Surf the seas in style with Ringmaster Charters. With the Gulf Stream gushing past Pompano Beach, you’ll have access to a range of delicious and big game fish, giving you a day to remember on the water. Captain John Caselli is a third-generation captain, having fished professionally since 14. He’s fished all over the US and Caribbean, but has settled in Hillsboro Inlet since age 20, and promises to share his knowledge and skills with each customer.

Prepare to be treated in luxury aboard the 53’ Hatteras convertible. Fitted with 3 air conditioners, ample seating inside and outside, and a fridge and ice box, you’re guaranteed the full treatment aboard. Catering can be arranged but feel free to bring your own food and use the kitchen at your leisure. Powered by twin 650 HP Diesel engines, you’ll speed off to the sweetest fishing spots, preparing to meet huge, powerful fish.

The fishing here is close to shore, so don’t expect a long ride. In fact, we are the closest to deep water anywhere in the continental United States. Here you can expect to catch dolphin, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, barracuda, and amberjack to name a few. We do some bottom fishing but because of our sharp drop off don’t expect it to be like the keys or the west coast. We enjoy kite fishing when the conditions are favorable. Trolling is our most commonly used method.

You’re in for a big struggle, whichever you hook, and the first mate will be by your side to give you any assistance you need. Your rewards will be great at the end of the day when the crew cleans and prepares your catch for you to take home and cook. Some fish, such as Shark and Sailfish, will have to be released according to law and also because we like to set high standards to show other operations that healthy releases are the way we can keep our fishery healthy.

Novices and experts alike will love a trip with Ringmaster Charters, so come aboard and see the sea in style!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (AM)
    In demand! Last booked: 4 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $800
    Stay nearshore and hit the magnificent fish the Atlantic has to offer. You'll hit the sweet spots in no time aboard a comfortable convertible. Use a range of trolling and live bait fishing to try to attract the bite of exceptional species such as Wahoo, Sailfish, Barracuda, Amberjack, and more. When the fish are biting sometimes this is the only trip you will need to have a great day. Live bait is extra, or we can take the time to catch some .
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Amberjack
    Amberjack
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Sailfish
    Sailfish
    Tuna (Skipjack)
    Skipjack Tuna
    Wahoo
    Wahoo
    Tuna (Blackfin)
    Blackfin Tuna
    Bonito
    Bonito
    Cero Mackerel
    Cero Mackerel
    Scorpionfish
    Scorpionfish
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
    US $800
    Stay nearshore and hit the magnificent fish the Atlantic has to offer. You'll hit the sweet spots in no time aboard a comfortable convertible. Use a range of trolling and live bait fishing to try to attract the bite of exceptional species such as Sailfish, Wahoo, Kingfish, Barracuda, Amberjack, and more. When the fish is biting, this is the only trip you need to have a great day. Live bait is extra or we can take the time to catch it.
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Amberjack
    Amberjack
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Sailfish
    Sailfish
    Swordfish
    Swordfish
    Tuna (Skipjack)
    Skipjack Tuna
    Wahoo
    Wahoo
    Tuna (Blackfin)
    Blackfin Tuna
    Bonito
    Bonito
    Cero Mackerel
    Cero Mackerel
    Scorpionfish
    Scorpionfish
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $1,200
    On this 6-hour trip, you'll get to mix up your fishing styles. Spend 4 hours trolling, and 2 hours live baiting. You'll have the ability to head further offshore than on a half-day trip, especially when dolphins are around, adding a sightseeing element to the fishing trip. Go after big game fish like Sailfish, Dolphin, Wahoo, and Tuna, among others. You'll get to take home the most delicious for a well-deserved treat. Live bait is extra, or we can take the time to catch it .
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Amberjack
    Amberjack
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Sailfish
    Sailfish
    Tuna (Skipjack)
    Skipjack Tuna
    Wahoo
    Wahoo
    Tuna (Blackfin)
    Blackfin Tuna
    Bonito
    Bonito
    Cero Mackerel
    Cero Mackerel
    Scorpionfish
    Scorpionfish
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $1,600
    For those who want to experience all that this charter has to offer. This trip gives you the ultimate freedom to do as much as you can in one day. You'll go after a range of big game fish, and the longer spent on the water, the better your chance of reeling one in there is. It also gives you the ability to troll, live bait, and possibly bottom fish all in the same trip. Live bait is included on this trip.
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Amberjack
    Amberjack
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Sailfish
    Sailfish
    Tuna (Skipjack)
    Skipjack Tuna
    Wahoo
    Wahoo
    Tuna (Blackfin)
    Blackfin Tuna
    Bonito
    Bonito
    Cero Mackerel
    Cero Mackerel
    Scorpionfish
    Scorpionfish
  • Private trip
    9 Hour Trip – Tournament
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    9 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $1,750
    Most tournament trips have to be customized a little bit depending on travel time, weigh-in schedule, and other accommodations, such as additional live bait. Also, 15% of all winning goes to the crew.
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Amberjack
    Amberjack
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Sailfish
    Sailfish
    Tuna (Skipjack)
    Skipjack Tuna
    Wahoo
    Wahoo
    Tuna (Blackfin)
    Blackfin Tuna
    Bonito
    Bonito
    Cero Mackerel
    Cero Mackerel
    Scorpionfish
    Scorpionfish
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip–Swordfishing / All In
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $2,000
    If a Swordfish is on your bucket list, southern Florida is one of the best places in the world to catch one of these gladiators of the sea. Spend 8 hours going after this beauty and you'll be in for a memory of a lifetime. This is a highly specialized trip so it is not for eveyone.
    Targeted fish
    Swordfish
    Swordfish
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FAQs about Ringmaster Charters

