pushing 90+. These silver rockets with razor-sharp teeth cruise our reefs in 40-150 feet of water, especially around structure and drop-offs. Fall through spring gives you the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot between 68-84°F. What makes kings so addictive is their blistering speed - they'll smoke drag like few other fish. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. The key to landing them consistently is running a wire leader with two hooks - one through the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit baits from the rear, so that stinger hook back there will save you plenty of heartbreak when they chop your ballyhoo in half.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure eye candy - brilliant gold sides with electric blue-green backs that light up like a neon sign when they're fired up. These 15-30 pounders (with some hitting 80+) live fast and grow quick, rarely making it past 4 years. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water. Spring through fall is prime time here off Fort Lauderdale when water temperatures climb above 75°F. What guests love most is the fight - mahi go absolutely ballistic on the hook, jumping and bulldogging with non-stop action. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, firm white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, don't boat it right away. Leave it in the water and throw more baits out - mahi travel in schools and that hooked fish will keep the others around for multiple hookups.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep, hitting 60 mph in short bursts with their torpedo-shaped bodies and razor teeth. These 30-80 pound missiles patrol blue water from 30-200 feet, often around current edges and floating debris. Peak season runs July through November when water temps stay warm. What sets wahoo apart is their lightning-fast strike - they'll destroy a trolling lure at 15 knots without missing a beat. The meat is outstanding too - firm, white, and mild like premium tuna. They're solitary hunters, so when you hook one, don't expect doubles like with mahi. Essential gear includes wire leaders since their teeth will slice through anything else in seconds. The winning technique here is high-speed trolling with diving plugs or skirted ballyhoo. Keep your speeds up around 12-15 knots - slow down and you'll miss them completely.
Fort Lauderdale