Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters

The best out of 238 charter fishing deals in Fort Lauderdale - enter dates to check availability

Fort Lauderdale: 238 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(71 reviews)
Fort Lauderdale
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $400
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(39 reviews)
Fort Lauderdale
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $450
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(287 reviews)
Fort Lauderdale
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $350
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(132 reviews)
Fort Lauderdale
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $395
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(182 reviews)
Fort Lauderdale
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $200
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(333 reviews)
Fort Lauderdale
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(73 reviews)
Fort Lauderdale
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(485 reviews)
Fort Lauderdale
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $875
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(12 reviews)
Fort Lauderdale
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $200
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(115 reviews)
Fort Lauderdale
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $550

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Fort Lauderdale

According to customer reviews, some of the most popular fishing charters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida are: Full list of top fishing charters in Fort Lauderdale

The average price for a private 4 hour Fort Lauderdale fishing trip is US $670, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $1,024 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Fishing charters in Fort Lauderdale that received great reviews from families are:

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Fort Lauderdale are:

The top 3 fishing techniques in Fort Lauderdale are:

The top 3 types of fishing in Fort Lauderdale are:

Many fishing charters in Fort Lauderdale provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Fort Lauderdale are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Fort Lauderdale?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Fort Lauderdale are:
  • 2-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $399
  • 3-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $658
  • 4-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $677
  • 5-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $856
  • 6-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $933
  • 7-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $1,295
  • 8-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $1,278
  • 10-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $1,725

Fishing in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale fishing charters open up a world of options. Calm canals, remote reefs, and even the warm currents of the Gulf Stream are within easy reach of the city. Local captains make the most of all of this, with trips to suit every group.
 
The main targets inshore are Snook and Tarpon. Both fish put up a real fight, making them a favorite of fly fishers and sporting anglers. Farther out, you can bottom fish for Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, and more around the reefs. All these fish are here year-round, but the best time to target them is in the summer.
 
Finally, the bluewaters. Most charters in Fort Lauderdale specialize in trolling and kite fishing offshore. Sailfish, Tuna, Marlin, and more tag each other out throughout the year. Sailfish are great in winter and spring, Marlin peak in summer. In the fall, Swordfishing is all the rage. Whenever you visit, you can hook a monster. 
 
Inshore charters fish calm waters right in town, while reef fishing trips head into the ocean. Both are great for beginners, but young kids may be better off inshore. Deep sea charters are designed for seasoned anglers. If you’re after big Billfish, you’re best off on a full day charter. However, the sea gets deep so quickly that all these trips are available as half or full days. That’s part of what makes Fort Lauderdale special.

Rules & Regulations

You don’t need a fishing license on saltwater charters in Fort Lauderdale. You do need one to target freshwater species like Bass, though. Be aware that Snook are release-only from December 15 to January 31 and June 1 to August 3. Most Grouper species are protected between January 1 and April 30. Lastly, Tarpon are catch-and-release all year round.

Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 28386 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Fort Lauderdale Fishing Seasons

January

January may be Fort Lauderdale's coldest month, but the fishing is hot. Often, the worse the weather, the better the fishing. Windy conditions get Sailfish biting like crazy. Swordfishing can be very good.

February

February is the month of the Wahoo in Fort Lauderdale. This means fast trolling and faster action. Look out for Blackfin Tuna 'busting' schools of baitfish over reefs and make the most of the awesome Sailfish bite.

March

Spring is Fort Lauderdale's best fishing season. Troll, bottom fish over shipwrecks, fish over the reefs with live bait - everything is biting. Mahi Mahi arrive close to shore when the east winds blow. Kingfish and Amberjack are caught at the reefs.

April

The great spring bite continues, with wreck fishing getting better and better. Mahi Mahi are biting extremely well in relatively shallow water (200-300 ft). The rougher the weather, the better the fishing for this species.

May

Mahi Mahi continue to bite within a few miles of the coast, with Blackfin Tuna also red hot. Amberjacks are caught over wrecks in waters 200-300 ft deep. This is usually the beginning of the open Grouper season.

June

The reefs are the place to go at this time of year. Catch Kingfish and Tuna here as well as Bonito, which are migrating along the coastline. This is also one of the best times to catch Sharks in Fort Lauderdale.

July

The weather heats up, but that doesn't put a stop to the fishing. This is one of the best months for Snapper and Grouper fishing, particularly at night. Trolling for Bonito and Kingfish over the reefs is very successful.

August

The seas are calm and tranquil, with surface temperatures being very hot. This makes deep drop fishing offshore a very good choice, with deeper dwelling fish being less affected by the temperature change further up.