Ringmaster Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $800 per group - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $800 per group - Half Day Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $1,600 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
  • US $1,750 per group - 9 Hour Trip – Tournament (9 hours)
  • US $2,000 per group - Full Day Trip–Swordfishing / All In (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Ringmaster Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Two fully-functioning WCs
  • Air Conditioning
  • Fighting Chair
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Flybridge
  • Live Bait Well
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Outriggers
  • Tuna Tubes
  • Ice Box
  • Radar

Trips booked with Ringmaster Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Penn, Shimano, and more)
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (All edible fish will be filled in package)
  • Drinks (Water)
  • First Mate (20-25% tips are customary)
  • Fishing License (We have Allstate and federal licenses included)

Ringmaster Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing ( we are closer to deepwater than anywhere in the Continental United States so normally Fishing is only a mile and a half to 5 miles offshore)

Ringmaster Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Trolling
  • Kite Fishing (Must be informed in advance)
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Ringmaster Charters include:
  • Amberjack
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Bonito
  • Cero Mackerel
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Sailfish
  • Scorpionfish
  • Swordfish
  • Tuna (Blackfin)
  • Tuna (Skipjack)
  • Wahoo

Meet the Captain

John Caselli
Pompano Beach, Florida, United States
15 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
166 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since December 2018
Angler's Choice
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
Growing up in a fishing family under my grandfather, Captain Joe Senior, and my father, Captain Joe Jr, I fished summers in the Long Island Sound and the northeast canyons, then winters out of Pompano Beach, Florida, and the Bahamas. I started fishing professionally at age 14 and had my first charter boat at 18. By 20, I owned and operated the 43' charter boat “Bolo” out of Hillsboro Inlet. After 6 years and over 1,000 charters, I took a sabbatical to follow the tournament circuit to fish exotic spots all over the world. Now captain of the Ringmaster for 12 years, I have done another 3,000 charters out of Hillsboro Inlet. I and the rest of the crew on the “Ringmaster” strive to give our customers a great experience, and look forward to many seasons to come.

About this listing

Targeted species

Amberjack Amberjack
Barracuda (Great) Great Barracuda
Bonito Bonito
Cero Mackerel Cero Mackerel

Boat specs

Hatters 53 (Convertible) originally built in 1977, and restored in 2018. Powered by 2 650HP Detroit DieseL 12V71TI engines, with a maximum cruising speed of 18 knots.

Length
53 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
 we are closer to deepwater than anywhere in the Continental United States so normally Fishing is only a mile and a half to 5 miles offshore

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Trolling
Kite Fishing
Must be informed in advance
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
Two fully-functioning WCs
Air Conditioning
Fighting Chair
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Penn, Shimano, and more
Catch cleaning & filleting
All edible fish will be filled in package
Drinks
Water
First Mate
20-25% tips are customary
Fishing License
We have Allstate and federal licenses included

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
Kids of all ages are fine on board under parental supervision. We will have to have to make decisions about weather and safety always considering young children.
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Pay online in full

Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.

No additional fees.
Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
Visa
Mastercard
American Express

Pompano Beach Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 166 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (250)
February fishing trip
Awesome Boat, Awesome capt & mate!
Awesome Boat, Awesome capt & mate!
+247
Angler rating
154
4
2
3
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
96%
Appropriate for children
97%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Caught fish
91%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 166 reviews
Kurtis A.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Veteran and newbies

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip (PM) on March 10, 2024
What a great experience fishing with his captain John and his crew Tyler. Great guys, great fisherman, great Conversations....
Kurtis A. recommends Ringmaster Charters
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  John Caselli Captain replied

Patrick H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

What a day! Amazing boat. Amazing crew.

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on February 5, 2024
Capt John and Tyler were just amazing.  We had a fantastic time aboard and these guys got us on the fish. Highly recommend...
Patrick H. recommends Ringmaster Charters
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  John Caselli Captain replied

Dean D.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

What a day

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on December 30, 2023
What a great day we had on the Ringmaster!  Captain John and mate Tyler did a great up putting us on fish early!!  Got some...
Dean D. recommends Ringmaster Charters
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  John Caselli Captain replied

Charles P.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing trip in July

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on July 22, 2023
Charles P. recommends Ringmaster Charters
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Charles P. recommends Ringmaster Charters
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Ernest R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing trip in April

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on April 26, 2023
Ernest R. recommends Ringmaster Charters
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Ernest R. recommends Ringmaster Charters
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