A famous spring break destination, a yachting epicenter of South Florida, and home to the International Boat Show, there's not much Fort Lauderdale can't offer to sea lovers. And for passionate anglers, the offshore fishing Fort Lauderdale has access to is definitely at the top of the list.
Known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World” among many fishermen, Fort Lauderdale will give you an opportunity to hunt down some of the biggest game species in the area. Sailfish, Swordfish, Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Wahoo are all on the menu, and Fort Lauderdale fishing guides will do everything to put you on them!
What type of trip is right for me?
The best part about the fishing trips Fort Lauderdale has to offer is that you don't have to travel far out to catch deep sea species. This is all possible on half day and 3/4 day trips, though it's recommended to book full day and extended trips for the best results possible.
Half Day and 3/4 Day Trips
These 4–6 hour trips will usually see you fishing within 3 miles off shore in waters 800 feet deep. Go after nearshore and reef Amberjack, Kingfish, Grouper, Snapper, and Shark or focus on big game such as Tuna, Wahoo, and Mahi Mahi. These trips are perfect for beginners, families, and those who don't want to spend the whole day on the water.
Full Day Trips
Eight hours on the water will give you enough time to try different techniques and target a plethora of species. Your captain will take you 2–20 miles offshore and show you the hottest spots. You could be deep dropping live baits for gigantic Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack, trolling for fast Kingfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and even Sailfish and Marlin. Kite fishing for Tuna, Mahi, and Sailfish is another great way to spend the day.
Day/Night Swordfish Trips
These trips take 8–12 hours and are perfect for serious anglers looking to land that trophy Swordfish swimming in deeper Gulf Stream waters. This is as good as deep sea fishing in Fort Lauderdale gets. You'll be fishing in waters 1,600–1,800 feet deep, 15–20 miles offshore. Expect to do some trolling for Tuna, Marlin, Mahi, and Wahoo on your way to the best Swordfish hotspots. Day trips will usually see you targeting larger (over 100 pounds) specimens, while at night, you'll be drifting multiple lines for medium-to-large Swordfish.
Multi-day Bahamas Trips
Even though you can reach Bimini on 12-hour trips, it's better to book a multi-day trip for the best possible Bahamas fishing experience. It will take you approximately 5 hours to reach Bimini, and you can also explore the waters of Berry Islands, Nassau, and North Eleuthera on these trips. You could be reeling in the likes of Sailfish, Marlin, Swordfish, Amberjack, and so much more.
How to Prepare
Fishing licenses are not needed when fishing with a licensed charter. Most of the charters include all the needed fishing gear, bait, and fish filleting – you should just bring food/drinks and sun protection. If you're booking a trip to the Bahamas, please note that there can be some additional costs. In case you'd like to go ashore, expect to pay an additional fee required by Bahamian Customs.
Whether you're intent on setting a new Sailfish record, bagging some tasty Mahi and Tuna, or just exploring the bountiful waters of the Bahamas aboard a local charter – there’s no better opportunity than offshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale. All aboard!