September

Temperatures usually start to cool by the end of the month, inviting a greater number of surface fish. Sailfish might start showing up, with Kingifsh still being active over the reefs. Tarpon is great inshore.

October

As the weather transitions to Fall, winds tend to pick up. This brings pelagics closer to shore, with fishing for Mahi Mahi and Sailfish being very good, and a great variety of pelagics biting over the reefs.

November

Sailfish start to settle in earnest nearshore, chasing schools of mullet through Fort Lauderdale's famous 'Sailfish Alley'. Bottom fishing for Snapper and Grouper is excellent, with a host of species crowding the reefs.

December

Winter is not something that should put you off fishing in Fort Lauderdale. You can expect a good bite from Sailfish and Mahi Mahi nearshore, with Tuna, Wahoo, Cobia, and Amberjack around the reefs.

Fort Lauderdale Fishing Calendar

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Featured photos from Fort Lauderdale

What anglers said about fishing in Fort Lauderdale

Dress appropriately, bring sunscreen, eat a large meal before fishing, and consider bringing a small cooler for your drinks.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Dress appropriately, bring sunscreen, eat a large meal before fishing, and consider bringing a small cooler for your drinks.
Captain Andy โ€“ Party Boat Fishing
Captain Andy โ€“ Party Boat Fishing
Buy the bait at the marina to save the time on the water going after the big fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Buy the bait at the marina to save the time on the water going after the big fish.
The Way Sportfishing
The Way Sportfishing
Many of the target species are highly migratory depending on the time of the year. Catches can vary wildly day to day or even between morning and afternoon trips.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Many of the target species are highly migratory depending on the time of the year. Catches can vary wildly day to day or even between morning and afternoon trips.
Good Hit Sportfishing
Good Hit Sportfishing
Flamingo fishing was more than perfect for our first time fishing in the ocean. Crew was more than happy to help and everyone on the boat was catching fish!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Flamingo fishing was more than perfect for our first time fishing in the ocean. Crew was more than happy to help and everyone on the boat was catching fish!
Flamingo Fishing
Flamingo Fishing
Be flexible, weather might keep you from heading offshore so donโ€™t overlook the fun gamefish that can be caught inshore.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be flexible, weather might keep you from heading offshore so donโ€™t overlook the fun gamefish that can be caught inshore.
All Good Charters
All Good Charters
Started off a little chilly but warmed Up quickly out on the ocean and was perfect day
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Started off a little chilly but warmed Up quickly out on the ocean and was perfect day
Wicked Cuda Sport Fishing
Wicked Cuda Sport Fishing
Bring a sweatshirt and sunscreen. It is windy on the ocean. Also, it's pretty bouncy so if you have any motion sickness, take the meds ahead of time. No pressure on actually catching fish - enjoy the beautiful experience.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring a sweatshirt and sunscreen. It is windy on the ocean. Also, it's pretty bouncy so if you have any motion sickness, take the meds ahead of time. No pressure on actually catching fish - enjoy the beautiful experience.
The Way Sportfishing
The Way Sportfishing
We did lots of research and I would highly recommend booking with these guys. Itโ€™s 100% worth it.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We did lots of research and I would highly recommend booking with these guys. Itโ€™s 100% worth it.
Florida Adventure Outfitters
Florida Adventure Outfitters
To those fishing in Fort Lauderdale for the first time I think the kind of trip you choose is a determining factor in what a successful outing will be. Are you going for volume or big game? Naturally big game is probably going to be less volume and require a longer trip most likely but if the conditions are right strategically speaking the bottom year is round in Florida from a volume/action perspective.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
To those fishing in Fort Lauderdale for the first time I think the kind of trip you choose is a determining factor in what a successful outing will be. Are you going for volume or big game? Naturally big game is probably going to be less volume and require a longer trip most likely but if the conditions are right strategically speaking the bottom year is round in Florida from a volume/action perspective.
South Florida Sportfishing
South Florida Sportfishing
Book with captain mike from Florida adventure outfitters if you want a real captain with your best interests in mind. Honest and knowledgeable.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book with captain mike from Florida adventure outfitters if you want a real captain with your best interests in mind. Honest and knowledgeable.
Florida Adventure Outfitters
Florida Adventure Outfitters
Sometimes you catch fish, sometimes you donโ€™t. Try to enjoy the trip either way.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Sometimes you catch fish, sometimes you donโ€™t. Try to enjoy the trip either way.
Marlin My Darlin Sportfishing
Marlin My Darlin Sportfishing
Highly recommend the morning charters vs. afternoon. While it was not until late morning, we landed most of our catches, the morning water was great.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Highly recommend the morning charters vs. afternoon. While it was not until late morning, we landed most of our catches, the morning water was great.
All Good Charters
All Good Charters
Fort Lauderdale has some of the best fishing! I would recommend checking out good hit sportfishing!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fort Lauderdale has some of the best fishing! I would recommend checking out good hit sportfishing!
GoodHit Sportfishing 2 Netflix Boat
GoodHit Sportfishing 2 Netflix Boat Davie, Florida
Get a small boat captain and be sure to have them recommend a place to have the fresh catch cooked up! Great trip!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Get a small boat captain and be sure to have them recommend a place to have the fresh catch cooked up! Great trip!
All Good Charters
All Good Charters Mount Pleasant, TX
Call the business ahead of time once youโ€™ve booked something and as the captain what fish will be in season when you go. The captain will help you have a more fun experience by taking you to those fish. If you have a specific fish you are looking for ask when they are in season to get the best chance of finding that fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Call the business ahead of time once youโ€™ve booked something and as the captain what fish will be in season when you go. The captain will help you have a more fun experience by taking you to those fish. If you have a specific fish you are looking for ask when they are in season to get the best chance of finding that fish.
Florida Adventure Outfitters
Florida Adventure Outfitters Bloomsbury, NJ
Bring drinks and snacks for on the boat. In July be prepared for rain storms. Let your captain know what species you want to target.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring drinks and snacks for on the boat. In July be prepared for rain storms. Let your captain know what species you want to target.
GoodHit Sportfishing 2 Netflix Boat
GoodHit Sportfishing 2 Netflix Boat
Yes, plenty of fish out there! Itโ€™s hot but the boat provides great relief.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes, plenty of fish out there! Itโ€™s hot but the boat provides great relief.
Marlin My Darlin Sportfishing
Marlin My Darlin Sportfishing Fort Lauderdale, FL
Be prepared for sun but it can be well worth the effort with the right guide
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared for sun but it can be well worth the effort with the right guide
Bass Fishing Musician
Bass Fishing Musician
Where fishing clothes, it is hot and humid!!! Donโ€™t forget your sun tan cream. Most captains donโ€™t like the spray kind
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Where fishing clothes, it is hot and humid!!! Donโ€™t forget your sun tan cream. Most captains donโ€™t like the spray kind
Florida Everglades Charters
Florida Everglades Charters Nichols, SC
Go at 6 am with live bait and a knowledgeable guide who knows the hot spots that do switch around due to water levels. Best in the cooler months of Jan Feb march but we caught 9 flood size fish in late June.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Go at 6 am with live bait and a knowledgeable guide who knows the hot spots that do switch around due to water levels. Best in the cooler months of Jan Feb march but we caught 9 flood size fish in late June.
Bass Fishing Musician
Bass Fishing Musician Hobe Sound, FL

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Fort Lauderdale?

Good Hit Sportfishing
Good Hit Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(176 reviews)
Had a great day on the boat with captain mike and caught an amazing trophy sailfish while we were out! I work as a hunting guide in Michigan for several years and can recognize the dedication Mike has to doing his job and not once did he slow down to make sure we had an amazing time on the water. Thanks Mike will call you next time we are in town!
Raymond  S.
Raymond S.
South Florida Sportfishing
South Florida Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(182 reviews)
Our party was 2 adults and 2 kids. We caught a 54 in wahoo, 2 big snapper, 1 king mackerel, 2 large barracuda, and a couple smaller fish. The crew constant changed bait and varied between trolling and bottom fishing.
Chris  S.
Chris S.
Wicked Cuda Sport Fishing
Wicked Cuda Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(71 reviews)
We caught a couple sharks AND a huge sailfish. Captain Taylor was friendly, relatable, and clearly had the expertise needed. 10/10 recommend. When I go out again, I know where Iโ€™m going
Joshua  F.
Joshua F.
Wicked Cuda Sport Fishing
Wicked Cuda Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(71 reviews)
Captain Taylor worked hard to ensure we had an amazing experience!! Highly recommend this company and Captain!! We landed a huge sailfish and other targeted fish!
Shanna  H.
Shanna H.
Captain Andy โ€“ Party Boat Fishing
Captain Andy โ€“ Party Boat Fishing
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(831 reviews)
Never fished the ocean before. Most of the private charters were a bit too expensive so I signed up for this shared trip instead. No regrets. The ship mates are fun. I was able to snag a large mutton snapper; a rare catch. It was 22.5 inches and 7-8 lbs. I would definitely do it again!
James  M.
James M.
South Florida Sportfishing
South Florida Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(182 reviews)
Had an awesome time on my bachelor party. Highly recommend this boat/crew. Caught different types of fish of different sizes including a 75 lb. amberjack.
Craig  S.
Craig S.
Wicked Cuda Sport Fishing
Wicked Cuda Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(71 reviews)
We had a great experience with Captain Taylor. Caught a lot of fish. He used different different fishing styles which allowed us to bring home a variety of fish. He's a down to earth guy that's easy to get along with. We're already planning our next trip to Fort Lauderdale with another trip on the Wicked Cuda
Sara  H.
Sara H.
Bass Fishing Musician
Bass Fishing Musician
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(73 reviews)
We caught more than we ever expected to for the day. It was awesome. The captain put us on Peacock Bass. We even caught several other different types of fish. He was awesome.
Brad  F.
Brad F.
Captain Andy โ€“ Party Boat Fishing
Captain Andy โ€“ Party Boat Fishing
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(831 reviews)
My family and I are beginners and this was the perfect intro back into fishing. So much fun.
Brad  H.
Brad H.
South Florida Sportfishing
South Florida Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(182 reviews)
Captain David & JB were excellent! They are family friendly, put us on fish and even called several days later to remind us to pick up our fish from his freezer! Thinking of us days afterwards was a great example of their commitment to their customers experience. Highly recommend!
Adam  B.
Adam B.
Reelit Charters
Reelit Charters
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(115 reviews)
Captain Xavier and his mate Seth worked hard all day to find fish for us. Fishing was slow but there is nothing you could do about that. Some days the fish donโ€™t want to eat. We had bites and didnโ€™t get skunked. Was a fun day on the water and highly recommend these guys.
Andrew  D.
Andrew D.
Reel Floridian Fishing โ€“ Fll
Reel Floridian Fishing โ€“ Fll
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(132 reviews)
Captain Eryk was fantastic! Our family had a blast! We caught a some bonitas, red grouper, grunts, and a big blackfin tuna! Wonderful experience! He was great with our kids (10 & 13)! Would highly recommend!
Meagan  L.
Meagan L.
The Way Sportfishing
The Way Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(39 reviews)
Our family of 6 (kids 17, 15, 10, 10) had an awesome time fishing. Jed was very knowledgeable. Everyone caught a fish, and we got to cook up some fresh tuna for dinner. Jed filleted it for us when we returned to the dock. Highly recommend!!
Rebecca  T.
Rebecca T.
Bass Fishing Musician
Bass Fishing Musician
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(73 reviews)
My 13yr old son and I were down from Boston and did an afternoon trip with Capt Dave. We caught a bunch of peacock bass, large mouth bass, and a few other species of fish. Dave was great, boat was clean, and the equipment was in great shape. Highly recommend!
Justin  C.
Justin C.
Reel Floridian Fishing โ€“ Fll
Reel Floridian Fishing โ€“ Fll
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(132 reviews)
Captain Eryk was outstanding. I brought my two sons with me and he catered to their every want. We trolled for mahi mahi and were successful and then bottom fished to keep the boys happy then went back to trolling. I would absolutely use this guide service again with out any hesitation.
Derek  N.
Derek N.
Marlin My Darlin Sportfishing
Marlin My Darlin Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(485 reviews)
Went out to just have a great time. Caught black finned tuna, mahi mahi, and a flying mackerel. Crew is very professional. Kevin was working the line when it was dead for a while trying new combinations of lures and bait. If we didnโ€™t catch fish it wasnโ€™t for this crews lack of trying. Thankfully we did hit and multiple times. What a great sport fishing trip!
Bryan  C.
Bryan C.
All Good Charters
All Good Charters
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(287 reviews)
My wife and I had a fantastic day out ! We caught fish right away and moved locations and caught different species of fish ! Captain Matt knew his stuff and put us on the fish , definitely worth it and will book again with him! Aaron and Erin
Aaron  C.
Aaron C.
The Way Sportfishing
The Way Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(39 reviews)
My 13yr old son and I were down from Boston and booked a morning trip. We hooked up and landed 5 different species of fish. Capt Jed was great every step of the way!
Justin  C.
Justin C.
Flat Bottom Fishing Charters
Flat Bottom Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(36 reviews)
We had the best time with captain Dennis! Very knowledgeable and made it very enjoyable! We will definitely be back!!!!
Matthew  C.
Matthew C.
Wicked Cuda Sport Fishing
Wicked Cuda Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(71 reviews)
Caught a beautiful 6.5ft sailfish right out of the gate. Captain Lou was great with my sons and very knowledgeable. highly recommend this charter!
Craig  S.
Craig S.

Top Types of Fishing in Fort Lauderdale

Top Fishing Techniques in Fort Lauderdale

Top Targeted Species in Fort Lauderdale

Nearby Fishing Destinations